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From: klschmeis
Date: 07-15-2005, 07:20 PM (1 of 11)
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I've always done all my sewing on fabric with no "give" to it. I know what I'm doing there, but am clueless about stretchy fabric. Could someone give me the ins and outs of sewing with stretchy fabric? I know to use a ballpoint needle, but that's all I know. I thought I heard somewhere that knits don't unravel, so you don't have to finish the edges. Is this true? Thanks. Lauri |
User: klschmeis
Member since: 05-13-2005 Total posts: 4 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-16-2005, 12:36 PM (2 of 11)
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Lauri, I suggest you plan to do some reading.. Sewing on knits is like a totally different world.. You would get best results if you use a pattern made especially for knits.. There are seams that need stabilizing and there are places to avoid stabilizing.. Do you have a serger?? That is a great machine for sewing on knits.. (a necessity as far as I'm concerned) I like mine to look professional.. I always stabilize the shoulder seams with 1/4 inch ribbon, because you don't want shoulder seams to stretch.. most necklines need some elasticity.. (myrriad of ways to get it). Not too many seams in your pattern makes it a lot easier , also..That is just a start.. I could write a book here.. 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 07-16-2005, 03:49 PM (3 of 11)
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I just got back from Hancock Fabrics with some rib knit fabric -- not like T-shirt fabric. It's a much looser knit -- Very stretchy, only in one direction though. I haven't worked much with knits since my oldest was in high school so what I knew, I've forgotten. And I don't think I've ever worked with anything like this. So, Libby, get to work on that book. It's too hot to work on it right now (this is silk weather), but in a month or so I'll need your wisdom and experience. That should give you plenty of time, as my editor would say. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: blackie
Date: 07-16-2005, 11:46 PM (4 of 11)
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I think with knits the key is to do some trial and error, and yes - get some good reference material. Yes, knit techniques are easy - once you know them! You end up having a "bag of tricks" for kints, depending on the fabric and the result desired. In my recent foray into knits I have used a lot of steam-pressing, stablilizing (both permanent, like Libby's mention of shoulder seams, and temporary, like tear-away or paper), and messing about with tensions on my machine. Also, eventually you get better at feeding the fabric to your machine (or getting a walking foot) which makes things go smoother (I can do a simple hem on even a stretchy knit without using any special technique). It is possible to sew knits with a regular machine and get good-looking, if not RTW-like results. But yes, most people vastly prefer a serger (I don't have the $75 to spare to "get my serger out of jail" yet... can't wait...). As a beginner, I have used the following to much advantage: 1. Singer's Sewing With Knits (http://www.campusi.com/isbn_0865732698.htm) from their reference library. Somewhat dated styles, but great tips! 2. The sewing with knits lessons (1, 2, and 3) (http://www.timmelfabrics.com/sewinglessons.htm) on timmelfabrics.com (http://www.timmelfabrics.com/). 3. a myriad of hints from Deepika's site, patternreview.com (http://www.patternreview.com/). Good luck! Some people say, "It's so easy to sew with knits!" but when you're coming from all wovens, it can be a challenge. With persistance, the right equipment (a serger is a HUGE plus), and a little trial and error - then it really is easy and rewarding. see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: woodywoodpecker
Date: 07-17-2005, 12:34 AM (5 of 11)
| Another thing to watch for is most times the most stretch goes around the body, you also may want to loosen the pressure on your pressure foot so it doesn't make your fabric stretch out of shape and make wavy seams, unless you want to do a lettuce edge, in which case you stretch the fabric as much as possible while doing the edge and it finishes all wavy. Kind of nice on little girls t-shirts and stuff like that. |
User: woodywoodpecker
Member since: 11-07-2003 Total posts: 242 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 07-17-2005, 08:10 AM (6 of 11)
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I've gotten pretty good with knits, but the rib knit is a totally different matter, even with the serger. Any tips on sewing with the rib knit? Everything I've made has ended up stretched way out of shape no matter what I've tried. The only thing I'm good at using rib knit at is for cuffs and collars and the like.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 07-17-2005, 09:52 AM (7 of 11)
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What I bought is like a sweater knit. I'm just going to mull it over for a while. I did buy a lot so I can make a few mistakes. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: bunzino
Date: 07-19-2005, 10:39 PM (8 of 11)
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I think ConnieLong's book is the best all around. nancy |
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002 Total posts: 119 |
From: MaryW
Date: 07-20-2005, 06:30 AM (9 of 11)
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I have made turtle neck tops with ribknit. They are great everyday wear and very comfy. I have made quite a few for my daughters as well, I just lengthen the front and backs.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 07-24-2005, 01:14 AM (10 of 11)
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Mary - how do you keep the ribknit from stretching all out of shape??? Do you serge them or just straight stitch??
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 07-24-2005, 08:27 PM (11 of 11)
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Bridesmom: When you're sewing rib knits, try using a small zig zag stitch instead of the straight or stretch stitch on your sewing machine. I find that the small zig zag goes a long way in preventing knits from stretching while being stitched in straight seams. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
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