Raschel Knitted Fabrics from Türkiye: Types, Specs and Sourcing Guide
Türkiye is one of Europe’s closest sources of raschel (warp-knitted) fabrics — tulle, mesh, lace, lining, powernet and technical nets — yet most mills publish little more than “we produce raschel fabric”: no weights, no widths, no specifications.
This guide brings that missing detail into one place: the fabric types made in Türkiye, typical specification ranges, the sampling process and the questions to ask before you request a quote. Figures are typical ranges across Turkish producers; your exact specification is confirmed with the mill before sampling.
What is raschel knitting?
Raschel is a warp-knitting method: yarns run lengthwise from warp beams, and each needle forms loops that interlink with its neighbours. Because the structure is built from many guide bars, raschel machines can produce open, structured and patterned fabrics that weft knitting cannot.
- Method: warp knitting, latch needles, many guide bars
- Structure: open, net-like, patterned or heavy
- Stretch: low, unless elastane is added (e.g. powernet)
- Products: tulle, mesh, lace, curtain, lining, blankets, technical nets
- Run resistance: does not ladder
- Method: warp knitting, fewer guide bars
- Structure: fine, smooth, dense
- Stretch: higher, smooth stretch
- Products: lingerie, swimwear, linings
- Run resistance: does not ladder
In practice, buyers search for raschel when they need mesh, tulle, lace or a stable lining that will not run when cut.
Raschel fabric types made in Türkiye
Turkish mills cover the full raschel range, from light bridal tulle to heavy military mesh.
Tulle
Bridal and evening wear, veils, lingerie, curtains, insect screens. Incl. bridal, mesh, “grek” and mosquito-net tulle.
Mesh / net
Sportswear linings, bags, backpacks, laundry nets, military equipment. Openings 1×1 to 7×1, 2×2, 5×1 “bird’s-eye”.
Hi-vis mesh
Safety vests, workwear, sports bibs. Plain or perforated.
Lining fabric
Footwear lining, sportswear inner lining, lamination base (e.g. “lakost” raschel lining).
Powernet
Shapewear, lingerie, swimwear, sport panels.
Raschel lace
Womenswear, lingerie, evening wear. Incl. jacquard lace.
Bürümcük / bubble
Textured raschel for women’s dresses and blouses.
Velvet / alcantara-type
Upholstery, curtains, outerwear.
Curtain & tablecloth
Home textiles.
Flame-retardant
Protective workwear, tested to EN 11612 / EN 14116.
Technical raschel
Filters, tents, coverings, agriculture.
Looking for something else?
Send us a photo or swatch of the fabric you need. We source hard-to-find raschel qualities too.
Typical specification ranges
Most Turkish raschel is polyester-based, between 60 and 500 g/m², in widths of 150–240 cm. Ranges below combine what Turkish producers publish; each mill covers only part of them.
Light tulle to heavy mesh
150 cm common for mesh
Across the range
Plus 2×2 and 5×1
| Weight detail | 60–150 g/m² (tulle, light mesh, lining) · up to 500 g/m² (raschel jacquard) · 160–560 g/m² (heavy military mesh) |
| Roll length | e.g. 200 m per roll for hi-vis mesh (varies by mill) |
| Fibres | Polyester (incl. recycled), polyamide, viscose, cotton, acrylic, fancy yarns; elastane for stretch |
| Colour | Greige (raw), piece-dyed, neon, camouflage print |
| Finishes | Digital, rotary, flock and foil printing; flame-retardant; UV-protective; antimicrobial; water- and wind-resistant; lamination |
| Machinery | Turkish mills run Karl Mayer raschel and jacquard machines (e.g. RSE and HKS series) |
Türkiye’s raschel industry at a glance
Turkish raschel production is strongly export-oriented, mainly to Western Europe.
machines at a single mill; output from 10,000 kg/day
metres per year at one Turkish raschel producer
of output exported by leading mills — mainly France, Italy, Spain, UK, Netherlands, Germany
Why Türkiye: proximity to European markets, vertically integrated mills (yarn, knitting, dyeing, printing) and experience supplying European fashion and workwear brands. Other markets include North America, Russia and North Africa.
Sampling process
Every order starts with samples, so you approve the quality before bulk production.
- 1
Swatches
Stock swatches or catalogue samples first.
- 2
Lab dip or strike-off
Pre-production sample in your colour or print for approval.
- 3
Bulk production
After your approval. Supplied greige or dyed; printed on request.
- 4
Packing and shipment
Rolls, typically by metre or kg; roll length agreed per order.
Final price depends on construction, colour count and quantity. We confirm all terms in writing before you commit.
Certifications
Most Turkish raschel mills hold OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and ISO 9001. Recycled polyester (GRS) and flame-retardant qualities tested to EN ISO 11612 are also available. Certificate copies are shared with the quotation on request.
What to include in your raschel RFQ
A complete request gets an accurate price in one round instead of three. Send as many of these as you know:
- Fabric type — tulle, mesh, lace, lining, powernet or other (a photo or swatch helps most)
- Composition — e.g. 100% polyester, polyamide/elastane, recycled content?
- Weight — g/m² (or g/linear metre)
- Width — usable width in cm
- Mesh or pattern — opening size (e.g. 2×2, 5×1) or design reference
- Colour — greige, Pantone/TCX references or lab-dip sample
- Finish — printing, flame-retardant, UV, antimicrobial, lamination
- Quantity — per colour and per year, in kg or metres
- Certificates — OEKO-TEX, GRS, EN 11612 or others
- Delivery — destination and Incoterms (EXW, FCA, CIF…)
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between raschel and tricot fabric?
Both are warp-knitted. Raschel uses more guide bars and produces open, structured fabrics such as mesh, tulle and lace; tricot produces fine, smooth fabrics for lingerie and swimwear.
Does raschel fabric ladder or run when cut?
No. Warp-knitted structures do not ladder, which is why raschel is used for linings, mesh panels and nets that are cut and sewn.
Can I get recycled polyester raschel?
Yes. Several Turkish mills produce raschel from recycled polyester.
Can Turkish mills produce flame-retardant or hi-vis mesh?
Yes. Flame-retardant raschel tested to EN 11612 / EN 14116 and neon hi-vis mesh for safety vests are both produced in Türkiye.
Can I get a sample before ordering?
Yes. We arrange stock swatches first, then a pre-production sample in your colour before bulk production.
Source raschel fabric with one contact
Turkey Supply Center sources raschel fabrics. You send one specification; we return a clear offer, arrange samples, and follow production and shipment until delivery.
- One point of contact
- Samples before you commit
- Quality checks before shipment
- On the buyer’s side if anything goes wrong
We reply within 24 hours.
