Welcome to the world of sewing patterns and knits, where you can learn all about knits like how to sew with knit fabrics. I know, at first it might seem a little confusing, but once you wear one of these fabrics, everything will make sense!
There is nothing better than wearing a comfortable T-Shirt or slipping on a cozy sweater. Not only do they feel good against your body, but they also move with you! So why not start learning how to sew them?
What are knit fabrics?
If you’re new and trying to learn, knits are made up of loops that interlock each other. This is what gives it that signature, stretchy stitch that everyone loves. They’ll even expand and recover themselves without losing any comfort or flexibility.
Once you’ve mastered how to sew with knit fabrics, it’s almost like having a superpower in real life. Not only will your clothes fit better, but they’ll look professional too! When it comes to sewing there is no “one size fits all” approach especially when you’re just starting out. The same goes for sewing with knits.
Understanding Knit Fabrics
Types of Knit Fabrics
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Jersey
– Lightweight and breathable
– Ideal for t-shirts -
Rib knit
– Often used for cuffs or neckbands
– Features vertical ribs that enhance jersey fabric appearance -
Interlock
– Offers more stability than jersey
– Less prone to curling at the edges when sewing knit fabric
Properties of Knit Fabrics
Knits glide are nicely over shaped, so there won’t be any creases because their natural elasticity makes them handle any shape without much trouble. As hard as getting rid of the edge curls can be, it’s one thing that makes knitting look unique. Knit fabrics tend hide any imperfections due to their texture – making it easy to fix them if you make mistakes.
Common Uses in Sewing Projects
So now that you know all about knits, what can you use them for? Well almost anything! You can create leggings, dresses or even accessories with them. And don’t listen to anyone who tells to you that lightweight knits is only good for clothes. They work perfectly fine with home decor too!
Step by Step Guide On How to Sew with Knit Fabrics
Now that we’ve taught you everything about knit fabric, it’s time to dive into the steps of how to sew with knit fabrics:
Step 1: Choose The Right Needle and Thread
Get a needle specifically designed for knits since they require a little extra care when being sewn through.
If you go out shopping (or even scrolling online) make sure to get a ballpoint needle or stretch needles as they have rounded tips – rounded tip which allows them to glide between fibers without snagging.
Also make sure you’re using polyester or nylon thread! These threads expand like most knit or woven fabrics will do – but they won’t snap when stretched.
Step 2: Prepare Your Fabric
Before you get all up in your how to sew with knit fabrics project, make sure to pre-wash and dry your fabric. It’s always a bummer when you spend all that time cutting everything out perfectly just for it to shrink later on. And if it does have any wrinkles, take the time to smooth them out after laying it flat.
If you see that the edges are curling up, hold and gently pull them down with weights or pins.
Step 3: Adjust Your Sewing Machine Settings
If you want to match your regular sewing machine part settings with the stretch of the fabric, drop the tension 2 points lower than usual to prevent shoulder seams from bunching up.
Step 4: Practice on Scrap Fabric
It’s better if you mess up on scrap fabric instead of your final project. By doing this, you get a good feel for how knits behave under the needle and also learn about any adjustments needed for your machine settings.
Step 5: Use Interfacing or Stabilizers
To stop uneven stitches in your knit fabric from stretching out as you sew, use interfacing or stabilizers. Having that extra layer of support will keep those spots of stretch stitches looking sharp and not distorted.
Step 6: Choose the Right Stitch
Sometimes, your sewing seams on knits may go with either a stretch stitch or narrow zigzag for stitch length. In both stitch lengths, let the material stretch without breaking anything apart. And by using a twin needle on hems stretch fabric finish nicely while also looking professional.
Step 7: Finish Seams and Hemming
There are different ways to approach finishing seams on knit fabric but if you have one available, send those bad boys through a serger — they produce clean lines (goodbye fraying) and give seams that pro-quality polish.
If not then I recommend using either a zigzag stitch or mock overlock stitch which is already on your regular machine.
Tips for How to Sew with Knit Fabrics
Adjusting Machine Settings for Knit Fabrics
We’ve all been through it with machine setup, a little too long or a little too short of stitches can absolutely ruin your piece. But if done right, longer stitches will stretch everything out while narrow zigzags add a bit more flexibility to seams. To play it safe though, always test on a pattern piece or scraps first.
Handling and Cutting Knit Fabrics
Knits are sensitive babies! So you have to handle them gently when cutting so they don’t distort later on (a common issue). For their sharp edges, rotatory cutters are the best tools for this job.
Techniques for Sewing Seams and Hems on Knit Fabrics
It’s time to get real gentle with it. Be sure to use an overcast stitch machine for seams since knits are delicate. And when hems come around, twin needles will get that professional look while also keeping those stretchy fabrics in mind as well.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dealing with Stretching and Distortion
Knit fabrics should be handled carefully. Remove them delicately and do not pull through the machine at all costs. If you want fabric stretches in its original shape and stay intact, then use both stabilizers or interfacing.
Preventing Puckering and Skipped Stitches
If there’s anything we can agree on, it’s that puckering is awful. But having a finicky machine at left hand only adds fuel to the fire. So make sure it’s properly set up! Those skipped stitches aren’t gonna fix themselves either, just do yourself the favor of replacing the needle or giving everything a good rethread!
Solutions for Seam and Hem Finishes
To get nice and tidy results on your finished seams, use either two needles for a straight stitch, the mock coverstitch or a stretch needle for blind hem. As for hems, go for a twin needle for that professional tailor look.
Finishing Touches
Pressing and Finishing Seams
You can spot a beginner when pressing is poorly done. But you shouldn’t go overboard with it either because too much heat will permanently destroy knits. Place a cloth on the top layer of your fabric and press with caution to avoid any damage.
Cleaning Fabric
Wash delicately in cold water. Then lay flat to dry. Don’t do anything more complex than this or all that time you put in will have been wasted.
Summing Up
Choose tools wisely as well, you don’t want a regular needle here because it’ll tear through instead of poking between the woven fabric and loops like we need it to. For thread, Polyester keeps its stretch even after being stretched from every direction.
In the end, sewing with knit fabrics is about embracing the stretch and working with it, not against it. With practice, the right tools, some sewing tips and a sprinkle of patience, you’ll be crafting comfortable, stylish knitwear in no time. Remember, every stitch is a step towards becoming a sewing knit fabric maestro!
