Pointelle is a knit fabric with a pattern of tiny holes, often arranged in chevrons, that gives it a delicate, lace-like look. The holes are knitted into the fabric itself (not cut or punched), creating an openwork design. At Eberjey you’ll find it on everything from camisoles and pajama pants to a sweater-knit cardigan. Below: how pointelle is made, how it feels, how to care for it, and how Eberjey's two pointelle fabrics differ.
What pointelle is, exactly
- It's a knit. Knitting builds fabric from a continuous yarn formed into interlocking loops, and knit fabrics generally stretch more than wovens.
- The holes are the pattern. Pointelle is an openwork design in knitted fabric, typically in the shape of chevrons; the word also names a fabric with that design.
- How the holes are made. Pointelle is typically a rib-knit fabric that uses transfer stitches to create its openwork: stitches are moved over to a neighboring needle so that small, deliberate openings form.
- Where you see it. Pointelle is used mostly in clothing.
The name may come from "point" plus the "-elle" of dentelle, the French word for lace, a fitting origin for a knit that looks like lace.
How pointelle feels and wears
Our two pointelles show how much the yarn shapes the feel. Knitted from Pima cotton and TENCEL™ Modal, it’s a light, everyday layer; knitted from a sweater yarn, it becomes what Eberjey calls loungewear you can live in. What every pointelle shares is texture and give: the tiny openings break up the surface, and the knit structure lets it move with you.
A few practical notes:
- The openwork has small holes, so it may show a little of what’s underneath; a bralette or cami underneath is an easy fix if you want more coverage.
- Hanging a knit sweater can stretch it out of shape, which is one reason Eberjey’s pointelle labels say to lay flat to dry (more on that below).
Eberjey Pointelle: Pima cotton and TENCEL™ Modal sleepwear
Our sleepwear pointelle is a 50% Pima cotton, 50% TENCEL™ Modal blend. Eberjey describes it as breathable and delicate against the skin, and it's verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Every piece has a lettuce-edge hem.
- Pointelle Cami ($78, sizes XS–XL): spaghetti straps, a straight neckline and back, adjustable straps.
- Pointelle Short Sleeve Tee ($98, sizes XS–XL): crew neck, relaxed fit, dropped shoulder.
- Pointelle V Neck Henley ($118, sizes XS–XL): open V-neck long-sleeve henley with natural corozo buttons and a slimmer fit.
- Pointelle Short ($98, sizes XS–XL): a mid-rise shortie with a relaxed fit and decorative elastic waistband.
- Pointelle Pant ($118, sizes XS–XL): mid-rise straight-leg pant with an elastic waistband.
Shop the full Pointelle collection, or read what is Pima cotton for more on the fiber.
Eberjey Pointelle Sweater: a cozier recycled-blend knit
Our Pointelle Sweater pieces are knitted from a sweater yarn of 30% recycled rayon, 29% polyester, 23% recycled acrylic and 18% recycled nylon, verified by OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. Eberjey calls them “loungewear you can live in,” made for lounging and layering.
- Pointelle Sweater Bralette ($98, sizes XS–XL): fitted, unlined scoop bralette with adjustable rib straps and a hook-and-eye closure.
- Pointelle Sweater Scoop Neck Cami ($128, sizes XS–XL): slim fit with rib straps.
- Pointelle Sweater Cardigan ($178, sizes XS–XL): relaxed fit, long sleeves, ribbed edges at the sleeves and hem.
- Pointelle Sweater Straight Leg Pant ($178, sizes XS–XL): relaxed mid-rise straight leg with a ribbed elastic waistband.
See the Pointelle Sweater collection.
Pointelle vs. Pointelle Sweater, compared
| Eberjey Pointelle | Eberjey Pointelle Sweater | |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 50% Pima cotton, 50% TENCEL™ Modal | 30% recycled rayon, 29% polyester, 23% recycled acrylic, 18% recycled nylon |
| Best for | Sleep and everyday wear | Lounging and layering |
| Pieces | Cami, tee, V-neck henley, short, pant | Bralette, scoop neck cami, cardigan, straight leg pant |
| Price range | $78–$118 | $98–$178 |
| Sizes | XS–XL | XS–XL |
| Wash | Hand wash cold | Hand wash cold |
| Dry | Lay flat | Lay flat |
| Iron | Warm iron if needed | Warm iron if needed |
How to wash pointelle
Both Eberjey pointelle fabrics carry the same care instructions:
- Hand wash cold with like colors.
- Use only non-chlorine bleach when needed.
- Remove promptly after washing and lay flat to dry.
- Warm iron if needed.
"Lay flat to dry" means laying the item out horizontally to dry. Hand-wash knits are best dried flat: don't rub or wring them, and don't hang them, since hanging can stretch a sweater out of shape. Rolling the piece in a towel and pressing gently removes excess water. For more, see how to care for luxury sleepwear.
Frequently asked questions
What is pointelle fabric?
Pointelle is a knit fabric with a pattern of tiny holes, typically in the shape of chevrons, that creates a delicate, lace-like openwork design. The holes are formed during knitting with transfer stitches.
Is pointelle the same as lace?
No. Pointelle is a knit with small openings knitted into it, so it looks lace-like but is made like a knit fabric. Its name may echo dentelle, the French word for lace.
What is Eberjey Pointelle made of?
Eberjey Pointelle sleepwear is 50% Pima cotton and 50% TENCEL™ Modal. Eberjey Pointelle Sweater pieces are 30% recycled rayon, 29% polyester, 23% recycled acrylic and 18% recycled nylon.
How do you wash pointelle?
Eberjey pointelle is hand wash cold with like colors, non-chlorine bleach only when needed, removed promptly and laid flat to dry. Warm iron if needed.
Why should pointelle be dried flat?
Hand-wash knits keep their shape best when dried flat, because hanging a sweater can stretch it out of shape.
Is pointelle see-through?
Pointelle has small open holes, so it may show a little of what is underneath. Layering a bralette underneath is an easy fix.
Sources
- Wikipedia, “Pointelle”
- Merriam-Webster, “Pointelle”
- Oregon State University Extension Service, “Fashion Terms: Apparel Fabric Glossary” (EC 1390)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Knitting”
- U.S. Federal Trade Commission, “Care Labeling of Textile Wearing Apparel and Certain Piece Goods”
- American Cleaning Institute, “Sweater Care”
