A guide to take the mystery out of sewing stretch knit fabric
Hey y’all, welcome to sewing with knits month on the blog! This month I’m going to be covering tips and techniques for successful knit fabric sewing, and that starts with knowing your stretch fabrics. Because the more you know, the more likely you won’t curse your machine and give up on sewing stretchy fabrics forever after you try it.
So today I’ve got a video showing different types of knits, how they’re made, and how they behave. If the video below won’t load for some reason, you can also watch it here. And if you prefer a written rundown of everything I talk about in the video, check out this post.
And finally, here’s a great cheat sheet on the types of knit fabrics. This covers the most common types of stretch fabrics you’ll find in stores. If you’re an absolute beginner to sewing with knits, note that I recommend interlock as a great starter fabric.
Remember that this chart refers to the construction of the knit, not the fiber. Fiber is what the yarn or thread is made of, like cotton, spandex, polyester, rayon, bamboo, etc. The same fabric constructed in different fibers will behave slightly differently. For example, you might have a cotton jersey or a polyester jersey. The cotton jersey will likely be softer and lighter and more breathable than the polyester jersey. The polyester jersey will likely have more drape than the cotton jersey. A cotton/poly blend jersey might have characteristics of both.
Want to read more about sewing with knits? See these posts:
Ria Woolcott
Thank you for sharing all these patterns with us, and some REE to boot.
With the cost of living today and the quality of store made [mostly made in China sweatshops] items it’s well worth dusting the sewing machine and start sewing your own cloths.
Thank you again and again for your inspiration.
Ria [a newly subscriber from Kwazulu Natal South Africa]
Judy
That video was AMAZING. I have sewn for 45 years, and never understood what you just explained in plain English. Thank you SO much!
pennyfpc
I agree with Judy! That’s amazing information! Your demonstration totally demystified knits!! (I’m a crocheter, so I still need to see the knitting in slow motion to fully comprehend how it works!) I could see the difference between the front/back pearle/loops and that made it super clear! I’m sharing this with all my sewing friends on facebook!!!!!!
Leigh Rollins
Thank you so much! That was great information; although I knit, I didn’t make the connection between a hand knit fabric and a machine knit fabric. Well done!
Kathie
Melissa, I just found this video and watched it. What a great explanation of knits. I have always wanted to order knits online because the selection is so much better than what I have at my local JoAnn’s, but have always been afraid because I like to feel the fabric and I wasn’t sure what type to order. This will greatly help me with testing various materials and composition.
Thanks,
Kathie
Paulette B
I appreciate your information, patterns and of course videos. I never know what knits to use for tops and knits. I have used several of your patterns and love the direct approach you use.
I cannot thank you enough for your blog and video measure twice. I have used your directions and information to make a top and it looks great.
Thank you thank you thank you
Lynn Burkhardt
Great lesson on knits. You clarified several things for me. Thank you so much.
Jean
What a brilliant and clear vedio to explain the knit fabric! Thank you so much, I knit, it make so much sense for me to understand the types of knit fabric which I was bit afraid of to use on my projects, for example now I know what type of fabric to use for cuff to make Pjs fits and looks better – the Rib Knit! Thank you xx
Steph
Thank you for the very clear and concise explanation of knit fabrics. Maybe I won’t be so reluctant to use them now!
Barb
You have helped me get over my fear of sewing with knits. I have made at least 15 dresses and they were so easy! I have a serger, so it was a no-brainer, yet I had been afraid because of the collar facings and hems. You de-mystified it for me and that has been so wonderful. I can’t wait to get back to sewing, but it is a seasonal thing for me. Right now, all my attention is directed at the gardens, fall and winter is my enameling for craft shows, only rainy days and early mornings go to sewing and quilting. We have rain in the forecast in a few days…I am really looking forward to pulling out my knit stash and sewing some tops. Thank you for the confidence you have given me.
Tanya
Earlier this year I sewed one of my first stretch knit projects… panties. I’m looking forward to trying out your panty pattern this week (I’ve already cut out all the pieces). Thanks to your post and video, I now have a better understanding of what fabrics I would need for other garment sewing projects I’ve been curious about.
Shirley
Thank you for the great explanation of the different types of knit! I just thought I’d share that the word “tricot”, is pronounced tree-koh. That final “t” is silent. There are a lot of new sewists out there and if they ever have to ask for such a fabric, it will be easier to find what they’re looking for when the pronunciation is correct. I hope that helps someone. 🙂 The only tricot I’ve ever used was the “slinky”, slippery type used for lingerie–I didn’t know about the mesh type! Even after sewing for 47 years, I still learn new things! Your patterns are fabulous by the way!