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Episode 122: Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabric

Sponsor for June: Topstitch Makers Community : 3-month membership – all month long – total of 4 prizes!  On Instagram they are TopstitchATL.

Some past special guests for live talks have been Katie Kortman, Sarah Watts, Brooks Ann Camper, Sarah Thomas and Ruth Collins to name a few.

Some patterns / projects sewalongs include  Elizabeth Suzann Clyde Jumpsuit, Closet Core Patterns Kalle Shirt, Noodlehead Sandhill Sling, Fibremood Mable Top to name a few.

All members can re-watch recordings of our live sessions. It is normally $29 per mo or $290 per yr. 

This is a short video tour Leigh made a while back.

Catch up: 

Jenny:

Beverly: Self-drafted tiered dress – toile version for my Portugal dress (“Obrigada”)

New Patterns:

JANE DRESS PDF PATTERN

Max 63” hip

https://www.frenchpoetry.com/produit/pleiades-1-dress-sewing-pattern/ (size upgrade – max 64” hip)

Miriam

A plain and elegant jacket, perfect for wearing over a dress. Miriam is great for both formal and casual occasions. The pattern is suitable for beginners that want to learn. Choose between a ribbon or elasticated waist and a button for closure at the waist. The pattern includes two sleeve options: a short, gathered sleeve and a plain, long sleeve.

Did you start sewing with knits or wovens?

  • First garments:
    • Beverly
    • Jenny : Three piece suit, lined, with my mom.  Independently, a long dress with drop waist and button placket.
  • First knit garments:
    • Beverly
    • Jenny: probably knit shorts for my kids
  • Beverly is a bad influence
  • How to start off in knits if you’ve started with wovens, making the switch

Sewing with knits: what to do & do not. 

  • Ball point needles – part the fabric, not pierce it
  • Clear elastic for weight bearing seams
  • Serger or cover stitch machine
  • Always preshrink fabric
  • Use stretch stitches
  • Use a scrap to start off if your machine usually eats the fabric at the edge
  • Walking foot
  • Test first! 
  • Never let your fabric hang over the edge when cutting; the weight of the fabric will make it stretch as you’re cutting.

Favorite Knit patterns :

Beverly:

True Bias Hudson Pants– maybe my most worn item? Love them so much. 

Rebecca Paige Toronto Tee– Free basic tee shirt

Helen’s Closet Luna Tank – excellent sleepwear and work out top FREE – up to 60” chest

Jenny:

Chive by CaramiyaMaui

Aaronica dress by M4M

Tarlee tee by Muna & Broad

Favorite sources of knit fabric:

Beverly- T shirt material: stylemaker modal cotton blend. SO GOOD. 

Art Gallery knit fabrics are great in patterns!

GirlCharlee French terry knits

4 replies on “Episode 122: Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabric”

Always love your episodes! Thank you.

My knit tip is to get MaraFlex thread. It’s slightly stretchy so after sewing a knit garment in my server I do the neck band and hems with MaraFlex and can use use a nice clean straight stitch rather than a zig zag. Much nicer finish if you’re top stitching your neck band!

I learnt about MaraFlex at my local store, 1st for Fabrics, Newcastle Uk who get my shout out for always having a good selection of knits!

Hi, have you looked on marcytilton.com for print knits? Not sure what your taste is but maybe you’ll see something that might be your cup of tea.
Love the “shenanigans” on the podcast! Many thanks — always a joy to listen & learn!

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