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Ask the readers: What’s hard about knits?
Last week I got a query on our Facebook page, asking for some tutorials and tips on sewing with knits.
This was actually perfect timing. After meeting up with Alyson Clair recently, we’ve been scheming about ways to introduce more sewists to the wonderful world of knits.
Obviously, knits do present special challenges, such as:
- Fitting, when various fabrics behave so differently.
- Finishing necklines and other openings.
- Understanding the serger and how it’s different from other machines.
These are just a few off the top of my head. But Alyson and I would love to hear from you:
What problems have you encountered in sewing with knits? Or if you haven’t tried knits, what intimidates you about them?
image source: Madame Grès dresses in jersey from 1956, from WWD
Comments
Jessica
May 10, 2013 #
For me, getting the sizing and ease right is baffling. If I make a garment in the size I think is mine, it ends up feeling to big, due to the stretch of the fabric. How do I fix that? I’m so looking forward to your tips!
Matte
May 10, 2013 #
Have you tried measuring a nicely fitting knit item (it could be from a shop, or one you’ve made) and using those measurements with the ‘finished’ measurements for the pattern? That should help you get a better fit.
punkmik
May 10, 2013 #
for me it is getting the settings on my machine right. It always skips stitches!
Sharon
May 10, 2013 #
Sometimes skipped stitches is a needle issue. Make sure to use a ‘fresh’ ball point needle.
Tessa
May 10, 2013 #
Skipped stitches can be a needle issue, a tension issue, thread quality, or a myriad of other things. When was the last time you took it in for a tune up? Sewing machines need tune ups just like cars to keep them running smoothly. Once every two years or so depending on how much you sew is about how often it needs.
(I work in a sewing machine repair shop that services every brand and age of sewing machines. I troubleshoot with people all day long.)
Alyson Clair
May 10, 2013 #
I’d vote to take your machine to the doctor if it is skipping stitches. A good tune up can fix a lot.
M
May 10, 2013 #
Why I don’t sew with knits? A) I don’t wear much knit clothing save for sportswear and my handknit sweaters, and B) the very simple fact that I don’t have a serger, which seems to be a requirement.
Leslie
May 10, 2013 #
A zig-zag stitch is sufficient! I sewed a LOT of knits before I got my serger.
Francesca
May 10, 2013 #
I agree. I use the narrowest setting for zig zag and make it slightly longer. Works. I finish hems either with a wide zig or by hand with herringbone, depending on the fabric and look etc. ~Hems are nice with twin needles but my machine doesn’t like them :(
Sofia Blake
May 10, 2013 #
Everything intimidates me! I’m always too scared to try, lest it turns out to be a huge disaster. I don’t own a serger, and my sewing machine is a very basic model, so I’m unable to attach a second spool of thread for using a twin needle. Basically, I have no idea where to begin. An article covering the fundamentals would be greatly appreciated. I do so love this blog.
Sharon
May 10, 2013 #
for twin needle sewing, place the thread in a coffee mug, and put the mug behind your sewing machine.
Sofia Blake
May 11, 2013 #
What a nifty idea. I’ll give it a try, thanks!
Elizabeth
May 10, 2013 #
Seconding both the comment about my machine skipping stitches and also the one about not having a serger. I’ve done a couple of knit dresses on my regular machine, with varying degrees of success, but a serger is both not in the budget and not something I would use often enough to justify buying so I’m never quite sure what the optios are for using these fabrics on a regular sewing machine.
Claire
May 10, 2013 #
I don’t have a serger, and I’m a beginner. Can beginners sew knits? Should you even try to sew knits as a beginner without a serger? I always want more tips on how to sew knits with just a regular machine, which is what I think the majority of people have.
Jess
May 10, 2013 #
I’m just going to jump in here and say yes…of course beginners can sew knits! Honestly, they may feel like a bit more trouble when you’re sewing with them, but I feel like I’ve come out with more consistently good finished projects from knit fabrics than woven fabrics. They’re just so much easier to fit!
There are lots of tips out there, but, IMO, the very basics for sewing knits with a sewing machine to get you going are: use a narrow zig zag, make sure you use a ballpoint machine needle (to separate rather than pierce the fibers), and stretch very slightly as you sew.
Jenny
May 10, 2013 #
I agree with everything you said! I was a beginner when Is tarted experimenting with knits. To be frank I was too naive to be intimidated and I have always found it pretty simple. Knits are easy to fit – I always use my high bust measurement and rarely ever do an FBA (because knits stretch!). I always grade out a bit for my hips but that’s because I don’t like clothing super tight on my hips unless they are jeans. I sew my knits on both a regular machine and a serger. Is the serger a total necessity? No. You can sew knits quite easily with a straight stitch and a ball point needle on a regular machine.
I recommend everyone try a knit pattern (something easy like a wrap dress or a shift with a belt). I’m wearing a knit wrap dress right now but I don’t have pics to show.
Leslie
May 10, 2013 #
Absolutely! I just used a zig-zag stitch. I found fit to be easier with knits, as you get a bit of stretch to help you out! Also, many knit patterns are drapey, so they don’t have many fit issues. I thought they were easier than regular patterns in many ways.
Amie Hanson
May 10, 2013 #
Agreed. I would like to sew using my sewing machine, too.
Tara
May 10, 2013 #
My only question about knits is how to finish the necklines and armholes. I’ve been wanting to make a self-drafted tank dress, but not knowing how to finish the neckline is scaring me off.
Anne
May 10, 2013 #
This is a brilliant tutorial for necklines on knits
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3839/video-a-neckline-binding-for-knits
I’ve also used it for armholes on a sleeveless garment.
Kylie Craig
May 11, 2013 #
That is awesome – I have tried the binding before but it has always hung in a most unattractive manner. Shortening the binding totally solves that problem, most scientific!
Sheila
May 15, 2013 #
I can’t thank you enough for posting this link for the neck binding! I’m going to attempt my first knit project by remaking one of my favorite cotton knit cardigans. This is a GREAT help!
Paola
May 10, 2013 #
The very first things I sewed when I started to sew seriously for myself were knits – yoga pants and t-shirts. I did these on my ordinary machine and they turned out well enough for me to want to sew some more! I only got a serger much later, but most of the time I still sew the seams on my machine to check for fit, then finish off the seams on the serger.
Most of my knit projects have been successes, but for two wrap dresses I’ve attempted. I just got the fit all wrong with these projects, wadders both.
Tatiana Di Maio
May 10, 2013 #
It’s funny to read those comments… I am also a beginner, and I never though that knits were scary, so one of my first things that I sewed was a knit skirt , and I was hooked sewing with knits! I live in Brazil, the weather is warm and the dressing code is very casual, so I can wear my knit pieces even to work! I really recommend beginners to start sewing with knits, they are not scary at all, in fact I think they are a lot of fun! They are more forgiving than wovens, if you make a mistake (or a few), they won’t show up as much as a woven does. They are easier to fit as well, and for sleeves, I always apply them flat, wich is much easier for a beginner as well. I use this stretch stitch on my machine (Brother 6000i), and also the overlock stitch, and I really don’t feel the need to buy a serger. Serger is not mandatory to sew with knits, you can even leave the seams raw, as most knits won’t ravel anyway.
My final piece of advice, Just Go For It! Knits are fun, not scary, and we are sewing to have fun, after all!
I am now planning to sew a knit Laurel blouse, with reverse applique, like Alabama Chanin…
Best regards from Brazil,
Tatiana
Signe
May 10, 2013 #
I completely agree. I don’t have a serger and I sew knits all the time. My very first sewing project was a knit dress . I don’t even bother doing a zig zag stitch – I have yet to find a knit that unravels. And…I rarely use a stretch stich unless it’s a hem….gasp!
Knits are not scary, just understand your machine and try a few stitches til you find a good setting…like you’d probably do for any type of fabric.
Ginny
May 10, 2013 #
I think one of the main issues when dealing with knits is just how differently they all behave. No two fabrics ever seem to behave alike: they all have different amounts of stretch, drape and stitch up differently, so it affects how they handle, how they fit and how well your machine copes. I’ve never used an overlocker but I regularly sew knit fabrics on my 1960s Singer just using the zigzag stitch. Getting the specific setting right for your machine can also be a big hurdle to start with, as not all machines are created equal. Getting the right combination of needle, stitch type/length/width, tension and presser foot pressure isn’t always easy!
One of the easiest knits I’ve ever worked with is ponte roma. Because it’s thick and has less stretch than many lighter weight jerseys it doesn’t stretch out when you stitch, and is much more stable to work with so I’d suggest that might be a good fabric to begin with.
Jen
May 10, 2013 #
I agree. Start with a more stable knit and then move on to knits which stretch more. Also, don’t let very stretchy knits hang off the edge of the sewing surface with any tension – it can distort the seams.
Karen
May 10, 2013 #
I also have a 60’s Singer which I love, but I find it somewhat hard to get all the stitch length set correctly since most books/classes specify a “2.5” stitch and there isn’t anything on my machine that corresponds to a number like that. The other main difficulty is finding the right kind of fabric. When I go to the fabric store, I am not sure what kind of fabric to get for the pattern.
Ginny
May 10, 2013 #
Hems! They never hang straight for me when I’m sewing with knits! I would LOVE some basic instruction.
Jen
May 10, 2013 #
Have you tried letting your garment hang up overnight before you hem it? Really drapey knits with a lot of stretch sometimes are heavier and hanging them up, as with bias-constructed garments, can help.
Annie
May 10, 2013 #
I don’t have a serger and don’t intend to buy one, because on regular seams I prefer a small zig-zag; less bulky and neater. I have a triple stretch stitch on my machine which I have used in the past on garments with a noticable stretch. The biggest issue for me is whether to pull the fabric as you sew, a lot, a little or not at all. I prefer a tailored look so not often in the market for stretch fabric items but I would like to have the skills, in the off chance I see something irresistible, like those dresses featured!
irene
May 10, 2013 #
I would agree with Ginny on most points. I am an intermediate beginner and I have recently started sewing with knits (some tops, a dress, a pencil skirt). I don’t have a serger, I am just using my regular machine. I use a ballpoint needle and a zig-zag stitch. I have found some resources on the Internet and I have bought the Sew U Stretch book. I had mostly successes but also a few fails due to the fact that some of my fabrics were very temperamental- I couldn’t find the right settings: my machine would skip stitches or the fabric would pucker. I ended up throwing out a couple of projects. Working with more stable knits like ponte produced good results and I enjoy wearing my knit garments- they are very confortable and the fit is more forgiving. I would like to learn how to alter my tested patterns for wovens so that they are appropriate for knit fabrics. But the effort is worth making. Knits are fun!
Clipped Curves
May 10, 2013 #
Knits seem to be a bit unruly when it comes to folding, pinning or tracing pattern and cutting. Any tips on how to manage knit fabric while doing these tasks would be helpful.
I’ve had a play on some spare fabric and the stretch stitch on my regular sewing machine seems to work well with a walking foot – no skipped stitches or puckering. Anything I should be aware of to finish the seams since I won’t be using a serger?
Leslie
May 10, 2013 #
Gertie had a post on delicate silks the other day where she pinned the fabric to tracing paper to stablize during cutting- I bet that would work with knits, too!
Francesca
May 10, 2013 #
I finish them like vogue patterns say – a small zigzag, about `1/4 inch away, and then trim seams. You don’t even really need to, as they don’t fray…
Erin
May 11, 2013 #
The easiest way to cut knits is with a rotary cutter. You want to keep the fabric as flat as possible to avoid stretching it, scissors and pins distort it slightly. Use weights (anything will work, I use large washers) to hold your pattern in place and use your rotary cutter. I have a 45mm blade I use most of the time but pull out my 18mm blade for armholes or any tight curves. Making sure your fabric is in grain and cutting may take longer than wives but the sewing process tends to he quicker.
Janette
May 10, 2013 #
Would love to see a series on knits! I wear knits most often and have made a few pieces. Two things jump out at me – finishing a neckline smoothly and picking the correct size. While picking the right size can be a challenge (for me) with wovens, I can always refer to the finished garment measurements. Not so with knits. I know they are designed with negative ease so on some fitted styles, it’s hard to know how small to go without ending up like a sausage! Obviously fabric choice plays a role. Are there any guidelines or tricks in that area?
Shawn Schumacher
May 10, 2013 #
I love knits. I have just recently dipped in and yes they are not perfect but every time the piece is a bit better. I think the hardest part is when I do use my serger without first sewing I do not like that look. Hems (rolled) so far are not my favorite and many time I just use pinkers to trim my seam allowances because I like how it looks.
Katie
May 10, 2013 #
I’d love to hear more about knits. I have very little experience with them besides making a couple of skirts and an infinity dress. Figuring out what size to cut is a big issue with knits, in my opinion, because I like them fitted not with much ease. I’d love to know about that.
Also, it would be really cool if you did a little tips and tricks post about converting woven patterns to knit. How would we go about it?
Ruby
May 10, 2013 #
I never felt fully comfortable sewing knits until I really got to know how to use my serger. Now, I actually prefer sewing with knits because it’s the fabric I prefer to wear. Go in to most clothing stores and the majority of clothing is a knit of some kind.
I was never able to have a huge amount of success on my domestic machine even using all the tips out there; ball point needle, walking foot, zigzag etc.
Lynn
May 10, 2013 #
The problems I’ve had with knits have been the quality of the fabric. The only local source I have for knits is a chain fabric store and I question the quality of their line of knits. It seems a waste to make something out of poor fabric, and buying knit fabric online is unnerving when you can’t test the weight and stretch recovery yourself. When knit clothes are inexpensive and fit well it’s hard for me to take the gamble and make something out of mystery fabric.
Mary
May 10, 2013 #
The key to sewing knits is having the right tools.. Use a serger, use a serger that isn’t fussy-they exist. My serger runs like a champ each and every time. I have tried all the tricks in the book for sewing knits on regular machines but really, a serger is the only way to go. One can get away with sewing ponte on a regular machine that is the one exception. Yes, sometimes knits are wiggly and roll etc , just takes practice.
Lisa S.
May 10, 2013 #
I would love to learn how to begin sewing with knits when you don’t have a serger. Fitting issues and finishing/hemming are my biggest concerns.
Nina
May 10, 2013 #
I haven’t done much knit sewing, but what I have done was fun – I have a cowl-necked top in cosy organic interlock that I wear all the time and was one of the easiest garments I’ve ever sewn. I don’t have a serger and I hope you’ll give plenty of tips for those of us who are interested in sewing knits on our normal machines. For me the worst part is the cutting – I never feel confident cutting out my pieces even with woven fabrics, and with a knit stretching all over the place it’s a nightmare.
Meaghan R.
May 10, 2013 #
I buy most of my fabric online so figuring out the true weight of the fabric is hard. The thinner the fabric, the harder to sew. I love sewing with knits and am always game to try something new. I am an advanced sewist and use both my sewing machine and serger. Differential feed can
be frustrating to figure out but well worth playing around with if have a serger and want to sew with it. But, you do not need a serger as most knits do not ravel or require a seam finish.
Best tip I have is go to Craftsy and take the two knit classes the have with Linda Lee and Meg McElwee of Sew Liberated.
Also, for stabilizing seams and necklines, I cannot sew without half inch fusible knit stay tape and clear elastic for shoulders.
Hope this helps.
Emma
May 10, 2013 #
I second that Meg’s class on sewing with knits on Craftsy is brilliant. Her tips for needles and stabilisation using a regular sewing machine are great and you get to practice with 5 easy patterns. I can’t rate it highly enough.
Jess
May 10, 2013 #
I really love knits, but I also used to be afraid of them! Things that helped me deal with them?
Cutting out my fabric with a rotary cutter instead of scissors, finding the type of knit that I like to sew with best, using the correct machine needle (ballpoint), using a small zig zag to sew seams together and hem with a regular sewing machine. Figuring out when to stretch and when not to, and figuring out which seams to stabilize with stay tape or clear elastic.
I primarily wear knits, so it was only natural that I finally figured it out! I also bought a serger a few years ago that that just makes everything so much easier. If I had to choose something I still am afraid of, it would be hemming. I am not always a fan of how it turns out, and whenever I try to use a twin needle I break it. I think the twin needle will be my next thing to conquer with knits!
Jess
May 10, 2013 #
Oh, and in Big 4 patterns I check pattern measurements on the tissue instead of using the chart. Knits don’t need wearing ease, so the only reason there should only be design ease. I typically end up cutting one size smaller than my woven size (AKA – wovens I cut a 14-16, but knits almost always a 12).
becky
May 10, 2013 #
I don’t have a serger, but want knit clothing. And, I don’t understand why I have all those “knit” stitches on the sewing machine, but can’t really use them….what I find all talks about only using the zip zag. And, the one time I did use a knit stitch, it didn’t work…broke right away. Why do we have knit stitches if they aren’t useful?
Jennifer Lachman
May 10, 2013 #
My biggest problem is that no matter how careful I am one piece of fabric always ends up stretch while sewing and turns out about 1/2 inch longer than the other.
Jen
May 10, 2013 #
When you start your seam, do you start from the very edge? Sometimes when you start from the edge, the feed dogs don’t always grab the layer on the bottom right away and then the top layer gets stretched more than the bottom one. Start the seam so that your presser foot is all the way on the fabric, reverse stitch to the edge and then sew the seam from the edge. Also, make sure that your fabric isn’t hanging down as you sew because it can distort the seam and the rate at which the layers are fed under the presser foot. And with really stretchy fabrics with high lycra content, be careful not to stretch it by hand too much, as this can also distort the seam.
Diane @ Vintage Zest
May 10, 2013 #
I wish that I had a serger, but I don’t. :( I’ve really only done one major project with a knit, this orange maxi dress.
http://vintagezest.blogspot.com/2013/01/sewing-rewind-my-first-wearable-clothing.html
I couldn’t zig zag because it ended up bunching. It was a big mess! I’m not even sure if it was incorrect technique to stretch with a straight stitch, but it was the only way I could get it finished. :/
Dawn A.
May 10, 2013 #
I buy mostly knits but tend to sew mostly wovens, Iguess I just find them easier. The one thing I can’t get the hang of is a good stable finished neckline. Being that I’m still hanging on to my baby weight from the birth of mt twins I would really like to be able to sew more knits since they fit me better!
Carie
May 10, 2013 #
In a word (or two): expensive mistakes! I’m a little put off trying to sew with knits knowing that it can’t hack the same degree of seam ripping as a sturdy cotton so any tips on do overs would be really great.
Alyson Clair
May 10, 2013 #
I’ve got some good tricks about pulling out bad serging………(and I have spent a LOT of time doing it myself)
Claire Tharp
May 10, 2013 #
I think one of the best things a pattern company has done for knit patterns is what Silhouette does. Her instructions say to wrap your fabric around your body where it will be worn, measure and then pick your size based on finished garment sizes. This takes care of the ease and stretchiness of different knits or if you like wearing your knits skin tight or a bit looser. I think instructions that said things like, pattern will work with thin drapey knits or don’t even try thin drapey knits with this would be good. The majority of what I sew is with knits and they are so much easier to fit and super easy to sew and no ironing! I would also encourage beginners to buy 1/4 inch steam a seam to fuse the seam allowances or hems before stitching, particularly the armhole.
Nikki H
May 10, 2013 #
I had trouble with knits up until a few weeks ago. I was using a regular machine, stretch needle and either a zig zag or stretch stitch, which all was fine. But my seams kept getting all wonky and stretched looking, and it was almost impossible to keep the fabric under the foot.
Breakthrough moment– USE A WALKING FOOT!! Solved all my issues and now I feel I can tackle any knit.
Melanie
May 12, 2013 #
See I’d heard this, but my walking foot gets stuck on any seams and sometimes put too much pressure on the top layer stretching it out and creating a giant mess underneath. I regularly end up with one layer of fabric more stretched than the other and I’d been really careful to avoid that happening.
I’ve spent the last few weeks playing with knits trying to sew underwear and tops and I’m about ready to give up.
Sam
May 10, 2013 #
I have to say, I don’t find knits that hard to work with. Maybe that’s because I spent many years making skating costumes out of VERY stretchy leotard lycra?!
I don’t have a serger, but I’ve recently discovered that stabilising seams with a very narrow strip of fusible interfacing works well if you’re worried about them stretching as you sew.
Hearthrose
May 10, 2013 #
I made some knit tunics for my 8yo daughter … so disappointing. They stretched a bit, but mostly they pilled up right away and faded. I don’t get this reaction from inexpensive wovens.
I just don’t like the way knits look, not for my sewing time. I’ll buy knits at the store and not cry when they die.
Jen
May 10, 2013 #
Pilling is a result of the fibers used and the amount of twist in the yarn. The higher the quality of the fabric, the less pilling there is, generally speaking. Fabrics which are blends of different thicknesses and which are a combo of synthetic and natural fibers tend to pill more than those of a single fiber. The tighter the knit, the less pilling. Also, when you have a blend of fibers, the synthetic fibers tend to be stronger than the natural ones and so the weaker fibers break, forming the pills, which are held in place by the stronger, synthetic ones.
Alyson Clair
May 10, 2013 #
What was the fabric content of your knits, and where did you purchase them?
Hearthrose
May 11, 2013 #
They were at least allegedly all-cotton, and I purchased them in a local fabric store.
Knits stain too. And sewing the “serger stitch” on my regular sewing machine takes forever.
I shall enjoy watching y’all play with knits and daydream about batiste and handkerchief linen. :) Even silk charmeuse.
Don’t mind me. But she did *ask*.
Alyson Clair
May 13, 2013 #
Don’t give up! Sometimes cotton ones CAN be rather crummy. My favorites are either double knits (good for first time projects as they are sturdy), or Modal. Which is a combo of Rayon and Spandex. Usually the spandex is 2-8%. But the fabric has a really nice hand.
Being in Portland, I’m spoiled and have the fantastic Mill End store, that has a huge variety of knits. I’d vote to find a store that has a good sized selection and pick something you can stretch on the bolt and it returns nicely.
Rhonda Atkinson
May 10, 2013 #
I started sewing in the 1970’s when knits were all the rage. Now as in then, I have to be careful not to stretch the fabric when I rip out seams. Having and using the differential feed on my serger makes all the difference when serging with knits. I make sure I use needles that are made to sew with knits and the proper knit stitch when I sew on my sewing machine. As for fitting, well, I’m still in trying figure out how to adjust for all the age related waist/abdominal changes my body is experiencing no matter what the fabric.
Sheila
May 15, 2013 #
I would love to hear if you figure out how to adjust for the waist/abdominal changes!
Tracy
May 10, 2013 #
My biggest problem sewing with knits, is how to know beforehand how the fabric will behave. After falling in love with the Alabama Chanin books, I made several muslins out of thrifted knit bedsheets, until I had my pattern *perfect*. I have since made 5 more tops, using the same pattern, but different knit fabrics ~ 2 fit perfectly, 1 fits well, but clings unattractively to my belly, and the other 2 are bust-smooshing tight! I also have pilling already in a few of the tops – seeing that these were worn 2 seasons at most, that’s pretty disappointing.
knitmo
May 10, 2013 #
Fit — I am so stumped as to how to get a big FBA into a knit without a dart. If I make a larger size, it won’t fit the shoulders and the neckline gapes.
Susan
May 10, 2013 #
Ha! Clearly you’ve struck a chord here… most sewists are passionate about knits, one way or the other! I use them more often than wovens actually, but I’ll pull from what I was intimidated about early on… Laying out/cutting out/grainlines: the grainline on a knit can be trickier to find, and again it totally depends on the knit. Knits actually take me longer to cut, but that’s the only part that takes longer. I’ve found that with tight knits, *stretch* needles are way better than ballpoint for avoiding skipped stitches. And please help dispel the concept that you need a serger for knits! Bollocks. I have a serger, and I still sew knit seams with my sewing machine. (I recognize that this isn’t what most do!) I do finish the seams on my serger, but that’s because I have one :) — just as good to do it with zigzag, pinking shears, etc. Some don’t feel that finishing knit seams are important, but I do feel that it wears better when they’re finished. Hemming is another story — I hem knits using decorative stitching, twin needles, and a variety of other finishes, but I leave them unhemmed entirely lots of times too. To answer your actual question, I think the most difficult thing about knits can only be learned by working with lots of knits — every one is so different, depending on weight, mechanical stretch, fiber content, whether or not they include lycra, etc etc etc.
Gretchen Moran
May 10, 2013 #
Ive only made a few simple A-line garments with knits on my standard machine. I found that you can use tricot fusable interfacing along the edges of your fabric where you make the seams. The interfacing makes the knit fabric behave like a normal woven fabric without loosing the supple nature of the knit. For this I didnt even use a ballpoint needle and the garments turned out as advertised.
Melissa
May 10, 2013 #
Oh, I’m so glad you’ll be talking about knits! I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve been sewing for more than ten years and I’ve never attempted a knit project! I’m still very mystified by sergers- I have a hand-me-down that gives me endless problems so I’m trying to save up for one of the new self-threading models. Maybe with that and some of your tutorials I’ll be ready to give knits a try!
Amanda
May 10, 2013 #
Ooh I’d love to see a series on knits!! The thing that’s put me off from trying knits is that, like Meaghan, I buy most my knits online. Since I can’t feel the weight and stretch of the fabric before purchasing, I’m always afraid that I’ll buy the wrong knit for a particular project. Also – I hate to make a garment out of “nice” fabric before testing out the fit with at least one muslin – so then I’m afraid that whatever “cheap” muslin fabric I use for fitting will not have the same stretch as the fashion fabric I use later on. Maybe I’m just overthinking it.. :/
Lynn
May 10, 2013 #
I totally agree with you! How do you test stretch and recovery on an online fabric, and how do you muslin up a pattern with cheaper fabric and know you’ll get the same result?
MTangel
May 10, 2013 #
Finishing (and fit): how you do necklines and hems so they don’t look baggy and cheap? How to make it fit correctly, without random bits sagging or stretched out of shape? I made a t-shirt once in a class. It was very easy, but it looked very homemade (not in a good way). Not something a person could wear to work or school.
Instructions for those with no sergers is very helpful. Also, sources for nicer knits fabrics. For those in small towns, the local fabric store just has a couple kinds of knit fabrics in a few strange colors.
Jill
May 10, 2013 #
Even with my fancy schmancy cover stitch machine (Pfaff 4872) my hems just aren’t quite right. I am admittedly, rull rull picky.
Cherie
May 10, 2013 #
I would love to sew knits more often. For me one of the problems is getting the neck to lay flat. And to sew a decent hem.
Maggie
May 10, 2013 #
I just started sewing with knits and I am in love. I think it is so much simpler than sewing with woven fabrics- especially as a fairly curvy woman who has to do FBAs and other mods consistently. I definitely recommend all the commenters to jump in and give it a try.
My biggest issue is finding patterns! I hope Collete can help! I see women walking around with very interesting RTW knits: with gathers, tucks, and inserts of woven fabrics. I would love to see patterns that are as interesting as what can be found RTW and not just another plain t-shirt pattern.
Jenny
May 10, 2013 #
What kind of patterns are you looking for? I have wrap dresses from Kwik Sew and Vogue, simple dresses from Butterick and McCalls, etc. There are lots of patterns out there for knits.
Christina
May 10, 2013 #
Wonky hems and neckline edges! And I concur with Jill, I can’t get a nice hem finish with my cover stitch machine (Janome)either. I’ve tried doing hems and necklines with a regular sewing machine’s “stretch stitch”, a zig zag stitch, a serger and the cover stitch machine. None come out looking professional . The fabric edges get slightly curly and the stitch line itself is wavy. Arrrgggghhh!
Alyson Clair
May 10, 2013 #
Do you have a Janome CP9000 or CP1000 just coverstitch? I may have some good tips up my sleeve. I’ve been using the 9000 for the past 5 years. The first year we fought a lot, but now we are BFF’s.
Jen
May 10, 2013 #
If your fabric is wavy, it needs stabilizing. I find that this happens a lot with rib knits that are 100% cotton and have no lycra. These are knits that don’t need as much stretching, because they will not snap back the way that a cotton-lycra blend will. Over time, they stretch out and often when you sew them, they stay stretched out, causing the wavy seam and curly edges. A way to avoid this is to buy a roll of water soluble stabilizer and cut it into narrow strips. Then when you hem, fold up the raw edge the appropriate amount. If you’re doing 1 layer, insert the strip of stabilizer so that the strip is encased in the hem, then press. If you’re turning the hem allowance twice, insert the strip between the first and second turns. Pressing will slightly melt the stabilizer and allow you to stitch the hem, but then you can either wash the garment or soak it in water and the stabilizer will dissolve, leaving you with a supple shirt that has a nicely hemmed edge. I learned this trick from Pam Erny of Fashion Sewing Supply (her interfacings are the best). I’ve also read that some people have success with dissolving the stabilizer in a cup/bowl of water and then painting the edge of the fabric with the resulting solution, then hemming when it’s dry. Again, it washes away.
Lady ID
May 10, 2013 #
Figuring out the sizing since I make my own patterns.
I tried my first jersey dress and ended up stretching it out too much in the waist while feeding it through the machine. I got better results when I used my serger instead.
Lady ID
May 10, 2013 #
I think I should start with a commercial pattern
Krista
May 10, 2013 #
I like sewing knits, but I do find them challenging. I sew them with a straight stitch, ball point needle and use a twin needle on hems. I always have trouble when a pattern has interfaced pieces–these never look right and seem to work against the very properties of knit fabric. Is interfacing optional? Nice looking hems are also a problem–I cheat by fusing them with HeatnBond and then sewing.
Jenny
May 10, 2013 #
I’ve made that mistake before and couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong. Then I learned there is fusible for knit – it has a slight stretch. I know they have it at Joann’s.
Francesca
May 10, 2013 #
I’ve sewn quite a few knit things, mostly successfully. I have an oldish Pfaff – mechanical. Use a narrow zigzag etc. I made a couple of dress from a vogue pattern with a pleated scoop neck which was bound inside with bias binding – I didn’t think itwould work, but it did. I always use a size smaller for dresses like this one – fitted in the bodice with a flared skirt. I used viscose jersey and wool mix jersey, both with lycra. I’ve made another couple fo things like tops that worked out ok. The silhouette pattern tip above is good for fit. What I find really really difficult is laying out and cutting – the stretchier ones – like I used for my dress – two way (also called four way) stretch – are the worst, thin or thicker. Ad sikly heavy knit is a nightmare. Cake patterns give loads of tips on working with knits, and she is into stabilizer. I;ve never tried it but wil. I always put stay tape in shoulder seams. Can’t find clear elaztic in my island. I would love to try rotary cutters but could only buy a small self healing mat here:(. Cutting is a pain – jagged edges bug me.
Eleanna
May 10, 2013 #
My major issue isn’t with knit fabric per se, but with single knit fabric. Cutting single knit fabric seems like cutting moving sand dunes.
Jennifer
May 10, 2013 #
I’m relatively new to sewing, although I’m getting better by the day! Sewing with knits is intimidating to me for a few reasons:
1) Fit, because I prefer my knits to be form-fitting. I’m skinny, and it’s the only way to prove I have some shape above the waist.
2) How to finish the raw edges??? I don’t have a serger and wouldn’t know how to use one even if I did.
3) The one time I did try to sew with a stretch knit I bought on sale at JoAnn’s, it was just wonky. It was hard to keep the pieces from bunching up under the foot.
It would be great if Colette could produce some knit tutorials. I’d love to be able to make my own T-shirts and more.
Trisha
May 10, 2013 #
I love sewing with knits–on a regular machine!
I recently posted my top 3 problems and solutions to sewing with knits. Perhaps this could be helpful if you feel intimidated by knits:
http://madebytrisha.blogspot.com/2013/04/sewing-with-knits-top-3-problems-and.html
Magali
May 10, 2013 #
This discussion is interesting. I am a brand new sewist, (as in I had never even touched a sewing machine until three weeks ago) and took a four Saturday beginner class at my local fabric store. Our very first project was to sew a top, using Sophia knits. Then the second project was to make a simple skirt, also using Sophia knits. I have found this knit easy to work with, and I like that it’s so forgiving. Maybe this is because I do not know any better, so I did not know enough to be afraid of the fabric?
I found using the Serger machine at the store lots of fun, but I also found that finishing the hemming for my shirt with a twin needle was not that difficult, once I figured out how to change the needle. I am looking forward to learn and practice more in the new world of sewing and would love a primer on knits.
Thanks.
Alyson Clair
May 10, 2013 #
YAY! That makes me so happy to hear. I didn’t even really like sewing until I learned how on knits.
Nessa
May 10, 2013 #
I say this, and watch . . . my next knit project will turn into a Freddy Kruger disaster. But, I use a stretch or jersey needle, go slow (which is total pain since I sew fast–like a NYC taxi cab driver), keep my fabric taught, and it all comes out.
So, when people say they are afraid of knits I usually think that they A) they have the wrong needle, B) are using low end fabric, or C) just haven’t taken enough time to figure out the sewing timing they need for them.
Yes, I know someone hates me.
Alice
May 10, 2013 #
I have sewn with knits, but I don’t really like to. I don’t have a serger, and my zigzag/stretch-stitch machine made weird noises and finally resulted in a broken needle nearly hitting me in the eye. It hasn’t worked since. Mostly, though, I’m trying to move away from knits in my wardrobe. They’re comfy and form-fitting, but it can be really hard to feel put-together in knits, and they are no help when it comes to teaching myself good fit.
That said, if there are any tips out there for sewing knits with ordinary straight stitch without popping the seams, that would be extraordinarily helpful. I’m almost scared to wear what homemade knits I have.
Melissa
May 10, 2013 #
I love to wear knits, but I NEVER sew with them. They’re so stretchy & I’m barely an advanced beginner. I don’t even own a serger, although I realize I don’t have to have one to sew w/ knits. Anyway, the 1-2 times I’ve attempted to sew a knit it went completely wrong on so many levels. If I could be taught how to do it right I would probably use them all the time, but as for now I’m sticking w/ regular cottons & denims.
Sandy
May 10, 2013 #
I’ve not sewn many knits; my limited time always got sucked up by historical costumes for our business – but even zigzag isn’t strictly necessary (altho very nice) – my first knit project, in high school, was a T-shirt done on Mom’s old White, which was straight-stitch only. (And, incidentally, the machine she’d used to sew a top for the convertible Dad rebuilt – that machine had seen a LOT of abuse before the Bluebird troop ever got hold of it. I want that machine, a lot more than I’ll ever covet her multi-stitch modern Singer, and infinitely more than I want to deal with a serger.)
OTOH, I love hand-sewing on linen, but on knits? I’m not sure it’s possible.
Kate Kilgus
May 10, 2013 #
I love sewing with knits, but it did take me some time to learn how to negotiate knits with my machine (Janome). I cut with a rotary cutter when it is feasible to do so. Lingerie is my favorite thing to make with knits – it is so comfy and really fits well.
Lynn
May 10, 2013 #
Hmm, I’ve tried commenting twice and my posts haven’t appeared… Trying again! I don’t sew with knits because my only local fabric source for knits is a chain and I think the quality of their knits is questionable. If I order online, how do I test the stretch and recovery of a knit fabric? Knit garments are inexpensive and fit well, so I’m reluctant to spend my sewing time experimenting with fabric that might not last or is the wrong type for a project.
Sewer
May 10, 2013 #
I need a serger and a coverstitch machine. I’m watching a Craftsy class on knits but I don’t believe you can get a professional-looking result with a home machine alone.
Gaynor
May 10, 2013 #
I have tried and failed so many times I’ve now decided to stick with wovens, I swore (literally) I’d never touch them again.
Reasons for hating them,
– argh neckline finishes, they pucker even with a walking foot
– hemming without loosing the stretch, I can’t figure out how to do this
– I don’t understand the different types of knit fabric, it seems to me that the UK isn’t interested in labelling the Lycra content and they call everything jersey! When a pattern calls for 3% stretch I’ll be buggered if I can get it at my local fabric shop or market.
It’ll take a lot of persuading to convince me otherwise. Rant over!
Karpura
May 10, 2013 #
My #1 frustration with knits is finding well labeled knits in fabric stores. for eg: Single knits vs double knits. I come across suggestions on the web to use ‘double knits’ for certain types of clothes. I go to a fabric store and i don’t see any bolt with that information (and I mean not just at Jo-Ann’s). I have not seen informative labels on fabric bolts that tell you their content in detail (something like this :50%rayon 48%polyester 2%spandex )- sometimes all i have to go by is a hastily scribbled note like this “silk/rayon/poly”.
There is such variation in knit fabrics, i am hesitant to buy them online without touching it !
I use a sewing machine (no serger) and have found it much easier to sew knits than wovens – mainly because they stretch if necessary and drape well and are more forgiving of a beginner’s mistakes in fit. With the right needle and zig zag stich, it is much faster to complete a knit vs cotton blouse project for me.
courtney
May 10, 2013 #
1 – I am a beginner and intimidated, 2 – My machine is a 1947 Singer. I do have a zigzag attachment, but it does not work very consistently. I’m still trying to figure it out. I have visions of my knit fabric in a jumbled mess under the presser foot…
Gianna
May 10, 2013 #
Yes! So glad you asked this question. I’ve always had a problem keeping knits on-grain. Somehow the fabric always ends up warped. I also just bought a walking foot for my machine and it keeps snapping the thread. Headaches all ’round. I’d definitely appreciate any advice on either matter.
cynthia gehin
May 10, 2013 #
Knit fabric quality is an issue. Seems that knits fabs have taken a serious downward dive in the past decade. Major fabric chains seem to carry in-store some of the worst material with an occasional sprinkling of something decent. I’ve had success with interlock cottons but not jersey knits. And having to ‘stabilize’ seams before sewing takes all the fun out of it. Knits should go together quickly without all the extra time spent getting the fabric to cooperate. Otherwise just use wovens and spend the extra time on traditional construction.??
Melanie
May 10, 2013 #
The obvious challenge about how differently the fabric behaves are one thing that keeps me away from knits. I don’t have a serger or coverstitcher, and I think that getting nice looking results without those would be difficult. Another issue is that nice quality knit fabric can be difficult to find.
The biggest reason I don’t sew with knits is that because the fit on knits is much more forgiving than on woves, I find that rtw knits look good enough on me. It seems a little like a waste of my time to sew tshirts, for example.
However, I would like to branch out and try things like silk jersey and imitating a DVF wrap dress or something that I maybe couldn’t otherwise afford/find rtw. Heather Ross’s upcoming collection includes some knits in a darling strawberry print that might just inspire me to try them out!
Caroline
May 10, 2013 #
The prep is what gets me. I have soooo much trouble ining up the fabric so that the grain is straight. Then cutting without stretching. These are only really issues with the stretchier knit, but that is what I’d really like to sew with.
Carolyn
May 10, 2013 #
I have used knits in the past and will do so again in the future. What I found difficult was that different knits fabrics have different amounts of stretchinesss- so two of versions of the same pattern can be completely different fits- i.e. too loose, too tight. I find it difficult to judge whether I need to size up or down patterns based on the fabric itself. I won’t know until I make it up and then it’s too late. Also – some knits don’t last very long before stretching out and piling. It can be difficult to judge quality- especially if, like me you are forced to buy alot of knits online due to the lack of knits in fabric shops near me (I’m in Australia).
Finishing hems without a coverlocker is also difficult. I know how to avoid a wavy seam- however usually I use straight stitch along the hem which inevitable snaps while taking it on and off.
Candace Duffy Jones
May 10, 2013 #
I had a bad experience sewing with knits. I was still new to sewing and did not know about grainlines or anything more than a straight stitch to finish seams. It came out a warped mess! I didn’t want to try them ever again. Now that I have learned more about sew with knits I am going to attempt to sew with knits again but I still have concerns about sewing with knits. My biggest problem is usually with the fabric stretching while I try to sew, but I just got a walking foot. Now it’s time I try it out on knits.
Miranda
May 10, 2013 #
I’ve found great organic high-quality cotton knits on Fabric.com. Type “organic cotton knit” into the search box. Interlock, french terry, rib, jersey, and my favorite: sweatshirt. Solid colors only.
Shelley
May 11, 2013 #
I LOVE knits. They are forgiving and comfortable in ways woven never has been for me. The defining moment came when I got a serger and then most of the stretching out worries were gone. Recently I got a coverstitch and wow, that’s a beauty for topstitched hems. I still use stretch blindstitch on my regular machine now and then for old times sake and when ‘casual’ isn’t what I’m after.
I do wish there were nicer cotton blend knits like there were in the late 80s & 90’s ( Jantzen outlet I miss you). All the stuff today seems so ‘plastic’ in comparison to the interlocks I learned my knit sewing on and so lightweight it’s freaky. Most of what passes to today for top fabric I would have considered as slip or underwear weight back then. There are some nice things, like bamboo so it’s a matter of looking and getting lucky.
Lydia
May 11, 2013 #
I love knits! I’ve done several projects where they work out great for me (i.e. skirts, scarves). However I’d like to make some blouses and dresses with knits but I always have problems with fitting knits like in the bust.. and when I finish the neckline or armholes it just looks kind of funny. I would love to see an article on different finishes for knits!
El
May 11, 2013 #
I love sewing with knits, and I would love learning more sewing tips with knits. I don’t consider myself being especially good at sewing with knits. I don’t really know any tips. I have never heard of using a ballpoint needle, I just always use a stretch needle. My (sewing)machine used to skip stitches, take chunks and bite them over and over, (don’t know how else to explain it) and then one day I realized I needed to use a stretch needle. I did and I waved all my troubles goodbye. Now I sew almost all my own Tshirts. I don’t ever ever buy knit with polyester in it. (snob? yes, I am) So the knits I end up with are quite stable. As far as the bindings or small pieces of knit. I am always very careful to pick them up with two hands as if they were very delicate and breakable. That way they do not stretch out and become unusable. I will be anxiously watching the blog for more tips!
Maggie
May 11, 2013 #
I would LOVE some help with knits, especially from you guys! You have taught me so much about garment construction (coming over from the home dec sewing, colette patterns are my favorite!!). I’ve been trying to work with knits for the first time recently. I even bought a red ponte knit to make the Peony (I’ve already made it in a woven). I have since read that you need to use patterns specifically designed for knits. Is this true? Not that it matters…. I found my first attempt at a pattern was a disaster. The fabric kept shifting and I kept skipping stitches. My serger and I have not made friends. Instead, I have switched back to playing with wovens and cursed the day I got excited about trying knits. I look longingly at the red ponte knit fabric though, as I wear a LOT of that fabric to work. So, I’m hoping you can go through how to adapt a pattern for a knit, if there are any specific rules for cutting knits (I usually pin my pattern heavily and then use a rotary cutter, is this the way to go?), I know to use a ball point needle but what other rules are there? I worry that I missed a few which resulted in my not-so-fabulous dress.
Thank you so much!
Sara
May 11, 2013 #
My biggest problem sewing knits is that my machine chews up my fabric at the beginning and end of every seam — sometimes it also gets big tangles and loops of thread on the underside too. But mainly it just seems to want to suck the fabric down through the throat plate and that makes sewing difficult at best.
Mila
May 13, 2013 #
Mine too. I think all the people who love sewing with knits and don’t understand why we don’t pretty much lucked out with their machines. I’m wondering and hoping that a tune-up or professional set-up might do the trick. I’ve got a stack of knits that I’d love to sew with but had so much trouble with my machine.
Kat
May 11, 2013 #
I just started sewing knits and decided that I should buy a serger instead of trying again on my regular machine. I bought a ballpoint needle, a walking foot and double needles but I still couldn’t make it work. The fabric bunches up at the beginning of the seams and I can’t backstitch without getting a horrible tangle. I tried for 8 hours to sew a pair of tights and they aren’t fit to be seen outside the house. I think the difficulty of creating a neat-looking finish is a huge factor in my reluctance to sew knits.
Ginger
May 11, 2013 #
My biggest problem is picking the right size and fabric combination. Way back in the dark ages I used “Big 4” patterns for knits and they all said “choose a knit that 4 inches stretches from here to here.” Or I used an independent designer’s patterns that also sold the fabric that matched the pattern. But today’s independent patterns mostly just say “use knit”. I’m sure I”m over thinking things by being scared to jump in. Is there a rule to matching knit fabric to a knit pattern? With some of the tiny 1/4 inch seam allowances that doesn’t give much room for alterations. I’m really looking forward to your upcoming knit blogs.
April
May 11, 2013 #
Not to be coy, but I think the hardest thing about sewing with knits is finding them! I have access to some great little fabric shops locally, but they specialize in other things. I wear a lot of black ,and shopping for black knit fabric online drives me batty. It’s so hard to tell what kind of feel and heft the knit really has without touching it. I’ve rarely found knits to sew with that are comparable to what I’d buy in rtw.
Like someone above mentioned, I’ve found stretch needles much better than ball-point for working with knits on a standard machine.
Marnie
May 12, 2013 #
I don’t have a lot of problems with knits but the issue that comes up for me, over and over, is trying to get stretchy seams without getting wavy seams. It’s even harder with hems since those usually require straight stitches instead of stretch/zig-zag stitches and the visible stitches are either too tight or look loose and sloppy.
Ellen
May 12, 2013 #
I love sewing with knits, they are just so much fun and above all fast to sew. but My biggest trouble is judging the knit quality. for example: 3 years ago I bought a piece of knit from the remnant bin and assumed the quality would be very poor but I liked the print so much and it was really cheap, turns out that the quality was very good because I still wear that T-shirt regularly. And then other knits with I assumed were a far better quality and far more expensive had to be discharged after a season of wearing. I just don’t like to trow away home made clothes, while I don’t have any problem tossing away a store bought item. So a few tips would certainly be appreciated
Sparrow
May 13, 2013 #
Hems and seams always end up wavy and off-kilter when I try to sew knits with my regular machine. I did recently purchase a walking foot, which I’ve heard is good for helping with that, but I haven’t tried it yet. I do own a serger, but I have no idea how to thread it, or even if it works.
I also get confused by all the different types of knits; some are super stretchy, some are not any stretchier than regular fabrics. How do I know what type of knit is good for what type of project?
Rita
May 13, 2013 #
You don’t need a serger to sew with knits. I use a narrow zigzag 1. to 1.5 and regular length 2.5 to 3..Most knits don’t ravel, so you don’t really need to finish seams. I just sew two rows of narrow zigzag next to each other and trim the excess..You can even do hems with the narrow zigzag, it gives enough stretch so the stitches won’t pop. Most people aren’t going to get that close to your hems to notice that they’re not straight stitch..At least, I hope not! When you start a seam, don’t start right on the edge, start a little bit in from the edge, and backstitch..This will keep the fabric from balling up in the feed dogs. And make sure you don’t have a dull needle, this might be the problem..Also, some sewing machines just don’t do well on lightweight knits. I have an old 6430 Viking, and it does great on knits, and everything else..It is hard to find good quality knits, especially at Joanne’s…I try to stay away from polyester, because it does tend to pill quickly. I think it helps if it’s combined with rayon, which is more comfortable to wear also. It also helps to turn your clothes inside out when washing them, they look better a lot longer that way. I have a Baby Lock serger which has air threading which is very easy to use. A serger does make a very pucker free seam..But a narrow zigzag works very well…What I hate most about lightweight knits is the edges that curl, which makes them harder to cut out. I read somewhere to put spray starch on the edges to prevent that, but I haven’t tried it..I would like to try ordering knits online, there are so many sites that sell them…But, it’s hard to tell quality when you can’t feel the fabric. You just have to bite the bullet, I guess..Also, I think with the difference in the stretch of knits, you just have to allow extra in the seamlines and fit each one as you go..I think the tip of measuring a knit top that you like the fit of is a good idea.. But you still need to allow for the differences in the stretch..I haven’t used a walking foot, but I’ve heard that they work well..The website patternreview.com rates fabric stores also…Worth checking out..
Mila
May 13, 2013 #
My sewing machine eats the fabric whenever I try to sew with knits. It sews wovens just fine (I stick with cotton), but I could hardly get a few stitches in before it sucked the fabric into the feed dogs when sewing with knits. I was using an overlock type stitch on a Singer Brilliance. I tried tear-away stabilizer and that didn’t help. My machine also won’t smock with elastic thread in the bobbin, no matter what I adjusted tension-wise. I’d love to be able to sew knits. Would a simple tune-up solve my issue, or do I need another machine? ( I also have a simple Brother machine that I haven’t tried with knits, but it won’t smock with elastic bobbin either)
Rita
May 15, 2013 #
I think the narrow zigzag would be less likely to be sucked into the feed dogs.Have you tried a narrow zigzag? I’ve heard that Brother machines work well, though I’ve never had one. I did have a Singer years ago, and I’m not a fan of them. It probably depends on which model you have. The latest Threads magazine (July) has an excellent article by Connie Crawford on sewing lightweight knits. It’s an excellent magazine, also online at threadsmagazine.com.
Alison
May 19, 2013 #
What turns me away from knits is the fact that I don’t have a serger. I know people say you can use a zigzag stitch, but it seems like my zigzag always bunches up the fabric and looks awful. How do you sew knits with a zigzag so that it still looks nice (and not so homemade)?
Donna
May 21, 2013 #
Once upon a time, I wasn’t afraid of knits – I made myself several polo shirts (w/ pre-made collars and cuffs) on my mother’s 60s-era mechanical machine. But that was 25+ years ago (probably closer to 30). About 10 years ago, I was able to make some ponchos with a stretchy polar fleece, but I just sewed it as if it were a woven.
Currently I am a bit more afraid because of some more recent failures: I tried to hem (and better fit) some t shirts – too tight and nasty stiff hems, and I have tried (unsuccessfully) to use the double needle on my sewing machine. I have since bought a serger, and even a couple yards of practice knit (for leggings/yoga pants – even have a pattern I can use). Thus far my serger has only been used for wovens, lol.
mary
July 28, 2013 #
I have just recently come onto your site and finding it very helpful. Have even perfected the ‘invisable zip’ with complete satisfaction…a big thank you!
Do you also have any tuturial on putting satin bias on a V-neckline.(fabric is a soft stretch)