Sew Like a Pro: Mastering the Art of Sewing on Knit Fabric

The art of sewing has been around for centuries, and with the rise of DIY culture and sustainable fashion, it has never been more popular. However, when it comes to sewing on knit fabric, many beginners may feel intimidated. Knit fabrics require a different approach and techniques compared to woven fabrics. But fear not, in this article we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to sew on knit fabrics with ease and confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your sewing skills, this guide will have you creating beautiful and professional-looking garments in no time. So grab your sewing machine and let’s dive into the world of sewing on knit fabric!

Sewing on Knit Fabric: Tips and Tricks for a Professional Finish

Knit fabric is a type of textile that is known for its stretchy and flexible nature, making it a popular choice for clothing and other textiles. However, this versatility can also present challenges when sewing with knit fabric. Unlike traditional woven fabrics, knit fabric requires specific techniques to achieve a professional finish. In this guide, we will explore the best practices for sewing on knit fabric and provide you with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your project turns out beautifully.

The Basics of Sewing on Knit Fabric

Before diving into the techniques, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of sewing on knit fabric. First, it’s essential to choose the right needle and thread for your project. For knit fabric, it’s best to use a ballpoint needle as it won’t pierce or damage the fibers like a regular sharp needle would. When it comes to thread, opt for polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester thread as they provide strength and stretch to keep up with the elasticity of the fabric.

Next, make sure you have a quality pair of scissors or rotary cutter as cutting knit fabric accurately is crucial to achieving a professional finish. You may also want to consider stabilizing your fabric before cutting to prevent any stretching or distortion.

Techniques for Sewing on Knit Fabric

One of the most common challenges when sewing on knit fabric is handling its stretchiness. The two main techniques used when dealing with stretch fabrics are using a zigzag stitch or a double-needle stitch.

A zigzag stitch allows for flexibility in the seams while still providing adequate strength. To achieve this stitch, simply set your machine to a zigzag setting rather than the traditional straight stitch. Another option is using a double-needle stitch, which creates parallel rows of stitching that resemble that of an overlock machine. This stitch is stronger than a zigzag and mimics the look of a professional serged seam.

Another essential technique to use when sewing on knit fabric is using a walking foot. This type of presser foot helps feed the fabric through the machine evenly, reducing any stretching or warping that can occur with knit fabric. Additionally, try lowering the presser foot pressure to prevent unnecessary stretching of the fabric as it passes through the machine.

Finishing Techniques for Knit Fabric

The finishing techniques used for knit fabric greatly depend on the project and desired outcome. One popular method is using a coverstitch machine to create hemlines, cuffs, and necklines that have a professional, store-bought finish. A coverstitch provides stretch and strength, making it an ideal choice for knit fabrics.

If you don’t have access to a coverstitch machine, using a twin needle can also achieve a similar result. Simply set your machine to a double-needle stitch and sew parallel lines along the hemline or edge of your project for added stretch and stability.

For projects that require elastic, it’s best to use clear elastic rather than traditional elastic as it won’t show through any lighter-colored fabrics. Basting or using wash-away tape can also help stabilize elastic while attaching it to your project.

Tips and Tricks for Sewing on Knit Fabric

– Always do a test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing on your project to ensure you have the correct tension and stitch length.
– Use tissue paper under your knit fabric when sewing hems to prevent tunneling.
– Invest in good quality thread as cheap thread can cause issues such as breakage or uneven tension.
– Use an overlock or zigzag stitch when attaching two pieces of knit fabric together instead of using straight pins.
– Consider investing in specialty presser feet designed specifically for sewing with knit fabrics, such as a ballpoint needle or walking foot.
– If your fabric is curling at the edges, try spraying it with a light mist of water and pressing with an iron before sewing.
– Don’t stretch the fabric while sewing unless the pattern specifically calls for it.
– Experiment with different tension and stitch length settings to see what works best for your specific fabric and project.

In Conclusion

With these tips and techniques in mind, you are now armed to confidently sew on any type of knit fabric. Remember to take your time, test stitches on scraps, and use proper tools to achieve a professional finish. With practice and patience, you’ll be able to create beautiful pieces using this versatile fabric. Happy sewing!

Before You Begin Sewing On Knit Fabric

Before you dive into sewing on knit fabric, it’s important to understand the different types of knit fabrics and how they behave when being sewn. There are various types of knit fabrics such as jersey, interlock, rib knits, and more. Each type has its own unique characteristics and will require different techniques when it comes to sewing.

When selecting a knit fabric for your project, consider the weight, stretchiness, and composition of the fabric. Heavier knits can be more difficult to work with, while lighter knits may require a bit more precision. Stretchier fabrics will also need to be handled differently than less stretchy ones. Additionally, the composition of the fabric (for example: cotton, rayon, polyester) can impact its overall durability and how it handles during sewing.

It’s also important to have a good understanding of your sewing machine and its different settings. Knit fabrics are notorious for being tricky to sew with traditional sewing machines. Make sure you have selected the right needle (ballpoint or stretch) for your fabric type and adjust your tension settings as needed.

Preparing your fabric before sewing is crucial for successful results. Always wash and dry your fabric before cutting and sewing to prevent any shrinkage or change in shape after your project is complete. If needed, use a pressing cloth when ironing out any wrinkles in your fabric to avoid damaging the delicate fibers.

Essential Supplies for Sewing On Knit Fabric

In addition to having a good understanding of knit fabrics and using the right settings on your sewing machine, there are some essential supplies that will make sewing on knit fabric easier and more efficient.

1. Ballpoint or stretch needle: As mentioned before, using the correct needle is crucial when working with knit fabrics. A ballpoint or stretch needle has a rounded tip that will glide between the knit fibers without damaging them.

2. Interfacing: Knit fabrics can be tricky to stabilize, and using interfacing can help prevent stretching and puckering while sewing.

3. Walking foot: A walking foot is a helpful tool when working with knit fabrics. It evenly feeds the fabric through the machine, preventing any shifting or bunching.

4. Sewing clips: Instead of using traditional pins, sewing clips are a better option for keeping your knit fabric in place without creating holes.

5. Fabric stabilizer: If you are working with a particularly delicate or stretchy fabric, a fabric stabilizer can help provide support and prevent distortion while sewing.

6. Ballpoint pins: If you prefer to use pins, ballpoint pins are a better choice for knit fabrics as they will not puncture the fibers like regular pins would.

Cutting and Marking Your Knit Fabric

When cutting your knit fabric, it’s important to use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to ensure clean edges and prevent any fraying. It can also be helpful to use pattern weights instead of pinning the pattern pieces down which can stretch out the fabric.

In addition to cutting out your pattern pieces accurately, marking your fabric is also important. Traditional tailor’s chalk may not show up on darker colored fabrics, so considering an alternative marking tool such as temporary fabric markers or chalk pencils may be necessary.

Before you begin cutting out your pieces, make sure to check if your pattern has any specific markings for grainline or stretch direction. Following these guidelines will ensure that your garment hangs and fits correctly when it’s finished.

Sewing Techniques for Knit Fabric

When it comes to sewing on knit fabric, there are some specific techniques that will ensure a professional finish on your project.

1. Use stretch stitches: Most sewing machines have stretch stitches such as zigzag or triple stitch that are better suited for sewing on knit fabrics. These stitches have more give and will prevent the seams from popping when the fabric stretches.

2. Serge or finish raw edges: Knit fabrics can fray easily, so it’s important to finish your raw edges to prevent any unraveling. A serger is a great option for this, but if you don’t have one, using a zigzag stitch or pinking shears can also work.

3. Sew with the nap/one-direction sew: If your knit fabric has a noticeable texture, make sure to sew all your pieces in the same direction to maintain consistency in appearance.

4. Use stabilizing techniques: For seams that may stretch out, consider using stay tape or clear elastic to reinforce them and prevent any distortion.

Finishing and Caring for Your Knit Fabric Project

Once you have completed sewing on your knit fabric project, there are a few final steps to ensure that it looks great and lasts a long time.

1. Finishing touches: Use an iron with a low heat setting and pressing cloth to smooth out any wrinkles and give your project a professional finish.

2. Try it on: Before you officially call your project finished, try it on and make any necessary adjustments for fit or

1. What is the best type of needle to use for sewing on knit fabric?
The best needle to use for sewing on knit fabric is a ballpoint or stretch needle. These have rounded tips that will not damage the fabric, unlike regular sharp or universal needles.

2. How do I prevent my knit fabric from puckering when I sew?
Puckering can be prevented by using a walking foot or a stretch stitch on your machine. This will evenly feed the fabric and prevent it from stretching or bunching up.

3. Can I iron knit fabric before sewing?
Yes, you can iron knit fabric before sewing, but make sure to use a low heat setting and a pressing cloth to avoid any damage or shiny marks on the fabric.

4. Is it necessary to use a different stitch when sewing on knit fabric?
Yes, using a specialized stitch such as a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch is recommended when sewing on knit fabric. This will allow the stitches to stretch with the fabric and prevent them from breaking.

5. How do I finish raw edges on knit fabric?
To finish raw edges on knit fabric, you can use an overlock stitch or serge the edges with an overlock machine. Alternatively, you can also use a zigzag stitch along the edge of the fabric to prevent fraying.

6. What is the best way to hem knit garments?
When hemming knit garments, it is best to use a twin needle on your machine for a professional-looking finish. You can also opt for using bias tape as binding for curved hems to prevent them from stretching out.

In conclusion, knowing how to sew on knit fabric is an essential skill for anyone interested in sewing or fashion design. It allows for the creation of comfortable and versatile garments, perfect for everyday wear. In this guide, we have discussed the different types of knit fabrics, the necessary tools and techniques for sewing on knit fabric, as well as tips to help you achieve a professional finish.

One of the main challenges when working with knit fabrics is their tendency to stretch and deform during sewing. However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to achieve a clean and precise result. Remember to use a ballpoint needle, stretch stitch or zigzag stitch, and always stabilize your fabric before sewing.

Additionally, understanding the characteristics of different types of knits can help you choose the most suitable fabric for your project. This knowledge also enables you to play around with design possibilities and create unique pieces that stand out from traditional woven fabrics.

Lastly, do not be afraid to experiment and practice on scrap fabric before diving into your final project. Sewing on knit fabric requires patience and precision but with practice comes mastery. Remember to start with simple projects before moving on to more complex designs.

In summary, learning how to sew on knit fabric opens up a world of possibilities in fashion design. With

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.