When the weather outside is frightful, sewing with sweater knits is just what we need! Sweater knits are the perfect cold-weather staple, and there are many different types available that are suited to just as many different projects.
In this post, we'll be particularly talking about hacci sweater knits. Hacci is one of the most common types of sweater knit, with many different varieties available at So Sew English. Here we'll discuss the different types of hacci, their uses, care, and of course, photo examples to help you along the way!
What is Hacci?
Hacci is a super-stretchy sweater knit fabric with a semi-closed weave. There are several varieties of hacci and we'll cover some of the more common types you'll see in greater detail below. Many of the varieties are very similar and differ only in the slight differences in weave and weight. Hacci can be used to make a myriad of garments, and comes in many weights, from very lightweight to heavy. You do not need to employ any special techniques or tools to sew with hacci, and you can work with it as you would any other knit fabric.
Varieties of Hacci
Standard Hacci- This is what is generally listed simply as "hacci" on the website. Super soft with a semi-closed weave and 2-way stretch, hacci is perfect for so many projects. Joggers, sweaters, cardigans, scarves, dresses and sweatpants- all can work beautifully with hacci. Here, Aaronica has made an absolutely beautiful Patterns for Pirates Wiggle dress with Diagonal Rust Plaid hacci, and it's just perfect.
Brushed Hacci- Brushed hacci is brushed on one side for a fuzzy soft texture. The other side is smooth. Either side can be used facing out, although generally the brushed side is the "right" side. Oftentimes, brushed hacci has a higher stretch percentage than standard hacci. My favorite way to use brushed hacci is with loose-fitting sweaters, cardigans and scarves. Here, I've used solid ivory brushed hacci to make my daughter a Made for Mermaids Aspen dress. The extra stretchy brushed hacci was perfect for the relaxed fit of the Aspen.
Super Brushed Hacci – is very similar to brushed hacci, but even softer! Perfect for relaxed sweaters and cardigans. Here's Jody in a Lost Coast Cardigan from Striped Swallow Designs in gorgeous black/ivory striped super brushed hacci.
And here's a sweet mommy and me set made by Tara using super brushed hacci in red camo. Many types of hacci are fabulous for children's wear, but the extra coziness of the brushed hacci varieties make it even more special for little ones.
Tricolor Hacci- Tricolor Hacci is a smooth-faced hacci that has variegated thread in the knit that gives it a beautiful variation of color throughout the fabric. It's perfect tops, sweaters, joggers, and for cardigans, such as this beautiful New Horizons Designs Vermont Cardigan Alexis made here. The extra interest from the color variations of this hacci is just the icing on the cake!
Two-tone Hacci- This fabric is very similar to tricolor hacci. The difference being that two-tone hacci uses only two colors of thread throughout the knit of the fabric, as opposed to the three used in tricolor hacci.
Melange Hacci- Melange hacci is also a smooth faced hacci, but this time with a slight heathered look. Here, Heidi used the Teal Blush Lilly Melange hacci to sew the New Horizons Tami Revolution Double Hood Sweatshirt. With the extended french terry cuffs and thumbholes, this hoodie looks so cozy!
Ana Hacci- Ana hacci is a smoother-faced sweater knit that is a lighter weight than regular hacci, perfect for a super soft tee, cardigan or scarf! Here, I've used Ana Hacci to make a long-sleeved So Sew English Seattle Shirt, and it worked perfectly for a lightweight layering tee for fall.
Hacci Care
We recommend that you wash on gentle/cold with other soft garments to prevent rubbing and pilling. And either tumble dry, with low or no heat, or simply lay flat to dry, to prolong the life and beauty of your fabric.
And that's hacci for you! I hope that these examples have helped you see the potential in this amazingly versatile fabric and have sparked some ideas. I can’t wait to see how you use your hacci! Don't forget to share your makes in our Facebook group here: So Sew English Fabrics Facebook Group
2 comments
Betty
Hi there,
I have been sewing a sweater that is light hack knit and after I placed the neckband I see that the fabric is “running “ in several places. What did I do wrong? Do you think maybe the heat was too high on the iron when I was trying to press? I used a pressing cloth. Thanks
Amy
Thank you for breaking down the varieties in Hacci sweater knits! I always thought of them as traditional cardigan or pullover sweaters, but now that I see how cozy they look as hoodies, I can’t wait to sew some of my Haccis up for a hoodie or two myself!