23 Tips for Sewing Knit Fabrics For Professional Results

SewingStretchKnitFabrics

Sewing With Cotton/LYCRA Knits successfully

by Christine Jonson

  1. Loosen tension on bobbin

  2. Use a 4.0 Schmetz double needle for hems

  3. Do not over stretch fabric while serging

  4. Use woven fusible Tricot interfacing only

  5. Iron only after garment is serged together

  6. Iron all seams and edges flat

  7. Turn facings in, press, and pin down

  8. Fold hems up, press and pin

  9. Double needle hems and facings Isee #2)

  10. Stitch on right side of fabric, using sense of touch to follow edge

  11. Use cording for all buttonholes on stretch fabrics. Follow machines’ instructions and use the buttonhole foot with the little tab on the back to hold the string. White kitchen string is fine.

  12. Stretch elastic and waistbands evenly

  13. Test quality of stitches often

  14. Double needle stitches should look like railroad tracks on the right side

  15. Double needle stitches should look like even zigzag stitches on the wrong side

  16. When fabric is stretched, the stitches should not break, feel tight or pop out

  17. Recheck tension often

  18. Always stitch a straight topstitch line. Do not follow a crooked facing or hem

  19. When serging use a 5/8” seam allowance

  20. When edging use a ¼” seam allowance

  21. A set in sleeve with a cap requires slowly lifting the presser foot to ease the curve of sleeve head into the armhole. Sew slowly

  22. When serging two pieces of fabric together it is important to know they are being fed evenly under the presser foot. After sewing the first few inches, go to the bottom edge and check they are even.

  23. Never topstitch to the very end of a topstitch seam. End one or two stitches away to stop the fabric from being pulled out of shape.

Having trouble hemming knit fabrics? Check out our Hem Options for Knit Fabrics for some great tips on how to sew professional-looking knit hems.