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

Sewing is not just a practical skill, it’s an art form. And if you’re looking to expand your sewing repertoire, one skill that is essential to master is sewing with knit fabric. Knit fabrics are a popular choice for creating comfortable and stylish clothing, but they can be intimidating for those who are used to working with woven fabrics. Fear not, because in this article we will share with you the tips and techniques you need to know in order to confidently sew with knit fabric. Whether you’re a seasoned sewing pro or just starting out, get ready to discover the joys of working with stretchy materials and creating beautiful garments that are both fashionable and comfortable. So let’s dive in and learn how to sew with knit fabric!

The Benefits of Sewing with Knit Fabric

Sewing with knit fabric has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. This versatile and stretchy fabric offers a wide range of benefits that make it a favorite among sewists. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seamstress, incorporating knit fabric into your sewing projects can elevate your skills to the next level.

Here are some of the top benefits of sewing with knit fabric:

1. Stretch and Comfort

One of the main reasons why knits have become so popular is their stretchiness. Unlike woven fabrics, which have little to no stretch, knits can be stretched in multiple directions without losing their shape or structure. This makes them incredibly comfortable to wear and move around in.

Knit fabric is perfect for garments that require a close fit, such as leggings, yoga pants, and t-shirts. The stretchiness of knits also means that they are forgiving when it comes to fit, making them a great option for beginners who are still learning how to sew.

2. Versatility

Knit fabric comes in a wide range of varieties, from lightweight jersey to heavy-weight sweater knits. This makes it suitable for various types of clothing and accessories. You can use it to create anything from flowy summer dresses to cozy winter sweaters.

In addition to clothing items, knit fabric is also great for home decor projects such as throw blankets, pillow covers, and curtains. With the right choice of knit fabric, you can easily transform the look and feel of your home.

3. Easy to Work With

While some may be intimidated by sewing with knits due to their stretchiness, they are actually quite easy to work with once you understand their properties.

Unlike woven fabrics that fray at the edges and require finishing techniques like hemming, knit fabric does not fray as easily. This means that you can create clean and professional-looking edges without the extra step of finishing. Additionally, knits can be easily serged or sewn with a zigzag stitch, making them a great option for those who don’t have access to a serger.

4. Great for Travel

Another benefit of knits is that they are perfect for travel. Due to their stretchiness and ability to retain their shape, knit garments are less likely to wrinkle and crease compared to woven fabrics. This makes them an ideal choice for packing in your suitcase for a trip.

Additionally, knit fabric is often lightweight and breathable, which makes it comfortable to wear in warmer climates. You can also easily create a wide range of outfits with just a few basic knit pieces, making them perfect for versatile travel wardrobes.

5. Budget-Friendly

Contrary to popular belief, sewing with knits doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, knit fabrics are often more budget-friendly compared to high-quality woven fabrics.

You can find affordable knits at most fabric stores or even repurpose old t-shirts and sweaters into new garments or accessories. This gives you the freedom to experiment with different designs and styles without worrying too much about the cost.

Tips and Techniques for Sewing with Knit Fabric

While sewing with knits offers numerous benefits, there are some techniques and tips that will make the process even smoother.

1. Use Appropriate Needles

When sewing with knits, it’s essential to use needles specifically designed for this type of fabric. Ballpoint needles are perfect for most knit fabrics as they have rounded points that slide between the fibers rather than piercing them like regular needles would do.

For heavier weight knits such as sweatshirt fleece or sweater knits, a stretch needle may be more suitable. As the name suggests, these needles are designed specifically for stretchy fabrics and can easily sew through multiple layers.

2. Choose the Right Stitch

As mentioned earlier, sewists often use a zigzag stitch or a serger to sew with knits. These stitches allow for stretch and prevent the thread from breaking when the fabric stretches.

However, if you don’t have access to a serger, you can still achieve stretch by using a straight stitch but adjusting the stitch length. A slightly longer stitch will allow for some stretch without compromising the strength of the seam. You can also use a double needle to create parallel lines of straight stitching that have some give.

3. Experiment with Different Types of Knits

As mentioned earlier, knit fabric comes in a variety of types and weights. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different knits to see which ones work best for your projects.

Lightweight jerseys are great for flowy garments such as dresses and skirts, while interlock knits are perfect for more structured pieces like jackets or blazers. By testing out different fabrics, you’ll learn how they behave and how best to work with them.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Knit Fabric for Your Sewing Project

When it comes to sewing, choosing the right fabric is crucial for achieving a professional and well-fitted outcome. This is especially important when working with stretchy and flexible fabrics such as knit. Not all knit fabrics are created equal, and it’s important to understand the different types available in order to select the right one for your project.

First, let’s take a look at the different types of knit fabric available. There are three main categories – single knit, double knit, and rib knits. Single knits are lightweight and have a smooth texture on one side and a textured surface on the other. Double knits, on the other hand, are thicker with two layers of interlocking loops. And rib knits have vertical ridges on both sides.

Each type of knit fabric has its own unique properties that make them suitable for different projects. For example, single knits are great for flowy garments such as dresses or skirts, while double knits work well for more structured pieces like jackets or pants. Rib knits are commonly used for cuffs and neckbands due to their stretchy nature.

When choosing a knit fabric for your project, take into consideration its composition. Knit fabrics can be made from natural fibers like cotton, silk, or wool; or synthetic fibers such as polyester or spandex. Each type of fiber offers different qualities – natural fibers tend to be softer and more breathable while synthetic fibers offer more stretch.

But why is choosing the right knit fabric so important? For starters, using the wrong type of knit may result in poor fit and drape, which can affect the overall look of your garment. A lightweight single knit may not have enough structure to support a fitted dress while a thick double knit could make your garment feel too heavy and stiff.

Additionally, using an unsuitable fabric may result in difficulties when sewing. Some knit fabrics are more challenging to work with than others and may require different techniques or equipment. For example, working with a rib knit may require using a walking foot to prevent the fabric from stretching or puckering.

Overall, understanding the different types of knit fabrics and their properties is crucial for selecting the right fabric for your sewing project. Not all knits are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can result in poor fit, difficulties while sewing, and ultimately a less-than-perfect end product. Take the time to research and choose the right fabric for your project to ensure a successful and professional outcome.

Prepping Your Knit Fabric Before Sewing

Once you have chosen the perfect knit fabric for your sewing project, it’s important to properly prepare it before beginning any cutting or sewing. This step is often overlooked but is essential for achieving a great end result.

The first step in prepping your knit fabric is washing it. Many people skip this step because they assume that it’s not necessary – after all, most fabric will be washed eventually once the garment is finished. However, washing your knit fabric before sewing serves multiple purposes.

Firstly, washing will help remove any excess chemicals or finishes that may have been added during the manufacturing process. These chemicals can cause skin irritation or affect the drape and appearance of your final garment.

Additionally, washing will also pre-shrink your fabric before sewing. Most knit fabrics have some amount of stretch in them due to the way they are knitted. Washing will help shrink and stabilize the fabric so that there are no surprises after your garment is complete.

When washing your knit fabric, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and consider using a gentle detergent or mild soap specifically designed for delicate fabrics.

Next comes drying – ideally, you want to air dry your knit fabric instead of using a dryer as high heat can cause shrinkage or damage the fabric. If you do decide to use a dryer, use a low heat setting and remove the fabric while it is still slightly damp to avoid over-drying.

Once your fabric is washed and dried, it’s time to lay it out and prepare it for cutting. Make sure your cutting surface is clean and smooth – any wrinkles or bumps can result in inaccurate cutting. Lay your fabric out flat and smooth out any wrinkles or creases with your hands.

If you are working with a pattern, make sure to align the grainline with the selvedge edge of your fabric. This ensures that your garment will hang correctly and not twist when worn.

Taking the time to properly prep your knit fabric before sewing may seem tedious, but it can make a huge difference in the final outcome of your project. It will not only help with achieving a better fit but also prevent any potential issues during the sewing process.

Best Techniques for Sewing with Knit Fabric

Sewing with knit fabrics can be daunting for some sewists, especially those who are used to working with more stable woven fabrics. However, with the right techniques, sewing with knit fabrics can be just as easy – if not easier – than sewing with wovens

Q: What is the difference between sewing with knit fabric and woven fabric?
A: Knit fabric has stretch and drape, while woven fabric does not. This means that special techniques and tools are needed when sewing with knit fabric.

Q: What type of needle should I use when sewing with knit fabric?
A: A ballpoint or stretch needle is recommended for sewing with knit fabric. These needles have a rounded tip that helps prevent damage to the delicate fibers of the knit.

Q: Do I need to use a special stitch when sewing with knit fabric?
A: Yes, a stretch stitch such as a zigzag or lightning bolt stitch is recommended for sewing with knit fabric. This allows the stitch to stretch with the fabric and prevents it from popping or breaking.

Q: How can I prevent my knit fabric from puckering when sewing?
A: Puckering can be prevented by using the correct tension on your machine, using a walking foot, or adding tissue paper underneath the fabric while sewing.

Q: Can I use an iron on knit fabrics?
A: Yes, you can use an iron on low heat with a pressing cloth or towel between the iron and the fabric. However, take caution not to overheat and melt the fibers of the knit.

Q: Should I prewash my knit fabrics before sewing?
A: It is recommended to prewash your knit fabrics before sewing, especially if it contains high amounts of cotton or spandex. This will help prevent shrinkage and ensure an accurate fit for your finished product.

In conclusion, sewing with knit fabric may seem intimidating at first, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be a rewarding experience. It is important to choose the right type of knit fabric, understand its properties, and prepare it properly before starting to sew. Using the correct needle and tension settings on your sewing machine is also crucial in achieving professional-looking results. The different sewing techniques discussed in this guide, such as using a serger or stretch stitches, can help you create strong and durable seams in knit fabric. Additionally, practicing and experimenting with scrap fabric is a great way to improve your skills and gain confidence in sewing with knits. With proper preparation, the right techniques, and some patience, anyone can master sewing with knit fabric and create beautiful garments that are both comfortable and stylish. Remember to always take your time and never hesitate to seek help or advice from experienced sewers if needed. By following these tips and techniques, you will be able to successfully sew different types of knit fabrics with ease. So go ahead and give it a try – your handmade knit garments will be sure to impress!

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.