Pointelle Fabric: A Delicate, Feminine, and Sustainable Choice at Sugar Spice

Posted by Meo Mun Can on 18th Sep 2025

Pointelle fabric, often referred to as breathable knit, is a type of knitted fabric featuring tiny perforated patterns created through a special knitting technique. In the past, this fabric was mainly used in children’s clothing, but it has gradually won the hearts of many fashion enthusiasts—especially those who love the coquette style—thanks to its feminine and delicate look.

At Sugar Spice, we believe that choosing fabric is not just about aesthetics but also about contributing to environmental protection. That’s why pointelle has become our “true love” in design: it not only offers comfort to customers but also aligns with sustainable values.

So, what makes pointelle so special? Let’s explore together in this article.

What is Pointelle Fabric?

Pointelle fabric, known in Vietnam as breathable knit or perforated knit, is a type of knitted fabric with tiny holes forming delicate patterns. Many people assume these holes are created by cutting, but in fact, they are woven directly during the knitting process. Thanks to this technique, the fabric’s surface has natural patterns, remains breathable, yet still looks elegant.

Originally, pointelle was commonly used in children’s wear, lingerie, sleepwear, or summer clothing. In women’s fashion, this fabric also adds a touch of softness and refinement to designs.

Production Process

Pointelle fabric is usually made from cotton, polyester, or blended with spandex. First, the yarns are prepared and fed into the knitting machine. The machine is programmed to create patterned holes directly on the fabric. Afterwards, the fabric goes through finishing steps such as washing, dyeing, and softening to ensure good quality before being used in garment making.

Advantages of Pointelle Fabric

According to Runtang Textile, pointelle fabric offers several advantages:

Flexible composition: often 100% cotton, or blends with polyester, viscose, and spandex for added stretch.
Lightweight GSM: ranging from 120–180 gsm, making the fabric thin, light, and airy.
High breathability: due to its open-knit structure with tiny holes, ideal for tropical climates.
Moderate elasticity: ensures comfort when worn.
Versatile applications: commonly used for cardigans, crop tops, dresses, lightweight T-shirts, sleepwear, and shawls.
Delicate aesthetics: gives a soft, graceful, and elegant appearance.

Additionally, the market offers various blended versions, such as:

65% cotton / 32.5% polyester / 2.5% spandex (300 gsm).
65% polyester / 28% viscose / 7% spandex (250 gsm).
83% nylon / 17% spandex (170 gsm).

However, at Sugar Spice, 100% cotton remains the most preferred choice thanks to its purity, softness, and skin-friendly qualities.

Disadvantages of Pointelle Fabric

According to Salt Lake Sewciety, pointelle fabric has the following drawbacks:

Difficult to sew: its smooth surface and numerous tiny holes make the fabric slippery and harder to control when stitching.
Prone to stretching and losing shape: if washed, dried, or sewn improperly, the fabric struggles to maintain its form.
Requires advanced sewing techniques: it needs to be sewn slowly, with fine needles, zig-zag stitches, or a serger to minimize distortion.
Less durable than plain knits: more susceptible to fraying or tearing under strong friction.

For this reason, every pointelle garment requires more meticulous care and precision compared to regular knitted fabrics.

Why Does Sugar Spice Choose Pointelle?

There are fabrics that are common and easy to find everywhere. But there are also rare and delicate materials that deserve to be cherished. For Sugar Spice, pointelle is one of those.

Sugar Spice doesn’t choose pointelle to follow trends, but because this fabric reflects the very spirit the brand pursues: femininity, uniqueness, and sustainability.

Feminine: every tiny openwork pattern breathes subtle grace—unassuming, yet captivating enough to make someone pause and admire.
Unique: pointelle is not the kind of fabric you can easily pick up at any textile market. With limited supply, sometimes sourced roll by roll from small sellers, each garment becomes a true limited edition.
Sustainable: made of 100% natural cotton, eco-friendly, and gentle on the skin.

A point to note is that pointelle fabric tends to stretch easily and is difficult to retain its shape. Moreover, its limited availability means that product quantities are often restricted, sometimes unable to fully meet customer demand.

However, at Sugar Spice, this is not a barrier. Every pointelle piece that reaches our customers is the result of our careful selection and meticulous attention to detail.

How to Care for Pointelle Fabric

A pointelle blouse is like a delicate young lady—beautiful, graceful, yet fragile—needing the right care to preserve its charm. At Sugar Spice, we believe beauty doesn’t just come from the moment you wear it, but also from the way you cherish it every day.

A few little care tips for you:

When Washing

Hand wash is best: Use cool water below 30°C. Hot water can cause cotton fibers to shrink or lose elasticity.
If machine washing:

Place the blouse in a mesh laundry bag.
Select Delicate/Gentle mode or a low spin (400–600 rpm) to reduce stress on the fabric.
Avoid washing with garments that have zippers, metal hooks, or jeans, as they may snag the fabric.

Detergent: Use a mild, bleach-free detergent. Baby-safe or wool detergents/gel are good options.
Fabric softener: Avoid using strong concentrated softeners—they can leave residue, weigh down fibers, and distort the shape.

When Drying

Lay flat to dry: Place the blouse on a flat surface or mesh drying rack to prevent stretching.
If hanging, wait until excess water has drained. Use wide-shoulder hangers to reduce strain on the shoulders.
Keep out of direct sunlight: Strong sun may fade and stiffen cotton. Instead, dry in a well-ventilated shaded area.
For flat drying, you can place a towel underneath to absorb water and help it dry evenly.

When Ironing/Steaming

Avoid ironing unless absolutely necessary.
If needed, iron on low heat (below 110°C) and always on the reverse side.
Place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and blouse to prevent scorching or shine.
Tip: Instead of ironing, hang the blouse in the bathroom after a hot shower—the steam will naturally smooth the fabric.

When Storing

Avoid hanging for long periods: thin fabrics may stretch and lose shape.
Fold and store flat in your wardrobe. Place soft tissue paper or a thin cotton cloth between layers to reduce friction.
If seldom worn, keep a small dehumidifying pouch in the drawer to prevent mildew.

When Accidents Happen

Stretched fabric:

Soak in warm water (max 40°C) for 5–10 minutes, then gently squeeze out excess water.
Lay flat on a towel and reshape with your hands (shoulders, waist, hem).
Leave to air-dry flat. This helps fibers “recover” part of their original shape.

Pilling:

Use a fabric shaver or fabric comb to remove fuzz.
Avoid scissors, as they may cut through the delicate holes.

Light yellowing/mildew stains:

Soak in cool water with a few drops of white vinegar or lemon juice for 15 minutes, then wash with mild detergent.
Avoid harsh bleach—it will damage fibers.

Musty odor:

After washing, air-dry in a breezy spot or place near an air purifier.
Store with moisture absorbers or scented sachets to keep freshness.

A little note from Sugar Spice:

Every Sugar Spice piece comes with its own care tag, because we believe that with a little tenderness and the right habits, pointelle will stay as soft, refined, and beautiful as the very first day.

Alternative Fabrics & Pairings with Pointelle

There’s no denying that pointelle has a unique charm—delicate, refined, and subtly distinctive. Yet, precisely because of its fragility, sometimes you may need other options that are easier to care for in the midst of a busy lifestyle.

At Sugar Spice, we understand that not every blouse can always be treated like a precious treasure. That’s why, alongside 100% cotton pointelle, we also introduce blends of cotton with a touch of polyester or spandex. These blends help the fabric hold its shape better and stay more durable after many washes, while still keeping the softness and breathability of cotton.

Cotton & Polyester

A thoughtful blend that adds durability, reduces wrinkles, and makes care effortless. This fabric is especially suited for busy women who may not have much time for delicate care, yet still want to look polished. It retains the softness and breathability of cotton, while adding a subtle structure so the blouse won’t lose its shape after many wears. A balanced choice between fashion, practicality, and elegance—letting you move with ease without worrying about creases.

Cotton & Spandex

Another blend that offers superior stretch while maintaining the softness and breathability of cotton. Thanks to spandex, the fabric gently hugs the body, enhancing your silhouette without discomfort. It’s an ideal choice for designs that need flexibility—from fitted tops and lightweight cardigans to flowy coquette dresses that remain comfortable in motion. Cotton-spandex also resists wrinkles better than pure cotton, helping you feel confident all day long.

The essence of Sugar Spice

It’s never about replacing, but about combining. Each fabric is carefully chosen in harmony with the spirit of its design—so when you wear it, it feels like slipping into a story, not just a garment.

Whether you choose the fragility of pointelle or the convenience of blended cotton, every piece is woven from the same spirit: feminine, romantic, and made for the coquette style.

Pointelle Fabric Collection at Sugar Spice

(For reference only – to be refined later with collection images)

In every collection, Sugar Spice always reserves a special space for Pointelle fabric—like a delicate note that recalls romantic afternoons, with sunlight gently streaming through the window.

Conclusion

For Sugar Spice, choosing Pointelle is not merely about its rarity or value, but about safety, sustainability, and being kind to the skin. Our limited designs crafted from this fabric bring a unique charm: special yet effortless to wear and style in everyday life. The delicate eyelets and subtle patterns are exactly what make Pointelle a fabric so many have come to love.

Call to Action:

Discover Sugar Spice’s limited Pointelle Collection – where every design is a fragile piece of art, created just for you.

FAQ – Quick Answers About Pointelle Fabric

Is Pointelle fabric easy to get damaged?

Pointelle is knitted from natural cotton, so it has a certain stretch. As long as you wash and dry it properly (hand wash, lay flat to dry, avoid direct sunlight), your garment will keep its shape and softness.

Which season is best to wear Pointelle?

Pointelle is especially ideal for spring and summer, when you want something breathable yet feminine. However, a lightweight Pointelle cardigan also makes the perfect outer layer for the crisp air of autumn.

Is Pointelle suitable for sensitive skin?

It depends on the blend, but if you have sensitive skin, the 100% cotton version is recommended. This is also why the fabric was originally used for baby clothing.

Why are Pointelle pieces at Sugar Spice limited in quantity?

High-quality Pointelle fabric is rare and not easy to source. Sugar Spice prioritizes selecting only the finest rolls of fabric rather than mass production, ensuring every Pointelle piece you receive truly deserves to be called “special.”

References

Runtang Textile. (n.d.). Pointelle fabric: Features and applications. Runtang Textile. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.runtangtextile.com

Salt Lake Sewciety. (n.d.). Sewing with pointelle knit fabric: Tips and tricks. Salt Lake Sewciety. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.saltlakesewciety.com

Nature Baby. (n.d.). Meet our organic pointelle fabric. Nature Baby Journal. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.naturebaby.com/journal/wear/pointelle-fabric

Runtang Textile. (n.d.). Pointelle Fabric: Delicate Beauty for Elegant Creations. Runtang Textile. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://runtangtex.com/pointelle-fabric/

Search For Fabric. (n.d.). Pointelle fabric. Search For Fabric. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://searchforfabric.com/collections/pointelle-4/knits_all SearchForFabric.Com

Sewing Studio. (n.d.). Cotton – Pointelle Knit. Sewing Studio. Retrieved September 5, 2025, from https://www.sewingstudio.com