What is the difference between Lycra and Elastane?

Sometimes we fumble over mysterious abbreviations in the composition of substances, and it is not easy to know them. The abbreviation LY (lycra), EA (elastane) or SP (spandex) appears. Let's see together what is hidden under these abbreviations and if there is any difference between them.

What is the difference between Lycra, Elastane and Spandex?

At first glance, it may seem that these are different threads, but this is not the case. This is the same soft elastic polyurethane fiber known in North America as spandex and in Europe as elastane and lycra. The name lycra has been the trade name for elastane from the DuPont company since 1958.

Flexible fibers are mixed with natural materials ( cotton , wool , silk or viscose ). We can no longer imagine T-shirts, skirts, dresses, sportswear, underwear or trousers without elastic fibers.

Blends gain unique properties that we've come to love and these include:

• it can stretch up to six times its length
  
• clothes with elastic fibers hold their shape well
  
• does not pull out when worn
  
• adapts to the movement of your body
  
• does not belong to the unpleasant fibers to the touch
  

Everything has its pros and cons, and elastic fibers are no different:

• the recommended washing temperature is 30-40 °C
  
• iron only on a lower level and preferably from the wrong side
  

Which sewing needle to use for elastic material?

Not only beginning seamstresses struggle with the right sewing needle . Each material needs its own well-chosen round, pointed or beveled tip and, above all, thickness. If the needle is used incorrectly, we will not prevent rips, because our machine will skip stitches, the wrongly chosen needle will break and our sewing thread will break.

What kinds of needles do we have:

• universal – it can be used on all fabrics
  
• jersey – ideal for knitwear and knitwear
  
• stretch – sports knitwear , knitwear , swimwear and softshell
  
• jeans – as the name suggests, it is suitable for denim and all thicker fabrics
  
• microtex – silk and delicate materials
  
• leather - leatherettes , furs
  

Distribution of sewing needle thickness according to material:

• 70 – very fine materials such as chiffon
  
• 80 – classic knits
  
• 90 – tracksuits and thicker knits
  
• 100 – classic fabrics
  
• 110 – strong fabrics and denim