Welcome to the wonderful world of sewing with knit fabrics! We cover what kinds of fabric you can use, the tools you need, and tips for getting a professional finish while sewing. You will be making your own tees, leggings, and sweaters in no time!
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Tools for Knits
Source: Closet Case Patterns
Source: Schmetz Needles
Source: Colette Blog
Types of Knits
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Fleece
Source: Indiesew
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Interlock Twist Yarn (ITY) knits
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Sweater knits (Blackbird Fabrics sweater knits available Oct 12!)
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Novelty knits (quilted knits, velvet, lace)
- Stretch Percentage
- Sewing knits without a serger – An article by Seamwork Magazine
- How to do a Full Bust Adjustment on a pattern without any darts (quick method and classic method)
- Adjusting the bobbin tension:
Source: Seamwork Magazine
Beginner Knit Projects
T-shirts!
- Elliot Tee by Helen’s Closet
- Lark Tee by Grainline Studio
- Concord T-Shirt by Cashmerette
Turtlenecks!
Tank Tops!
Simple leggings!
Easy dresses!
Advanced / Intermediate Knit Projects
Undies!
Ruffles!
Wrap dresses!
Fold-over elastics!
Colour blocked or ruched knits!
Sweater knits!
Bodysuits!
Advanced leggings!
Sports Bras!
Hoodies!
Cool seams!
Bras!
Follow Helen! Blog: Helen’s Closet, Instagram: @helens__closet
Follow Caroline! Shop: Blackbird Fabrics, Instagram: @blackbirdfabrics
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A couple of comments on your knit episode.
“Pre-wash” or “no pre-wash effects on fabric grain. I recently met a well known pattern designer and custom clothier. She told me to NEVER wash a knit fabric prior to cutting as you will not be able to true the grain after washing. We all know that cutting on the grain is key to how the garment hangs on the body. I was quietly horrified as I had learned (from my sewing teacher mother), you always launder your fabric prior to cutting. I have noticed that knits do “twist” after being washed and I frequently have trouble finding the grain. Comments?
Wonder Tape is magic. My knit sewing practice was TRANSFORMED after discovering Wonder Tape. It holds tricky spots and knits together, allows you to line up stripes and patterns flawlessly, and acts as a super stabilizer for problem free serging. It helps maintain the intended pattern sizing during the construction process which results in superior final results. And, it all washes out!
new to this podcast, but looking forward to catching up with you guys
Hi ladies,
Greetings from Australia! I love the podcast and although I may be a little delayed in listening to the episodes, they really make my sewing time even more fun!
I just wanted to send in a few ideas on the sewing knits episode.
You mention adjusting bobbin tension if the twin needle is tunneling, but what you can also do is use a woolly nylon in the bobbin so it stretches a bit more and doesn’t tunnel.
Also, regarding pins- I don’t use stretch pins at all. I actually use Clover Wonderclips (or a cheap version thereof) and then I don’t risk any holes at all. Plus, they are super great for bindings!
Keep on being fabulous!
Love, Love, Love this episode!! Knits are awesome, they’re rewarding to sew and wear and way easier then woven (IMHO!) I just wanted to mention that I took the Craftsy class on sewing with knits by Meg McElwee (of Sew Liberated patterns) and it was life changing. The class includes 5 basic patterns. After taking her class I was able to get my super cheap sewing machine to work on even the slipperiest of knits. I became a more confident sewer after I took that class. So if anyone is still wanting more visual help, you can usually pick it up on sale for 20 bucks and it is well worth it.
I can’t wait to look into some of the awesome patterns you mentioned, thanks for all your hard work!
Hi Helen and Caroline!
I am relatively new to sewing and recently discovered your podcast which I have enjoyed listening to. I was so excited to see this episode because I have been wanting to try knits but was afraid of them as a beginner. This episode has given me the confidence to go for it and make a tee shirt! I have been a knitter for a while so the references to knitting were really helpful to me. Thanks again!