Double jacquard or knit: a comparison for mattress manufacturers

Double jacquard and knit are the two most popular fabric types for upper-segment mattresses. Both look expensive and both quilt well, but they behave differently in production and deliver a different experience to the end user. For a manufacturer, choosing between them is a decision about the model's positioning, sewing technology and cost price. Let's compare them point by point.

What is double jacquard

Double jacquard is a woven fabric in which two yarn systems interlace to form two connected layers. This gives the surface a pronounced three-dimensional relief: the pattern appears raised, with a quilted look even without any filling.

Key properties of double jacquard:

• Dimensional stability. The fabric hardly stretches, so it is easy to cut and does not distort during quilting and sewing.
• Durability. The dense weave withstands abrasion well, and the design does not wear off because it is woven in rather than printed.
• Refined appearance. The relief pattern looks impressive under side lighting in a showroom and in photos.
• Firmer hand. Compared with knit, the fabric feels denser and drier.

What is mattress knit

Mattress knit is a fabric made of interlocking loops. It can be plain, with a knitted jacquard pattern or digitally printed. Typical weight is 250–450 g/m², and compositions range from 100% polyester to cotton blends (for example 30% COT / 70% PES) and functional fibres.

Key properties of knit:

• Elasticity. The fabric stretches and follows the contours of the mattress without interfering with memory foam, latex or pocket springs.
• Softness and hand feel. The buyer senses a cosy surface at first touch.
• Design freedom. Digital printing lets you release collections free of weaving constraints — for example the Digital and Geometry series in our catalog.
• Crease resistance. Knit copes well with vacuum compression and roll packing.

Comparison by key criteria

Appearance and perception

Double jacquard is perceived as classic, “hotel-style” premium: restrained patterns, volume and a refined sheen. Knit is a modern, “soft” premium, close to the aesthetics of home textiles and apparel. The choice depends on which buyer the model is aimed at.

Comfort

Knit wins on softness and better conveys the properties of the comfort layers — which is especially important for foam and hybrid models. Double jacquard creates a firmer, more resilient surface that pairs well with spring units and firm fillings.

Durability

On average, double jacquard is more abrasion-resistant and holds its shape better under intensive use — hotels, dormitories, rental housing. Heavy knit is also durable, but more sensitive to snagging.

Production technology

• Cutting: jacquard is stable; knit needs careful, tension-free spreading.
• Quilting: jacquard can be quilted with almost any pattern; knit is best quilted with a nonwoven backing to prevent the fabric from shifting.
• Sewing: knit requires correct adjustment of fabric feed, needles and thread; jacquard works with standard settings.
• Packaging: for roll-packed mattresses, knit is the preferred option.

Cost

Price depends on the specific item, weight and composition, so there is no universal rule. When calculating cost, consider not only the price per metre but also cutting waste, the need for a quilting backing and sewing speed. Please check current prices with a manager.

Which to choose for your model

A practical cheat sheet:

• Bonnell spring mattress for the contract segment — double jacquard: strength and stability matter more than softness. Read about choosing the spring unit in “Bonnell or pocket spring unit”.
• Premium pocket spring mattress — either option; double jacquard for a classic collection, heavy knit with natural fibres for a modern one.
• Foam or latex mattress — knit: its elasticity does not interfere with the materials.
• Roll-packed mattress — knit.
• Children's models and mattress protectors — knit or Aquastop fabric for moisture protection.
• A “good — better — best” range — manufacturers often use knit for entry and mid-level models and double jacquard for the flagship to visually separate price tiers.

Practical recommendations

• Test on your own equipment. Order samples of both types and quilt them with your fillings — the difference in behaviour will be obvious.
• Look at the whole set. The border and mattress tape should support the character of the main fabric: dense borders suit a relief jacquard, while softer, more elastic solutions suit knit.
• Check incoming parameters. Weight, width, shrinkage and shade — more on this in “Quality control of mattress fabrics”.
• Don't choose from photos alone. Hand feel and relief depth cannot be judged on a screen.

Summary

Double jacquard is the choice for those who value stability, durability and a classic premium look. Knit is for those who focus on softness, modern design and roll-packed models. Many manufacturers use both, assigning them to different series and price tiers.

AIES supplies double jacquard, knit and other wholesale mattress fabrics to manufacturers across Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Request samples and a price list — we will help you choose the right fabric for your model.