How to Sew Knit Fabric
Creating with knit fabrics does not have to be more difficult or limiting than with cotton fabrics. You can use a regular sewing machine, just check your user manual to adjust the pressure for use with knit. Too much pressure on the presser foot can cause the fabric to stretch and you'll be left with puckered seams! Make sure to prewash your knit fabric if it is 100% cotton to be rid of the shrinkage. The knit fabric I use, our Batik Knit, is 100% cotton with a one way stretch.
When sewing a seam where you do not want stretch, like a shoulder, use a stabilizer, such as a lightweight interfacing. With knit you can use a universal (general purpose) needle to sew--it is that easy. And no need to finish your seams, knit doesn't ravel!
For knits with a wide width, you need to adjust the yardage you purchase for your project. Below is a great conversion chart for determining yardage amounts. Our Batik Knits are 72” wide, so you do not need to purchase as much yardage as you would using a smaller width knit fabric.
Here’s a simple way to determine the approximate amount of yardage you need when your pattern calls for one fabric width and your fabric width is different. Let’s say your pattern requires 2-½ yards of fabric with a 45” width. Locate the column on the chart below that reads “45 inches” and scroll down to 2-½.
Follow that row across the chart until you get to the column that reads nearest to the width of your fabric. For example, if your fabric is 72” wide, you’ll see that you need roughly 1-½ yards for your project.
If you do not already know how to convert yardage, there are many great apps for your smartphones and other devices. Here is one of the pieces I've created using knit and the pattern I used:
Happy Sewing!
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