Sewing with knit fabrics are often a touch daunting when you’re wont to woven fabrics like cotton. If you’ve made a couple of woven garments already then learning to stitch with knits won’t be as tricky as you think that . actually once you're wont to working with the stretchy material, fitting is usually tons easier. Plus let’s not forget the comfort factor of cosy knits! We’ve done a gather of our favourite sewing patterns that use knit fabrics, with Autumn just round the corner.. what are you waiting for?
Top tips for stitching with knit fabrics
Use a ball point needle – it stops the needle cutting and potentially laddering the material . The curved end of the needle allows it to erupt the weave of the knit fabric without tearing it. you'll find these at many online shops or local haberdashery stores.
Don’t stretch the material when sewing it – this seems like a clear tip but even the slightest pull will stretch it out of shape, pay special attention round the neckline. Some machines accompany an extension table and this will really help. Holding the material so it doesn’t drape off your machine will help too.
Always stabilize the shoulder seams to stop you garment stretching out of shape.
When employing a heavier weight jersey sort of a Ponte Roma try employing a reinforced straight stitch as it’s much stronger.
Hemming – the large difference with knit fabric is that it should be finished with one turned hem as a double turn are going to be too bulky.
Types of knit fabrics
There are numerous types to settle on from, and it are often scary to shop for fabric online without going to see it, feel it, stretch it, smell it (okay maybe not that one haha). KnitFabric.com has made an excellent reference chart to assist you recognize what fabric will work for your projects. inspect the graphics below for more detail on what you'll sew with our hottest sorts of fabric. We hope this helps in your sewing endeavors!
FABRIC Guide
Image credit.. Knitfabric.com
The Avid Seamstress Sheath Dress
The Avid Seamstress lists Lightweight woven, chambray, jerseys, crepes, silk, viscose and cottons. See the material types below for an outline of those fabric types and ‘sewing jargon explained’ for an evidence of what lightweight wovens are.
