Mastering the Art of Sewing Knit Fabric: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you have a pile of soft and stretchy knit fabric sitting in your sewing stash, waiting to be turned into the perfect outfit? A staple in any wardrobe, knit fabric can be intimidating to work with for those used to working with woven materials. But fear not, mastering the art of sewing knit fabric is easier than you may think. In this article, we’ll provide you with the necessary tips and tricks to confidently tackle this versatile fabric and create professional-looking pieces. So grab your sewing machine and let’s dive into the world of sewing knit fabric!

Knit fabric is a versatile and popular choice for sewing projects. Its stretch and softness make it comfortable to wear, while its ease of use makes it perfect for beginners. However, sewing with knit fabric can be intimidating for some. The stretchiness of the fabric often poses challenges to those used to sewing with non-stretch materials like cotton or polyester. But fear not, with the right techniques and tools, sewing knit fabric can be just as manageable as any other type of material. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how to sew knit fabric.

The Basics of Sewing Knit Fabric

To successfully sew knit fabric, it’s important to understand how the material works and what tools and techniques are best suited for it.

Understanding Knit Fabric

Knit fabric is made by interlocking loops of yarn together instead of weaving them. This construction makes the material stretchy and drapey, giving it a unique quality that isn’t found in woven fabrics. There are different types of knit fabrics available in the market – some are very stretchy while others have limited stretchability. It’s essential to know what type of knit you’re working with to choose the right techniques for your project.

Sewing Tools for Knit Fabric

When working with knit fabric, having the right tools can make a significant difference in the final result. Here are some essential tools that you should have on hand:

– Ballpoint or Stretch Needle: These specialized needles have rounded tips that separate the fibers in the fabric without causing any damage.
– Walking Foot: A walking foot evenly feeds both layers of fabric through your machine, preventing shifting or puckering.
– Serger: While not necessary, a serger helps finish seams neatly on knit fabrics by securely wrapping them with thread.
– Twin Needle: This needle creates two parallel lines of stitching, making it perfect for hems on knit fabrics.

Preparing Knit Fabric for Sewing

Before you start sewing, it’s crucial to prepare your fabric properly. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Pre-wash your knit fabric using a gentle cycle and cold water to prevent any shrinkage.
2. Lay the fabric out flat and let it air dry. Avoid using a dryer as the heat can cause the fabric to shrink or warp.
3. Iron your fabric on a low setting if it’s wrinkled, using a pressing cloth to protect delicate knits.

Recommended Stitches for Sewing Knit Fabric

While there are various stitches you can use to sew knit fabrics, these are the most commonly used ones:

– Straight Stitch: A straight stitch is suitable for seams that don’t require much stretch, such as side seams or darts.
– Zigzag Stitch: Zigzag stitch allows for more stretch than a straight stitch, making it ideal for attaching two pieces of knit fabric together or topstitching.
– Stretch Overlock Stitch: This stitch is often used in sergers and provides excellent stretch and seam reinforcement at the same time.

Sewing Techniques for Knit Fabric

Now that you have a good understanding of knit fabric and the tools needed let’s dive into some techniques that will help you sew with ease.

Handling Knit Fabric While Sewing

When sewing with knit fabrics, it’s crucial to be gentle and avoid stretching or pulling the material. Here are some tips to keep in mind while handling knit fabric:

– Avoid pinning: Instead of pins, use clips or weights to hold your pattern pieces in place. Pins can cause distortion or lumpy seams on your final product.
– Use tissue paper: If you’re sewing a particularly stretchy knit, layering tissue paper between the fabric and the machine’s feed dogs can help keep the fabric from stretching.
– Sew slowly: Take your time while sewing with knit fabric. This allows for better control and precision, resulting in a professional-looking finish.

Seam Finishing Techniques for Knit Fabric

Since most knit fabrics don’t ravel, they don’t require any seam finishing. However, if you want to add extra strength and a professional touch to your seams, here are two simple techniques you can use:

– Overlock stitching: As mentioned before, sergers can finish seams beautifully on knit fabrics. If you have one, overlock the seam edges before joining your pieces together.
– Zigzag stitching: If you don’t have a serger, using a zigzag stitch along the edge of your seam will prevent any fraying.

Hemming Knit Fabric

Hemming is often considered one of the trickiest aspects of sewing with knits. But with practice and patience, you can achieve perfect hems every time. Here are two methods you can use:

– Fold-over hem: This method involves folding over the raw edge of your fabric twice and securing it with

Benefits of Sewing with Knit Fabric

Sewing with knit fabric can seem intimidating to some, but once you get the hang of it, you will wonder why you ever stuck to woven materials. Not only is knit fabric extremely comfortable to wear, but it also has many other benefits that make it a popular choice for clothing and other sewn items.

Firstly, knit fabric is incredibly stretchy and flexible. This means that it can mold to your body shape, making it more comfortable than stiff woven fabrics. It is the perfect choice for clothing that requires a lot of movement, such as workout clothes or children’s play clothes. The stretchiness also means that clothing made from knit fabric can often fit a wider range of sizes, making it a great option if you are making items to sell or give as gifts.

Another benefit of sewing with knit fabric is its durability. Knit fabrics are made using various stretching techniques which result in a stronger and more resilient fabric. This means that your sewn items will last longer and withstand more wear and tear compared to their woven counterparts. This makes knit fabric ideal for any items that will be subjected to frequent washing or heavy use, such as activewear or baby clothes.

One of the best things about sewing with knit fabric is its versatility. Knit fabrics come in an almost endless variety of weights, colors, prints and patterns which allows you to create unique pieces tailored specifically to your preferences or needs. Whether you are looking for soft and cozy loungewear or sophisticated evening wear, there is a suitable type of knit fabric available for your project.

Knit fabric is also very forgiving when it comes to sewing mistakes. Unlike woven materials which tend to fray easily when cut, knit fabrics do not unravel at the edges. This means that if you make any errors while cutting or sewing, they can easily be fixed without compromising the overall quality of your project.

Types of Knit Fabric

When it comes to sewing with knit fabric, it is essential to understand the different types available. Each type has its unique qualities, making them better suited for specific projects.

The most common type of knit fabric is jersey knit. It is lightweight and has a smooth surface making it ideal for T-shirts, tops, dresses and children’s clothes. It comes in a variety of prints and colors, making it a popular choice for fashion sewers.

French terry knit fabric has loops on one side and smooth surface on the other side, making it soft and absorbent. It is ideal for sweatshirts, hoodies or any other cozy apparel.

Ponte de Roma knit fabric is known for its stability and durability. It is thicker than other knits and has a smoother surface. This makes it perfect for structured garments such as skirts, dresses or even blazers.

Another commonly used knit fabric is interlock. It has a denser weave compared to jersey knit and offers excellent stretch and recovery properties. This makes interlock perfect for creating fitted garments such as leggings or swimwear.

Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabric

Sewing with knit fabric may require different techniques than sewing with woven material. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your sewing experience with knits goes smoothly:

– Always use a ballpoint or stretch needle when sewing with knits. These needles will not damage the delicate fibers of the fabric.
– Use a walking foot or dual feed mechanism on your sewing machine to help feed the fabric evenly through the machine.
– Opt for a narrow zigzag stitch instead of straight stitches when sewing seams to allow for stretch.
– Pay attention to the direction of stretch in your fabric when cutting out pattern pieces as this can affect the fit of your garment.
– Use tissue paper under your fabric as you sew to prevent it from getting caught in the sewing machine’s feed dogs.
– Try using a serger for finishing the edges of your knitted garments. This will give your project a clean and professional look.

Proper Care for Knit Fabric Items

To ensure that your sewn items made from knit fabric last for as long as possible, it is essential to care for them correctly. Here are some tips for proper care of your knit fabric items:

– When washing, use a gentle cycle and cold water. Avoid using fabric softeners as they can weigh down the fibers and decrease stretch.
– Lay flat to dry instead of using a dryer. This will prevent your garments from shrinking or losing their shape.
– Use a cool iron if necessary, but be careful not to apply too much heat as this can damage the fibers.
– Store your knit fabric items folded, rather than hanging, to prevent stretching.

Sewing with knit fabric may take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you will reap its many benefits. Knit fabrics are comfortable, versatile, durable and come in various types to suit different projects. With the right techniques and proper care, you can create beautiful and functional garments that will last for

1. What is knit fabric?
Knit fabric is a type of fabric that is created by interlocking a series of loops with yarn. It is stretchy and comfortable to wear, making it a popular choice for clothing.

2. What are the advantages of sewing with knit fabric?
Sewing with knit fabric has many advantages, including its stretchiness that allows for comfortable and form-fitting garments, its ability to resist wrinkles, and its ease of handling due to the lack of fraying edges.

3. What are the different types of knit stitches?
There are three main types of knit stitches: garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and rib stitch. Garter stitch is made by knitting every row, creating a bumpy texture. Stockinette stitch is made by alternating between knit and purl stitches, resulting in a smooth surface. Rib stitch includes columns of knit and purl stitches that create a stretchy fabric.

4. Do I need a special needle for sewing on knit fabric?
Yes, it is recommended to use a ballpoint or stretch needle when sewing on knit fabric. These needles have rounded tips that help reduce snagging or damaging the fabric.

5. What type of thread should I use for sewing on knit fabric?
Polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester thread is best suited for sewing on knit fabrics as they offer both strength and elasticity while being able to withstand the stretching and pulling of the material.

6. How can I prevent my machine from skipping stitches when sewing on knit fabric?
To prevent skipping stitches while sewing on knit fabric, try using a walking foot attachment on your machine or placing tissue paper under your seam as you sew as it can help stabilize the fabric and prevent skipping stitches.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew knit fabric can open up a world of possibilities for creating comfortable and versatile garments. It may seem daunting at first, with its stretchy and slippery nature, but with the right techniques and tools, sewing knit fabric can become an enjoyable and rewarding process.

We have discussed the essential tools needed for sewing knit fabric, such as ballpoint needles, stretch stitch settings on the sewing machine, and walking foot attachments. We have also covered important techniques such as stabilizing the fabric, handling seams and hems, and using appropriate stitches to ensure durability and flexibility in the final garment.

It is crucial to understand the characteristics of different types of knit fabrics to choose the right one for your project. We have mentioned how varying degrees of stretch, drape, and weight can affect the way a garment looks and feels. Taking care of your finished knit projects is also essential in maintaining their quality and longevity.

As you continue to practice sewing with knits, remember to always be patient with yourself. Some projects may not turn out perfectly on the first try, but with dedication and practice, you will improve your skills over time.

Ultimately, sewing knit fabric allows for endless creative possibilities in fashion design. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress looking for a

Author Profile

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.