Sewing with Knit and Jersey Fabrics

Рет қаралды 119,008

Күн бұрын

We know that sewing with knit and jersey fabrics can be a nerve wracking prospect, but there are so many reasons to give them a try. They are easy to fit, comfortable, don't need hemming and actually sewing them just isn't as hard as you might think. We'll take you through all of our top tips for getting great results on a sewing machine including which sewing machine needles, feet and stitches to use plus which tapes and interfacing to use. We'll also give you tips on how to choose the right fabric and patterns. We'll give you a quick overview of overlockers and coverstitch machines too, although this video will show it isn't necessary to have one to enjoy sewing these fabrics. You can find all of the products we mention on our site and the links are below:
► Sew Essential www.sewessential.co.uk/
► Sew Essential blog www.sewessential.co.uk/blog
► Top tips for sewing jersey necklines • Tips for Sewing Jersey...
► Patterned stretch jersey fabrics www.sewessential.co.uk/fabric...
► Plain stretch jersey fabrics www.sewessential.co.uk/fabric...
► Ball point needles www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Stretch needles www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Twin needles www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Sewing machine accessories (for extension tables and walking feet) www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Overlockers and coverstitch machines www.sewessential.co.uk/sewing...
► Stay tape for shoulder seams www.sewessential.co.uk/haberd...
► Narrow 6mm ribbon www.sewessential.co.uk/bowtiq...
► Stretch interfacing white www.sewessential.co.uk/stretc...
► Stretch interfacing black www.sewessential.co.uk/stretc...
► Bias tape charcoal www.sewessential.co.uk/vilene...
► Bias tape white www.sewessential.co.uk/vilene...
► Clear elastic www.sewessential.co.uk/haberd...
► Woolly nylon thread www.sewessential.co.uk/madeir... and www.sewessential.co.uk/woolly...
Carefree Melody by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: www.twinmusicom.org/song/302/c...
Artist: www.twinmusicom.org

Пікірлер: 165

@cejae1616 10 ай бұрын

I’m taking a class and left feeling lost-YOU have put it all together for me!! Thank you!

@Lisargarza 5 ай бұрын

I’ve been sewing for decades but never felt I’d conquered knits. Sometimes my projects came out gloriously, others went straight to the bin of despair. But you’ve given me lots of insight and tips! Next up: leggings for my granddaughter! Thank you!

@suzymorgan440 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful teacher .... go glad to find her .... wonderful stuff in every category ..... Thanks for Being There !

@kristinekiddell1196 Жыл бұрын

Just watched a bunch of stretch sewing videos and this is by far the best, thanks so much for sharing xx

@kathybrigger9431 3 ай бұрын

Great video. Thank you for sharing.

@priscillazietsman1300 9 ай бұрын

So happy this showed up on my feed! I am busy creating patterns for various crop tops and have to admit I have been working slow on the patterns because I am so scared of sewing with the knits. These tips are excellent! Thank you so much❤

@pennant43 4 жыл бұрын

Wish I’d seen your excellent tutorial before I stitched my first jersey top - you live and learn as they say. Thanks for your brilliant advice R

@jenfavc 4 жыл бұрын

Have just started sewing again after many years, and with all the new fabrics available now I found this video really helpful, I have never tried knit fabrics and and made two tops so far after watching this. Enjoying my sewing again and looking forward to learning all about how to use "new" fabrics with my super duper new sewing machine. Thanks so much.

@maggiesmith8261 4 жыл бұрын

I’m just about to make my first jersey garment. So pleased I watched your tips they are brilliant thank you.

@withit062714 3 жыл бұрын

Many thx for all these great suggestions and tips, Lucy! Love the plexiglass sewing surface extension platform - so clever! :)

@vivlee3840 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thank you. I need a bit more practise with knits and jerseys but you've given some very useful & important tips. Here we go then!

@asojourner3534 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent vlog. I made some mistakes with my first pair of knit pants but I learned... And, I have learned so much more with your information. Thank you!

@gisselmi142 3 жыл бұрын

I just want to congratulate this lady she is amazing! How on earth does she remember everything? And she so cleaver and focus and explains it very clean. Thank you and I'll be watching more of your videos if this lady is explaining them.

@karenminet9275 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the vlog. I've been loving sewing with knits for years, and still got new info from you. Your vlog was concise and complete. Great job Lucy.

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your lovely comments, that is great to hear. I used to fear sharing information people are already aware of, but over time I've learned it is always worth sharing just in case and so often people say they've learned something new, which is music to my ears.

@sleepyturtle2064 2 жыл бұрын

I've watched probably eight videos on sewing with knit fabrics and this has been by far the most helpful. Thank you!

@musikkfamilien 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! You are explaining everything very nicely. And you are so nice to listening to! Love from Norway

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

That's very kind of you to say, thank you so much.

@angelawhite7870 11 ай бұрын

This is so great! Thank you so much for making this accessible and much less scary, and the amazing tips! And I found it to be the perfect introduction to sergers/overlockers, to someone who'd like to have one, but is a bit intimidated and not ready for the expense quite yet either. I haven't taken the plunge to try a knit project, but this definitely makes me think I might be ok. :)

@marcellathompson5561 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you, great tips especially for me who is intimidated to try sewing jersey or any stretch fabric.

@knitknack2285 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I just made my first jersey shirt and I knew about the shoulders but I did not know about stabilizing the neckline. I thought I was doing something wrong 😑 lol also your overlocker tips were very helpful as well!

@robbell8724 11 ай бұрын

Thank you- this is a wonderfully detailed video for extra tips on sewing with knits. I have sewn many items including woven cat igloos but just one t-shirt. I am about to make t-shirt for hubby so will use your tips as I had forgotten some of them. Very many thanks- a great video-Juliet

@bacon_girl1155 3 жыл бұрын

Lucy, an excellent & detailed presentation! So full of essential information & tips! Thank you!!

@SewEssential 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@paulafoster3712 Жыл бұрын

Just watched this tutorial and found it SUPER helpful. Lots of tips I had no idea about! thank You! Most of my clothing is 'stretchy' so I am looking forward to trying to sew jersey fabrics and make tops. the 'tunnelling' is my problem which I am trying to perfect.

@sueking6086 3 жыл бұрын

Your presentation and your knowledge is amazing. I could watch for hours....in fact I have. Now to get the overlocker and sewing machine out!

@SewEssential 3 жыл бұрын

Ah thank you so much

@jounderhill6913 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! Thanks for this. I’ve just sewn my second “stretchy” fabric top...so much to learn! 😁

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Well done Jo, glad to hear you've taken the plunge, I'm sure you won't look back now. Always so much to learn for all of us, we certainly never stop learning when we sew, one of the main reasons I find it so addictive!

@Cyrilmc222004 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Lucy, I really really enjoyed watching this, you have covered so much more than I thought 💭 you would and I’m lucky to have an over locker and and nice sewing machine. Thank you for this very very helpful and useful video. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

@SewEssential 3 жыл бұрын

Oh that's a pleasure Mags, thanks for the lovely feedback

@amyeklund746 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I would like to try sewing a knit but I have been unsure about how and where to start. Thank you for explaining some key things to think about before I get into my first attempt.

@doowopshopgal 3 жыл бұрын

I will be doing my first net blouse very soon and this video was fantastic now I don’t seem so scared.

@sarahnaomi23 2 жыл бұрын

Such great information, thank you! Excellent video.

@bschilling531 3 жыл бұрын

You're a very good teacher. Thank you so much!

@SewEssential 3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome and thanks for your kind words I try my very best.

@heathermacmillan3076 4 жыл бұрын

Loads of great information! Thank you for sharing 😊

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

It's a pleasure, so glad you found it useful.

@clairedriscoll8628 2 жыл бұрын

Such a useful informative vlog, thank you x

@susanroome5020 4 жыл бұрын

Really helpful and thorough vlog. Thank you so much!

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

It's a pleasure Susan, thank you so much for sharing such lovely feedback, it is much appreciated.

@janeenmckenzie4586 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, I really appreciated this tutorial & tips, extremely useful. 😃

@jojosewist8921 4 жыл бұрын

Its the purchasing knit and or jersey fabrics on line that intimidates me. Some sites will give percent of stretch(useful), but others only say 1way or 2way stretch, while some will have slight, moderate, or very stretchy. I have wasted enormous amounts of time searching for good fabric. Oh what I would give for a wonderful brick and mortar fabric store closer than a six hour round trip drive that offers more than just quilting cottons. I am in the USA. I am considering giving up sewing unless can find a great online fabric store---and I can learn how to purchse the correct fabric w/o seeing and touching it first.

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

We offer a sample service so perhaps it is worth finding out if some of the US stores do the same

@RobinEsch 4 жыл бұрын

Local fabric stores have a poor and limited supply of knit fabric so I'm left to purchase knit fabrics online. I experienced the same issue in that unless I purchase sample fabric, then I have limited ways to determine stretch percentage.

@mnoeliarc 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for such a comprehensive video. It’s very helpful 😊

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your kind comments, they are much appreciated.

@cocasio7190 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing all the tips!

@marionlacey1986 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Lucy, for this amazingly helpful video from 3 years ago.. You make it all sound easy peasy, but as a beginner at stretch sewing I managed to create a disastrous result when sewing a turtle neck sweater using veryl stretchy ribbed fabric on with my then new overlocker. I had big waves along the side seams and the neckband isn't even worth a mention, nor the flared hem, apart from saying it ended up in the bin! Since then I have improved and made 2 jersey dresses that turned out surprisingly well combining both my sewing machine and overlocker. I however still need to overcome my racing heartbeat when I attach a neckband using my overlocker. I do stabilise my shoulder seams but I found your tips about using stabiliser around the neckline, and the clear elastic super helpful (never would have thought of that)!. Thank you again, warmest wishes from South Australia.🐾🦋

@LCmonman 3 жыл бұрын

Love love love the 10cm rule!!! So simple!! 🧵

@heatherp7019 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the comprehensive video!

@emmabuxton7971 8 ай бұрын

Brilliant Lucy. Thank you 😊

@joannie895 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant tips ! Thank you x

@janecartmale2884 4 жыл бұрын

I have recently bought an overlocker after using my sewing machine stretch stitch, I haven't used it to make a garment yet but had a little play on some plain jersey fabric scraps, so Im so pleased to have seen this vlog and will get onto it after all the Xmas makes!!! Janex

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, so glad to hear that Jane, good luck I'm sure you'll love it!

@TheAAdele05 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial! I'm just coming back to sewing from Jr. High School 😂. Thank you for sharing!❤️

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

it's a pleasure - welcome back, you're going to love it!

@celiahaddon4087 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. This is really informative.

@georgycolson9671 8 ай бұрын

Really great tips. Thank you.

@marianlanouette4768 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, thanks, I learned a lot today.

@nataliew9174 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Lucy....I always enjoy your videos, but with this one in particular I learned so much. You have a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise to impart! Last Christmas, my husband surprised me with an overlocker....I was super excited with it, but afraid of it at the same time. As soon as I began using it, I never looked back...it’s an incredible time saver. Anyone thinking of getting one, it is definitely a worthwhile investment. I checked out your site and you have quite an array to choose from as well!

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

What a lovely comment Natalie, thank you so much. Yes the overlocker love for me is strong too. I remember feeling exactly the same in the beginning - nervous and scared of messing things up, but then I thought, well I've got it now so I just need to use it and like you I've never looked back! Thanks for the lovely feedback about our website too.

@MsOrchidBouquet 4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video, thanks! I didn’t know about stretchy interfacing.

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

It's a pleasure and, yes, stretch interfacing is fantastic stuff, so, so useful, I use it every stretch project in some shape or form.

@letmeexplain1816 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely Fantastic Information and help❣️🙂

@katie4996 6 ай бұрын

This was an amazing video. Thank you so so much!!

@sandyjones9144 2 жыл бұрын

New to the overlocker party - have just had my Mum’s old Singer cleaned and serviced after years of it sitting in a box (its very old). I enjoyed your vlog and I’ve learned so much. Thank you. I will be having a go on some scrap fabric before investing in everything needed - I’m so looking forward to making something with jersey and knit fabrics.

@lynetteoosthuizen8947 Жыл бұрын

Good for you Sandy! Sewing is wonderfully rewarding and fulfilling. Time well spent. Sewing regards from Africa. Lynette

@jaynefederici9140 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lucy, I didn't know about the measure on the patterns. I have never noticed it. I love sewing with knits. A great fabric to start with is a structured ponte because it is very stable so almost like sewing with a woven but without the fraying 😀

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

So glad that little snippet was useful to you and yes structured ponte is a great place to start as you say.

@FindJustMarty 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for this video! Hi from the US

@video2010iphone 2 жыл бұрын

Just found you. Now I want to try sewing. Here we go, I’ll start with a t-shirt

@lindag3663 4 жыл бұрын

That was really helpful - thank you!

@marysmith7046 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant, thank you, Lucy

@shellyscott8275 4 жыл бұрын

Such a good vlog Lucy 👏 A real confidence booster for worried newbies. Like Juliet below, I found Ponte Roma a very “polite” fabric to start with.

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Shelly I'm so pleased to hear it, the more people I can help to find the confidence to try new things and expand their sewing knowledge the better. I know how much joy it brings me and I want other people to have the same lovely experiences.

@alexandriaborn8285 2 жыл бұрын

Great tips . Many thanks

@carolehale3612 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Full of tips - and an English accent!

@kenyayopp1653 2 жыл бұрын

This is awesome. Thank you!

@traceystewart6232 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing....this is brilliant.

@SewEssential 3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome, thanks for watching.

@karenhodgson7880 2 жыл бұрын

So informative, thank you

@jorjaprice2190 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lucy, I am planning on making a few jumpers this coming week. I took off a few days of work to sew.

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

That sounds like absolute bliss to me! I am making a LOT of jumpers at the moment!

@shaidabegum. 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Lucy. Great tip on how to find the stretch percentage.

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much.

@karengardiner75 3 жыл бұрын

Love your Video and your Voice 🌼🌼🌼

@canoneyes 3 жыл бұрын

I'm brand new to sewing, like just threaded a machine 2 weeks ago new! I really needed this video because my main interest IS to sew knit and jersey fabrics. I love soft clothing, things that don't make me itch. I will definitely buy some practice fabric this weekend and see how it handles on my sewing machine. Thank you!❤

@robertawestbrooks9531 Жыл бұрын

You go girl, sewing knit is a challenge, but if you feel positive, good luck to you.

@lynetteoosthuizen8947 Жыл бұрын

Lovely. You will be happy you started sewing. Complements to your initiative. Lynette. Africa.

@kittybrowning 3 ай бұрын

I'm a newbie sewer started in aug 23 with quilts and bags moved to clothes Jan/Feb 24 I've recently bought some knit got it at a very cheap price and so I've been watching a lot of vids for tips and I've noticed most ppl don't mention you can use a knit foot which is a baby version of a walking foot but it doesn't required un doing screws n changing the shank as well

@trackalina9229 7 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this❣️

@roulatornariti9005 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. thank you.

@helennessfield5606 4 жыл бұрын

Wow - another extremely informative vlog. Thank you. Would love you to do some vlog on overlocking techniques - mine stll scares me!!

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Helen, thanks so much I'm so glad you enjoyed it and I will try and get around to some overlocking technique videos for you. Once you've mastered it, it makes life so easy and to be honest, with most overlockers the hardest bit is threading it rather than the sewing.

@youngzek9747 3 жыл бұрын

SO HELPFUL THANK YOU VERY MUCH

@amylenkowsky8681 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you

@SewEssential 3 жыл бұрын

You are welcome!

@emilymiller8104 2 ай бұрын

Very helpful thank you

@janspenno2241 4 жыл бұрын

Very comprehensive Lucy. I do love jersey sewing

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you Jan that's very kind of you, me too!

@elsafischer3247 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks great information

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that's so kind of you, so glad you enjoyed it.

@lucywyatt434 2 жыл бұрын

Great informational video… do I need to use ball point or stretch needles on my overlock?

@lorrainewhiting1267 4 жыл бұрын

Very useful thank you

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

So pleased to hear you enjoyed it Lorraine, thank you.

@vibecketantet 3 жыл бұрын

Very useful information, thanks :) I have got the Husquarna Viking Jade, can I use the Janome walkingfoot on it?

@allyscraftycreations 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very helpful

@arlenemurphy804 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for all your information…great job explaining…going to make my first sweater knit tunic.❤️❤️❤️

@tammywilson2178 2 жыл бұрын

Hello, thank you for your videos! love them! Question? I looked on your website for a specific video about threads for the overlocker, do you have a video or section on the website addressing thread choice/quality and how to choose? should I use 4 rolls of the same color? I would appreciate that very much. please advise, thank you :)

@margaretbryant6468 3 жыл бұрын

Hi please could you tell me if I use a zig zag stitch on ponte roma .do I have to use a straight stitch as well. Thank you x

@gillianyeaman9307 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Lucy. Can you cover stitch using an overlocker?

@cathykieser53 3 жыл бұрын

Ok so my question is, when a pattern says to stay stitch, do I still use a stretch stitch? In my pattern it is having you do it before a side piece gets put on, like a princess seam. I'm using butterick 6449, thanks and love all your videos

@geraldinegorman9597 4 жыл бұрын

Great information and summery of sewing with knits. Hope to take the plunge very soon! 😂

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Definitely worth a try, I hope this helps you to give them a go.

@staceybaez1363 3 жыл бұрын

How will I know what size of ballpoint needle I need to use?

@connieg405 3 жыл бұрын

With the walking foot can you use the twin needle.

@angelad7164 3 жыл бұрын

Good morning Iv just come across ur vlog and im so glad as u really exaplain thing brillliently as i have dyslexic and need all the help i can get Please can u tell me what jersey material i need to make vesty tops with straps and some leggins? Where wood i buy thee materials from as i live in the uk? When r u going to show us how u did it? Great vlog thank u very much❤❤❤

@barbaraferron7994 2 жыл бұрын

How can I get consistent measurements with stretch fabrics? When measuring a large project like a plus size/full length circle skirt, the fabric stretches while I measure it. So then if I measure it again, "measure twice cut once" I get a different measure. Triple checking gives me a third reading etc.

@sandraobrien8705 4 жыл бұрын

Try to sew something with a cotton jersey but get one with a white backing. They're just a wee bit thicker and your machine won't eat them. I was so scared of sewing with jersey but after making one top, everything I have sewn is jersey. I'm just a beginner but honestly jersey is easier than woven and more forgiving. In fact I went late night fabric shopping tonight...and bought 7 different jersey knits (!) and one woven cotton.😳

@SewEssential 4 жыл бұрын

Oooh sounds like you're having a lot of fun Sandra and thanks for the tip. Have fun sewing all those knits up!

@diannbruce9542 2 жыл бұрын

I have found that if the neck line is much higher I needed to make sure it fit over the head as well .

@mrstukutela5126 3 жыл бұрын

What type of thread would you recommend on jersey fabrics that have a silky sort of finish?

@paulinegee4083 Жыл бұрын

I have never used a overlocker. Can you recommend which is the best and what I need to avoid as I am clueless. Thank you I much enjoyed your stretch fabrics video.

@melenelewis2955 2 жыл бұрын

Do you use ballpoint and stretching needles in the overlocker when sewing stretching materials? Or will it be fine with universal needles?

@angelsgranny 3 жыл бұрын

I want to make a dress, but I don't have a store bought pattern, so I can't tell which way to cut it out in order to get the flowiest drape. Should it stretch up and down (vertical) or around (horizontal)? I have enough fabric to do it either way. Any response is very much appreciated. Thank you!

@ImTash 3 жыл бұрын

something that was doing this maths-incompetent brain in (and as a very beginner sewist) if my pattern requires a 40% strech... if i have a fabric that is 75% stretch, does that just mean that the fabric needs a minimum of 40% in order to fit? or do i need to go down a size or two for 75%? I bought a variety of different knits in order to learn on and have got myself in a bit of a muddle - especially as the pattern comes with negative ease and i need to do a swayback adjustment too. i have overwhelmed myself a little! haha

@amylenkowsky8681 2 жыл бұрын

How do you stop the knit jersey from rolling when pinning or sewing or ironing?