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

In this review the reviewer recommends Ice Fabrics Nylon Spandex Fabric for makers who need a smooth, stretchy material that holds shape and breathes. The bottom line: it is best for swimwear, activewear, and projects that require a soft, resilient 4-way stretch fabric; the single biggest reason to buy is the combination of a 210 GSM tricot knit and an 82/18 nylon to spandex blend that moves with the body while remaining lightweight and durable. This review looks at comfort, reliability in use, and what to expect when sewing and caring for it.

Key Features

• 4-way stretch: The tricot construction gives even stretch across both grain directions so garments move with you during activity.
• Smooth hand: The fabric feels very smooth against skin, making it suitable for swimsuits, bodysuits and close-fitting activewear.
• Breathable performance: Designed to allow air circulation to help prevent overheating during workouts and long wear.
• Durable blend: Made from 82% nylon and 18% spandex for long life that resists fading, pilling and loss of elasticity when cared for properly.
• Wide width and yardage options: Available in a 58/60in width and continuous yard lengths up to 20 yards to cover both small and bulk projects.

Who It's For

This fabric is ideal for sewists and small brands making swimsuits, dancewear, yoga pants, leggings and other tight-fitting activewear that needs reliable stretch and a smooth finish. It also suits crafters who want a washable tablecloth or seat cover with a slight stretch and a clean appearance.

Those who should look elsewhere include hobbyists seeking very heavy or insulated textiles, or anyone who needs a textured or heavyweight upholstery fabric; a few customers mentioned the material can seem thin for certain uses, so projects requiring substantial padding or opacity may need a heavier option.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, smooth feel that is pleasant next to skin for swimsuits and bodysuits.
• Reliable 4-way stretch and recovery useful for activewear that must move with the body.
• Breathable construction helps reduce overheating during exercise or long wear.
• Available in wide 58/60in widths and up to 20 continuous yards for larger projects.

Cons

• Thickness received mixed feedback; some users find it thinner than expected for heavy-duty uses.
• One customer reported fabric staining or color bleed when washed, so cautious laundering is advised.

Specifications

Fabric type	Nylon spandex tricot
Blend	82% nylon, 18% spandex
Weight	210 GSM
Width	58/60in
Stretch	4-way stretch
Yardage options	Continuous yards from 1 to 20 yards
Care	Hand wash with tap water and line-dry out of direct sunlight

Our Verdict

Ice Fabrics Nylon Spandex is a solid choice for anyone making swimwear, dancewear or close-fitting active garments who needs a lightweight, smooth, and breathable 4-way stretch material. It offers good durability for the price and the convenience of wide 58/60in fabric and long continuous yard options, but buyers should test for opacity and colorfastness for their specific project before cutting large amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimsuits?
Yes, the 82/18 blend and 4-way stretch make it well suited for swimsuits and bodysuits, with a smooth hand that sits comfortably on skin.

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

Will the color bleed in wash?
Most customers report good color accuracy, but one did note bleeding during washing, so pre-testing a small swatch and using gentle wash methods is recommended.