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

In this review of Ice Fabrics nylon spandex fabric, the bottom line is clear: this is a versatile, smooth 4-way stretch tricot best suited for makers who need breathable swimwear and activewear material. The reviewer found the 210 GSM blend of 82% nylon and 18% spandex moves with the body and feels soft against the skin, making it ideal for swimsuits, bodysuits, leggings and lightweight covers. While thickness opinions vary among sewists, the fabric's color accuracy and stretch recovery make it worth considering for most craft and sewing projects.

Key Features

• Smooth nylon spandex fabric: A soft tricot surface that feels comfortable next to skin and reduces drag in swimwear construction.
• 4-way stretch: Offers good elasticity both crosswise and lengthwise so garments move with the wearer during activity.
• Breathable for comfy wearing: Built to allow air circulation for workouts, helping reduce overheating and keeping wearers focused.
• Durable fiber content: The 82% nylon and 18% spandex mix is lightweight yet resilient, resisting fading and pilling with proper care.
• Wide size and color availability: Sold in continuous lengths up to 20 yards and about 58/60in wide, useful for larger projects and consistent color lots.
• Easy care: Hand wash with normal tap water and line-dry out of direct sunlight to maintain shape and color.

Who It's For

This fabric suits home sewists, costume makers and small apparel designers who need a reliable, stretchy base for swimwear, activewear, yoga pants and dancewear. Its smooth hand and 4-way stretch are particularly good for form-fitting garments like swimsuits and bodysuits that require recovery and a clean finish.

It may be less ideal for projects that require heavy structure, thick insulation or opaque coverage where customers might prefer a heavier weight. If you need a very thick, cushioned fabric or worry about dye transfer when laundering, test a small swatch first or choose a heavier specialty textile instead.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Soft, smooth surface that is pleasant against skin and suitable for close-fitting garments.
• Reliable 4-way stretch and recovery for active movement and form-fitting seams.
• Good color accuracy and vibrant mint green suitable for visible swimwear pieces.
• Lightweight and breathable, helping with comfort during workouts.

Cons

• Some sewists report mixed impressions of thickness; a few find it too thin for heavy-duty uses.
• There is at least one report of fabric staining or bleeding during washing, so pre-wash tests are recommended.

Specifications

Fabric type	Nylon spandex tricot
Weight	About 210 GSM
Fiber content	82% nylon, 18% spandex
Width	Approximately 58/60 in
Stretch	4-way stretch
Available lengths	Continuous yards from 1 to 20 yards
Care	Hand wash, line-dry out of direct sunlight

Our Verdict

Ice Fabrics nylon spandex is a strong option for sewists needing a smooth, breathable stretch fabric for swimwear, activewear and dance garments; its 4-way stretch and soft hand make it good value for form-fitting pieces, though anyone concerned about thickness or potential dye bleeding should pre-test a swatch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimsuits?
Yes. The 4-way stretch, soft tricot face and nylon/spandex blend make it well suited for swimsuits and bodysuits when sewn with appropriate lining and elastic.

How should I care for this fabric?
Hand wash in normal tap water and line-dry out of direct sunlight to protect shape and color; avoid harsh detergents and high heat.

Will the color bleed in the wash?
One customer reported staining issues, so launder a small pre-cut swatch first to check colorfastness before washing a finished garment.