Master the Art of Sewing Jersey Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar

Sewing can be a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but when it comes to working with delicate and stretchy fabrics like jersey, it can also be quite tricky. Fortunately, with the right techniques and a little practice, you can master the art of sewing jersey fabric. Whether you’re an experienced seamstress or a beginner looking to expand your skills, this article will provide you with the essential tips and tricks for successfully sewing this versatile fabric. So grab your sewing machine and let’s dive into the world of jersey stitching!

Introduction

Sewing is a popular hobby that is enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. One of the most versatile and comfortable fabrics to sew with is jersey fabric. Jersey fabric is a type of knit fabric that is soft, stretchy, and drapes beautifully. It can be made from a variety of materials such as cotton, polyester, or wool, making it suitable for different types of projects.

If you are new to sewing or have never worked with jersey fabric before, it can seem intimidating at first. However, with some tips and techniques, you can easily learn how to sew with jersey fabric like a pro. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about sewing with jersey fabric.

What is Jersey Fabric?

Before we dive into the details of sewing jersey fabric, it’s important to understand what exactly this type of fabric is. As mentioned earlier, jersey fabric is a type of knit fabric that is known for its softness and stretchability. It gets its name from the island of Jersey in the English Channel where it was first produced.

Jersey fabric can be made from different types of yarns such as cotton, wool, viscose or blends of these materials. This gives jersey fabric a wide range of qualities in terms of texture, weight and stretchiness. The most common type of jersey used in garments is cotton jersey which provides excellent drape and breathability.

Choosing the Right Jersey Fabric

When it comes to choosing the right jersey fabric for your project, there are a few things you need to consider:

  • Weight: Jersey fabrics come in different weights – light-weight for t-shirts and summer wear and medium or heavy-weight for jackets or winter wear. Choose the weight based on your project requirements.
  • Stretch: Jersey fabric is known for its stretchability, so it’s important to consider how much stretch you need for your project. Some jersey fabrics have more spandex or lycra content, providing higher levels of stretch.
  • Blend: As mentioned earlier, jersey fabric can be made from different materials or blends. Choose the blend that best suits your project needs. For example, if you want a breathable and comfortable summer dress, choose a cotton jersey.
  • Color and print: Jersey fabric comes in a wide range of colors and prints, so choose the one that complements your project design.

It’s always a good idea to buy an extra half-yard of fabric than what the pattern requires. This will give you some wiggle room in case of any mistakes or if you want to make any alterations.

Preparing Your Jersey Fabric

To achieve great results when sewing with jersey fabric, it’s important to prepare your fabric before starting the sewing process. Here are some steps to follow for prepping your jersey fabric:

  • Pre-wash: Before cutting your fabric, it’s important to wash and dry it according to the care instructions. This will prevent shrinkage after sewing your garment.
  • Cutting: Before cutting out your pattern pieces on the jersey fabric, always lay it flat on a large table or floor. Use pattern weights instead of pins to keep the pattern in place as pins can leave permanent holes in knits.
  • Stabilize: Sometimes jersey fabric can be quite slippery and difficult to handle. In such cases, using spray starch or interfacing can help stabilize the fabric and make it easier to work with.

Sewing Techniques for Jersey Fabric

When sewing with jersey fabric, there are a few techniques and tips that can help you achieve professional-looking results. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

  • Needles: Using the right needle is crucial when sewing with jersey fabric. A ballpoint or stretch needle is specifically designed for knits and will prevent skipped stitches or fabric damage.
  • Stitches: Use a straight stitch for normal seams and a zigzag or double needle for hems and edges. The zigzag stitch provides stretchiness in seams which is important for jersey fabric.
  • Tension: Adjust your machine’s tension settings when sewing with jersey fabric. Test on a scrap piece of fabric first to ensure your stitches look neat and the seam is not pulling or puckering.
  • Sewing foot: A walking foot or a knit foot can help feed the fabric evenly through your machine, preventing any stretching or distortion of fabric.

Finishing Touches

Once your garment is sewn, there are a few finishing touches that you can add to give it a more professional look:

  • Hemming: A double folded hem can be achieved by using a twin needle on the hemline, giving it

    Introduction to Sewing Jersey Fabric

    Sewing with jersey fabric can be intimidating for beginners, but once you get the hang of it, it can become one of your favorite materials to work with. Jersey is a type of knit fabric that is generally lightweight, stretchy, and comfortable to wear. It is often used for making t-shirts, dresses, leggings, and other casual garments. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of sewing jersey fabric like a pro.

    Understanding Jersey Fabric

    Jersey fabric is made from a single knit stitch, which gives it its excellent stretch and recovery properties. The two most common types of jersey are cotton jersey and polyester jersey. Cotton jersey is softer and more breathable, while polyester jersey is more durable and retains its shape better. You can also find blends of cotton and polyester in jersey fabric.

    One crucial thing to keep in mind when working with jersey fabric is that it has a tendency to curl at the edges due to its knitted construction. To prevent this from happening, you can use fabric stabilizers such as tissue paper or tear-away stabilizer when cutting your pattern pieces.

    Choosing the Right Needle and Thread

    The needle you use for sewing with jersey will make a significant difference in the final result of your project. We recommend using ballpoint needles or stretch needles since they have rounded tips that push through the knit stitches instead of breaking them. Sharp needles can cause skipped stitches or snagging on your fabric.

    When it comes to thread, we recommend using a good quality polyester thread that has some give to match the stretchiness of your jersey fabric. If your machine has an overlock or stretch stitch option, we highly recommend using those instead of a regular straight stitch.

    Cutting Your Fabric

    Since jersey fabric tends to curl at the edges, cutting it can be a bit tricky. To ensure accurate and clean cuts, we suggest using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. If you are using a pattern, make sure to lay your fabric on a flat surface and secure it with pins or pattern weights. You can also trace your pattern onto the fabric with chalk or water-soluble markers.

    One helpful tip for cutting jersey fabric is to use a small amount of spray starch on the edges to prevent them from curling up while you work.

    Sewing Techniques for Jersey Fabric

    When sewing with jersey fabric, there are a few techniques that will give you the best results. First, always remember to use a stretch stitch or an overlock stitch instead of a straight stitch. These stitches will allow your fabric to stretch without breaking.

    Another useful technique is to use a walking foot attachment on your sewing machine. This tool helps feed the fabric evenly and prevents puckering while sewing.

    When sewing curved seams, such as armholes and necklines, gently stretch the fabric as you sew to prevent it from bunching up.

    Finishing Touches

    After completing your project, it is essential to give it some finishing touches for a professional look. Since jersey fabric does not fray, there is no need for serging or hemming the edges. You can simply trim off any excess threads and leave the edges raw.

    If you want to add extra strength and stability to your seams, you can use clear elastic tape as an underlining while sewing.

    Troubleshooting Common Issues

    Even with proper techniques and tools, you may encounter some issues when sewing jersey fabric. Here are some common issues and how to solve them:

    – Skipped stitches: This usually happens when your needle is not able to push through the knit stitches. Try switching to a ballpoint or stretch needle.
    – Puckering: Puckering can occur if your fabric is not feeding through the machine evenly. Make sure to use a walking foot or hold the fabric taut while sewing.
    – Uneven hems: If you are struggling to keep your hems even, try using a double needle for a professional finish.

    Sewing with jersey fabric may seem daunting at first, but with the right techniques and tools, it can become an enjoyable experience. Remember to choose the right needle and thread, cut your fabric accurately, use the proper sewing techniques, and give your project some finishing touches. With practice, you will be able to create beautiful and comfortable garments with jersey fabric.

    Q: What is jersey fabric?
    A: Jersey fabric is a type of knit fabric that is usually made from cotton, wool, or a blend of both. It has a smooth face and a slightly textured back, and is known for its softness and stretchiness.

    Q: What are the characteristics of jersey fabric?
    A: Jersey fabric has a lightweight, flowy drape with good elasticity, making it very comfortable to wear. It also has good breathability and moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for activewear and apparel.

    Q: How do I sew jersey fabric?
    A: To sew jersey fabric, you will need to use a sewing machine with a stretch or zigzag stitch. It is important to use a ballpoint or stretch needle to avoid damaging the fabric. You should also use a suitable thread and adjust your machine’s tension settings accordingly.

    Q: Do I need any special techniques when sewing jersey fabric?
    A: Yes, since jersey fabric is stretchy, it may require some special techniques such as stabilizing seams with twill tape or clear elastic, using tissue paper under the fabric when sewing on the machine, or using knit stay tape on areas that tend to stretch out easily.

    Q: How can I finish raw edges on jersey fabric to prevent fraying?
    A: Since jersey fabric does not fray as much as woven fabrics, you can choose from various options such as using a serger/overlocker machine for a clean finish, using pinking shears for zigzag edges, or folding over the raw edges twice and stitching them down with a stretch stitch.

    Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when sewing with jersey fabric?
    A: Some common mistakes to avoid when sewing jersey fabric include using the wrong needle or thread, skipping steps such as stabilizing seams or using stretch stitches, and not adjusting tension settings for the fabric’s stretchiness. It is also important to avoid pulling or stretching the fabric too much while sewing.

    In conclusion, sewing with jersey fabric may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools and techniques, anyone can create beautiful and comfortable garments. Starting with selecting the right fabric and thread, preparing the fabric properly, and using appropriate stitches and techniques, such as serging and using a walking foot, can ensure success when working with jersey. It is also important to consider the stretch and drape of the fabric when choosing a pattern and to practice on scraps or simpler projects before tackling more complicated designs. Additionally, proper finishing techniques such as pressing and hemming will give garments a professional touch. Overall, sewing with jersey fabric requires patience, attention to detail, and practice, but the end result is well worth it. With these tips in mind, anyone can successfully sew garments that are both comfortable and stylish. So go ahead, grab some jersey fabric and start creating!

    Author Profile

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    Jill Nammar
    My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
    I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

    My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

    From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

    The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

    Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.