[No title]
Cover Sewing with Knits A Beginner's Guide to Sewing with Knit Fabrics (736x736)
Table of Contents
- What is Knit Fabric?
- What is the Best Needle for Knit Fabric?
- What is the Best Stitch for Knit Fabric?
- How Do You Hem Knit Fabric?
- How Do You Prevent Knit Fabric from Stretching While Sewing?
What is Knit Fabric?
Knit fabric is a type of material made from interlocking loops of yarn or thread. It is stretchy and comfortable to wear, making it a popular choice for clothing items such as t-shirts, dresses, and activewear. Knit fabric comes in a variety of weights and textures, from lightweight and sheer to thick and bulky.
When sewing with knit fabric, it is important to choose the right needle and stitch to prevent the fabric from stretching or puckering. In addition, proper hemming techniques can help maintain the stretchiness of the fabric.
What is the Best Needle for Knit Fabric?
The best needle for knit fabric is a ballpoint or stretch needle. These needles are designed to penetrate knit fabric without damaging or snagging the fibers. The rounded tip of the ballpoint needle slides between the fibers instead of piercing them, reducing the risk of runs or holes in the fabric.
It is also important to choose the right size needle for your fabric weight. A smaller needle may not penetrate thicker fabric layers, while a larger needle can leave visible holes and damage the fabric. Check the label on your fabric for recommended needle sizes and adjust accordingly.
What is the Best Stitch for Knit Fabric?
The best stitch for knit fabric is a stretch stitch or zigzag stitch. These stitches allow the fabric to stretch without breaking or puckering. A straight stitch can be too rigid and cause the fabric to pull apart or stretch out of shape.
When using a stretch stitch or zigzag stitch, adjust the stitch length and width to suit your fabric. A shorter stitch length and narrower stitch width can help prevent the fabric from stretching or puckering.
How Do You Hem Knit Fabric?
Hemming knit fabric can be tricky, as traditional hemming techniques can cause the fabric to stretch and lose its shape. One technique is to use a twin needle to create a double row of stitching that mimics a coverstitch. This creates a flexible, stable hem that maintains the stretch of the fabric.
To use a twin needle, thread two spools of thread on your sewing machine and insert the twin needle into the machine. Sew along the hemline with the right side of the fabric facing up, using a straight stitch. The twin needle will create two parallel rows of stitching on the right side of the fabric, with a zigzag stitch on the wrong side to allow for stretch.
How Do You Prevent Knit Fabric from Stretching While Sewing?
To prevent knit fabric from stretching while sewing, use a stabilizer such as tissue paper or tear-away stabilizer. Place the stabilizer underneath the fabric and sew as usual, then tear away the stabilizer once the stitching is complete.
You can also use a walking foot or dual feed foot to evenly feed the fabric through the machine. These feet help prevent the fabric from stretching or shifting while sewing, resulting in a smoother, more even stitch.
Conclusion
Sewing with knit fabric requires some special techniques to maintain the stretch and shape of the fabric. Choosing the right needle and stitch, as well as using proper hemming and stabilizing techniques, can help you create beautiful, comfortable garments that will last for years to come.
By following these six steps and experimenting with different techniques, you can become a pro at sewing with knit fabric and create a variety of stylish and comfortable garments.
Post a Comment for " "