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

In this review of Ice Fabrics nylon spandex fabric by the yard, the bottom line is simple: sewists and makers who need a smooth, stretchy, and brightly colored material for swimwear, activewear, or costume work will find a lot to like. The single biggest reason to buy is the fabric's combination of 4-way stretch and a soft tricot hand that moves with the body during activity. This review looks at how the textile performs for garments, durability in wear and care, and a few realistic limitations to consider before cutting into multiple yards.

Key Features

• 4-way stretch: The tricot construction provides elasticity in both directions so garments move with you during exercise or dance without pulling out of shape.
• Smooth hand feel: The finish is soft against skin, making it suitable for close-fitting pieces like swimsuits and bodysuits that need a comfortable inner surface.
• Breathable performance: The fabric allows air to circulate during workouts to reduce overheating and help manage moisture.
• Durable blend: The 82% nylon and 18% spandex mix resists fading and pilling with gentle care, giving longer life to finished pieces.
• Wide width and continuous yardage: At about 58/60in wide and offered in continuous lengths up to 20 yards, it is convenient for large projects and pattern layouts.
• Vibrant color: The neon yellow presents strong color accuracy out of the bolt, useful when a bold visual effect is required.

Who It's For

This fabric is aimed at home sewists, costumers, and small makers who need a lightweight, stretchy textile for swimwear, dancewear, leggings, or fitted activewear. Its soft surface and 4-way stretch make it especially well suited to swimsuits, bodysuits, and performance garments where close fit and freedom of movement are essential.

Those who should look elsewhere include crafters needing heavy upholstery fabric or thick compression garments; a few customers found the thickness mixed and one considered it too thin for certain uses. Also, projects that require fully waterproof outdoor-rated fabric or intensive machine wash durability may prefer a heavier, specialty textile.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable, smooth hand that sits well against the skin for tight garments.
• Consistent stretchiness and recovery suited to activewear and swimwear patterns.
• Durable blend resists pilling and fading with recommended hand washing and line drying.
• Generous width and continuous yard options simplify cutting for larger pieces.

Cons

• Thickness is variable by user expectation; some may find it lighter than desired for structured garments.
• One reported instance of color bleeding during washing, so pre-testing or careful laundering is advised.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Ice Fabrics nylon spandex is a practical choice for anyone making swimwear, dancewear, or fitted active garments who values a smooth hand and reliable 4-way stretch. It offers good value for projects that require bright color and comfortable stretch, provided you accept a lighter tricot weight and take care when laundering to avoid potential color bleed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this fabric suitable for swimsuits?
Yes, its 4-way stretch and soft tricot surface make it well suited for swimsuits and bodysuits when properly lined and sewn.

How should I launder it?
Hand wash with normal tap water and line-dry out of direct sunlight to maintain color and elasticity.

Will the color fade or bleed?
The fabric is designed to resist fading, but one customer reported bleeding during washing, so pre-wash a sample or wash gently to be safe.