Charcoal Nylon Spandex Fabric by the Yard - 60in Wide 4-Way Stretch

In this review the focus is on the Charcoal 60in wide nylon spandex fabric sold by the yard, intended for sewists and makers who need a smooth, stretch performance textile. The bottom line: this 210 GSM tricot blends 82% nylon and 18% spandex to deliver reliable 4-way stretch and a soft hand, so it is best for swimwear, activewear and close-fitting garments where stretch recovery and color depth matter. It is also useful for table covers and seat wraps when a sleek, water-resistant finish is desired.

Key Features

• Smooth nylon spandex: The tricot face gives a sleek surface that feels soft against skin and lays flat for professional-looking seams.
• 4-way stretch: The fabric moves with the body in every direction, making it suitable for swimsuits, bodysuits and yoga pants that require freedom of motion.
• 210 GSM weight: A midweight construction that balances drape and support so garments hold shape without feeling heavy.
• Breathable and quick to dry: The knit structure allows air circulation to help limit overheating during workouts and active use.
• Durable fiber blend: Made from 82% nylon and 18% spandex for long-term stretch recovery, resistance to pilling and a soft hand.
• Wide width and yardage options: At approximately 58/60in wide and sold by continuous yards, it supports larger pattern pieces and fewer seams.

Who It's For

This fabric is well suited to sewists making swimwear, dancewear, activewear and fitted garments where stretchiness and a smooth finish are priorities. Designers who value color accuracy and a sleek look for stage or swim pieces will appreciate the charcoal tone and the way the fabric holds dye.

It also works for home uses like table covers and slipcovers where a water-resistant, stretch fabric is useful. However, customers who need very heavy, insulating or textured fabric should look elsewhere, because this knit is midweight and designed for close-fitting, flexible applications rather than heavy upholstery.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong 4-way stretch that recovers well for activewear and swimwear construction.
• Soft, smooth hand that feels comfortable against skin during prolonged wear.
• Color accuracy and vibrancy are noted by users, making the charcoal shade reliable for finished garments.
• Wide 58/60in width reduces seams on larger patterns and allows versatile yardage cutting.

Cons

• Some buyers report the fabric can be thinner than expected for certain applications, so test with your pattern first.
• One customer noted possible color bleeding during wash, so prewashing or careful hand wash is recommended.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Charcoal nylon spandex by the yard is a practical choice for makers who need a smooth, midweight knit with dependable stretch recovery for swimwear and active garments. It offers good value when wider width and color consistency matter, but prewash testing is wise for projects sensitive to bleeding or where extra thickness is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimsuits?
Yes, the 4-way stretch and nylon/spandex blend make it suitable for swimsuits and bodysuits when stitched with appropriate swimwear construction techniques.

How should I care for finished garments?
Hand wash in cool water and line-dry out of direct sunlight to preserve elasticity and color.

Will one yard cover a full swimsuit?
Coverage depends on pattern and size, but the 58/60in width reduces yardage needs for many swimsuit and bodysuit patterns.