Ice Fabrics Nylon Spandex Fabric by the Yard - 60in Wide, 4-Way Hobby

In this review the Ice Fabrics nylon spandex by the yard is judged primarily for makers of swimwear, activewear and costumes who need a smooth, stretchy textile that holds color and recovers well. The bottom line: this 58/60in wide tricot at about 210 GSM is best for projects that demand 4-way stretch and a soft, resilient hand; it moves with the body during activity and stays comfortable for long wear. The package evaluated here is the canary yellow option in continuous yardage up to 20 yards, and the review focuses on feel, durability and practical uses.

Key Features

• Smooth nylon spandex: The tricot knit blends nylon strength with spandex elasticity so the fabric feels smooth on skin and resists deformation during movement.
• 4-way stretch: Stretch in both crosswise and lengthwise directions provides freedom of motion ideal for swimwear, sportswear and dance garments.
• Breathable construction: The knit allows air circulation to help reduce overheating during workouts or prolonged wear.
• Durable composition: Made from 82% nylon and 18% spandex for a lightweight, long-lasting fabric that resists fading and pilling when cared for correctly.
• Wide width and yardage: At 58/60in width and available in continuous cuts up to 20 yards, it suits larger projects and reduces seams on garments.
• Easy care: The fabric is designed to be hand washed and line-dried out of direct sunlight to preserve color and elasticity.

Who It's For

Designers and hobby sewists who make swimsuits, bodysuits, leggings, or dancewear will appreciate the combination of stretch, smooth hand and a 60in working width that lets you cut big pattern pieces with fewer seams. The breathable, lightweight nature also makes it useful for activewear and yoga pants where comfort and recovery matter.

Not the best choice for heavy-duty upholstery or projects needing thick, structured fabric; some customers mentioned the fabric varies in perceived thickness and one reported color bleeding during wash, so those needing heavy opacity or industrial-level colorfastness should consider a heavier or specialty textile.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very smooth hand and comfortable against skin, making it pleasant for swimwear and bodysuits.
• Reliable stretchiness and recovery from the nylon-spandex blend for active movements.
• Wide 58/60in width and availability in up to 20 yard continuous lengths simplifies cutting for larger projects.
• Lightweight and breathable for workout wear, reducing overheating during activity.

Cons

• Thickness is mixed by users; for some applications the fabric may feel thinner than expected.
• At least one customer reported fabric staining or bleeding during washing, so extra care with laundering and color testing is advised.

Specifications

Fabric type	Nylon spandex tricot
Composition	82% nylon, 18% spandex
Width	58/60 in
Weight	About 210 GSM
Stretch	4-way stretch
Care	Hand wash, line-dry out of direct sunlight
Typical uses	Swimwear, activewear, yoga pants, dancewear, tablecloths, seat covers

Our Verdict

The Ice Fabrics nylon spandex is a practical choice for anyone sewing garments that need reliable 4-way stretch and a soft hand, particularly swimsuits, leggings and dancewear. It offers good width and yardage options which add value for larger projects, but shoppers needing heavier or absolutely guaranteed colorfast fabric should pre-test cuts and consider a denser textile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimwear?
Yes, its nylon-spandex blend, 4-way stretch and smooth tricot face make it well suited to swimsuits and bodysuits.

How should I care for the fabric?
Hand wash with normal tap water and line-dry out of direct sunlight to preserve color and elasticity.

Will it hold up for activewear?
Yes, it is breathable and designed for movement, but test for thickness and colorfastness for high-wear or sweaty activities.