Ice Fabrics Nylon Spandex Fabric by the Yard - 60 in Wide Purple

In this review of the Ice Fabrics nylon spandex fabric, the bottom line is simple: sewists and makers who need a smooth, stretchy, and durable material for swimwear or activewear will find a lot to like. The fabric's main strength is its combination of 4-way stretch and a soft, tricot finish that moves with the body and feels comfortable next to skin. This review looks closely at how it performs for swimsuits, leggings, dancewear and occasional home projects such as table covers.

Key Features

• 4-way stretch: The tricot construction gives equal stretch in both directions so garments move naturally with the wearer during active use.
• 210 GSM weight: A midweight balance that feels substantial yet flexible, suitable for swimwear, leggings and fitted dance pieces.
• Breathable design: The fabric allows air circulation to reduce overheating during workouts or long wear.
• 82/18 nylon spandex blend: A durable mix that resists pilling and holds shape while offering comfortable elasticity.
• Wide 58/60 in width: Extra width minimizes seams for wide projects like table covers or single-cut garments.
• Easy care: Hand washing and line-drying keep the color and finish intact when cared for gently.

Who It's For

This fabric is best for makers creating swimwear, sportswear, yoga pants or dancewear who need a smooth hand and strong stretch recovery. The wide width and continuous yard lengths make it convenient for home sewers and small-batch designers cutting multiple pieces from a single run.

It is less suitable for projects that require heavy structure or insulation, or for those who need a heavyweight upholstery textile. Buyers who require machine-washable heavy-duty performance for high-abrasion uses should consider a different textile.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, smooth feel that is comfortable against skin and works well for close-fitting garments.
• Reliable 4-way stretch and recovery for activewear movements without bagging out.
• Vibrant color and good color accuracy when handled carefully.

Cons

• Some users find the fabric thinner than expected for certain uses, so test for your intended garment weight.
• There have been occasional reports of color bleeding during wash, so pre-testing and gentle care are advised.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Ice Fabrics nylon spandex is a strong choice for sewists who need a smooth, midweight, stretchy textile that holds color and shape for swim and active garments. It represents good value for makers who will hand wash and line-dry to protect the finish; check a swatch first if you need heavier opacity or guaranteed wash-fastness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimsuits?
Yes - its 4-way stretch, smooth tricot face and nylon/spandex blend make it well suited to swimsuits and similar close-fitting pieces.

How should I wash garments made from this fabric?
Hand wash gently in normal tap water and line-dry out of direct sunlight to preserve elasticity and color.

Will the color run when washed?
Most users report good color accuracy, but there are occasional reports of bleeding; pre-test a swatch and wash gently.