Nancy Zieman’s Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips

McCall's M7331 Knit Wardrobe Collection by Nancy Zieman for The McCall Pattern Company

Nancy Zieman’s Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips

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McCall's M7331 Knit Wardrobe Collection by Nancy Zieman for The McCall Pattern Company

Wherever you’re going, knit garments will take you there in comfort and style! Sew one or more knit garment pieces – that are perfect for layering. And sewing knits are easy and enjoyable with Nancy Zieman’s Top Ten Knit Sewing Tips!

McCall's M7331 Knit Wardrobe Collection by Nancy Zieman for The McCall Pattern Company

Nancy Zieman’s Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips!

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #1: 

Choose a pattern suitable for knit fabrics, with few seams – letting the drape of the fabric be the star. Choose a pattern such as our Knit Wardrobe Pattern M7331 by Team NZP for The McCall Pattern Company.

McCall's M7331 Knit Wardrobe Collection by Nancy Zieman for The McCall Pattern Company

Sew a loose-fitting, unlined knit jacket with self-lined/self-fabric front. Or sew a pullover top with stitched hem – with just three easy pattern pieces. Stitch a stylish skirt with elasticized upper edge self-lined yoke band with 1″ Knit No-Roll Elastic. Or make tapered cuffed pants for comfort – all day long!

Ponte Knit Fabric By the Yard Now Available at shopnzp.com Double-knit Ponte fabric ideal for making dresses, tunics, pants, skirts, and jackets!

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #2:

Select quality knit fabrics with at least 25% crosswise stretch and 5% spandex – for durability and sag-free comfort while wearing. Our NEW! Ponte Knit Fabrics are the ideal fabrics for sewing dresses, tunics, pants, skirts, and jackets! Our NEW! NZP Ponte Knit Fabrics are 20% Off at shopnzp.com.

Note From Team Nancy Zieman Productions Refer to pattern envelope back – for sizing and fabric yardage.
McCalls 7331 Pattern Envelope Back and Yardage

McCalls_M7331_NancyZieman_Knit_Wardrobe_Collection_M7331_001

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #3: 

Use the guide sheet, included with the pattern to layout pattern tissue pieces. With a pencil and yard stick, extend the grainline the entire length of each pattern piece. Pin pattern pieces to fabric, or use pattern weights, heavy washers, or can goods to hold pattern tissue pieces in place.

Nancy Zieman's Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips at the NZP Blog nancyzieman.com/blog

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #4:
Before cutting, double-check all pattern pieces are in place. Instead of using a scissors, use a 28mm or 45mm Rotary Cutter, Mat and Ruler. A 28mm Rotary Cutter easily cuts curves – such as sleeve caps and armscyes. Before removing the pattern tissue pieces, transfer markings to wrong side of fabric with Chacoliner or Marking Pen. Because knit fabrics look similar on the right and wrong side, place a piece of painters tape on the fabric wrong side – on each of the cut pattern pieces.

 

Nancy Zieman's Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips at the NZP Blog nancyzieman.com/blog

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #5:

Stabilize garment back: Cut Multiple 1/2″ or 3/4″ bias strips of Pellon Easy-Knit Interfacing. Prior to stitching, fuse interfacing strips to the wrong side of garment back – at top neckline and along shoulders and neckline.

Schmetz Chrome Jersey Ball Point Needles, Size 80:12

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #6:

Select a sewing machine needle designed for sewing knits – such as Schmetz Chrome Jersey/Ball Point Sewing Machine Needles.

 

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #7:

Choose a seam option: Use a sewing machine or serger for knit garment construction.

Nancy Zieman's Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips at the NZP Blog nancyzieman.com/blog

  • Serger: Choose a 4-thread overlock stitch. Now’s the time to use that serger!

Nancy Zieman's Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips at the NZP Blog nancyzieman.com/blog

  • Sewing Machine: Set sewing machine for a wobble-stitch: Choose a slight zigzag (2.0-2.5 length and .5 width). On the garment outside, this stitch will give the appearance of a straight stitch, while providing a slight amount of stretch to the seam.

 Clear Elastic availalbe at shopnzp.com

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #8:

Include a length of clear elastic within the stitching of the shoulder seams, to provide extra seam stability. On garment front shoulder seam, serge or wobble-stitch the seam, stitching over the clear elastic. The shoulder seams will stretch when needed without stretching out of shape or popping stitches. This tip works on shoulder seams of any length.

seam stick pressing wood stick available at shopnzp.com

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #9:

Press seams flat, then press open – or to one side. Pressing the stitches flat makes it much easier to press the seams open, or to one side. To Prevent seam edges from making an imprint on the fabric right side, press seams over a Seam Stick.

Nancy Zieman Knit Sewing Tip #10:

  • Many knit garment sewing patterns don’t have facings to finish the edges – and one fabric layer is all that’s used. Finish single-layer garment edges with a double fold.

  • Fold and press under a double 1/4-inch and straight or wobble stitch. Stitch one center-front edge (center-front jacket seam in this example) and then stitch the hemline. Before stitching the hemline’s double fold, place a scrap of fabric under the presser foot, stitch from this “anchor cloth” scrap onto the garment fabric, then onto a second anchor cloth. The anchors allow you to easily sew thicker areas at the corner – with even stitches. Clip off the anchor cloth when finished.

Watch Sew a Knit Wardrobe from Start to Finish (Part One and Part Two) on The Best of Sewing With Nancy on Public Television or online at nancyzieman.com.

The Best of Sewing With Nancy TV Show hosted by Nancy Zieman

Watch Sewing With Nancy online at NancyZieman.com

McCall’s has been a supportive sponsor of the Sewing with Nancy television show, hosted by Nancy Zieman. “Sewing with Nancy” is available on public television, Create TV, and online at nancyzieman.com. Tune in and join Nancy and friends for 30 minutes of how-to TV—emphasizing contemporary sewing techniques with Nancy Zieman’s signature timesaving techniques.

 

Shop McCall's Patterns available at shopnzp.com

The McCall Pattern Company and Team Nancy Zieman are delighted to bring you The Nancy Zieman Productions TM Collection of sewing patterns designed for those of us who love to sew and have limited sewing time.

McCall's M8022 Dress and Tunic Sewing Pattern by Nancy Zieman Productions for The McCall Pattern Company

We’re designing patterns to be sewn with Nancy Zieman’s innovative sewing techniques. Within each of our McCall’s patterns, we give you construction tips and specific hints how sewing notions can be used to save time. You’ll find that in a matter of hours you can sew fashion garments and make your daily style pop.

McCall's M8022 Dress and Tunic Sewing Pattern by Nancy Zieman Productions for The McCall Pattern Company

SAVE 10%-30% Off Select Products & SAVE 40% Off McCall’s M7331 

McCall's M7331 Knit Wardrobe Collection by Nancy Zieman for The McCall Pattern Company

We hope you’ll give sewing knits a try with Nancy Zieman’s Top 10 Knit Sewing Tips! Visit shopnzp.com for innovative knit sewing fabrics, notions, and McCall Patterns designed by Nancy Zieman Productions!

McCall's M7331 Knit Wardrobe Collection by Nancy Zieman for The McCall Pattern Company

 

Join Stitch It! Sisters; Deanna Springer and Dana Casey (from Team NZP) for fun sewing adventures as they share sewing and quilting project tutorials – featuring Nancy Zieman's easiest-ever sewing techniques and timesaving tools. Stitch It! Sisters is a production of Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

The Nancy Zieman Productions Team is pleased to announce our NEW! video series, Stitch it! Sisters and NEW! NZP Shop

Right here on the NZP Blog, watch Stitch it! Sisters with hosts Deanna Springer and Dana Casey – real life sisters from Team NZP. This NEW! Video Series features our latest sewing projects and fun sewing adventures! Join Deanna and Dana as they share sewing and quilting project tutorials – featuring their easiest-ever sewing techniques, timesaving tools, and Classic Timesaving Tips by Nancy Zieman.


Stitch it! Sisters is a production of NZ Productions LLC. We’ll be releasing a new video – every few weeks – right here on the NZP Blog. Make sure you are subscribed to Nancy Zieman Productions E-news mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up and receive email updates from Nancy Zieman Productions.

Visit the NEW! NZP Online Shop for the latest tools, patterns, fabrics and more at shopnzp.com!

Find the latest sewing patterns, sewing tools, and sewing fabrics at the NZP Store at shopnzp.com

Visit shopnzp.com, or click the “shop” tab

at the top of the NZP blog, anytime!

SAVE 10%-30% Off Select Products & SAVE 40% Off McCall’s M7331

McCall's M7331 Knit Wardrobe Collection by Nancy Zieman for The McCall Pattern Company

 

The randomly selected winner of a Stitch it! Sisters 5″ Fabric Short Stack with S!S button & sticker, the February 1 Blog Post, NEW! Stitch it! Sisters Insulated Lunch Tote Program 108, is Delores.

Afternoon Picnic 5-inch Fabric Short Stack with Stitch it! Sisters Button & Sticker Giveaway at nancyzieman.com/blogHer comment is: This would be handy to have for our Sew Days at Guild and for sewing group meetings when we take our lunch. It gets hot here in the desert! Problem solved.

 

Happy Sewing!

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.

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Stitch it! Sisters is a production of NZ Productions LLC. Content in this feed is © copyright 2019 by Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website. The FTC requires us to tell you that Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC has provided products by other companies in the course of doing business. The FTC requires us to advise you to take this information into consideration when reading this posting.

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24 Comments

  • Kathy Reeves
    February 8, 2020

    Some great tips here! I sew mostly wovens, but would less more knits if I had a great basic pattern that covered the basics, and this one looks exactly right. Thanks for shrine it and Nancy’s tips.

  • Linda Hake
    February 8, 2020

    I would love to try sewing knits Need a jacket with 3/4 sleeves. Thanks

  • Andrea Letourneau
    February 8, 2020

    For winter wear, I’m sewing a few sweater knit cardigans to when when it gets a bit chilly.

  • Rosie
    February 8, 2020

    I just got some lovely tiny polka dot knit that I’m planning to make a jacket and tee-shirt out of. This pattern would be perfect.

  • L Watson
    February 8, 2020

    My daughter and I love the coral and gray outfits from the pattern! My daughter would love to have those garments made for her, in the same colors featured.

  • Pam
    February 8, 2020

    Hi; I am trying to work on some knits again so these tips are very helpful. I’d like to make that top and jacket in M7331. It looks pretty easy and quick.

  • Bev Bolduc Aldridge
    February 8, 2020

    Making clothing to fit is much better than trying to purchase ready made and then re-making to fit. So almost all my clothing is made by me. Good adjustable/multi size patterns are always welcome to me.

  • Martha Morgan
    February 8, 2020

    I am so into learning to sew with knits right now. It seems to be so easy with my serger, but the little hints of using clear elastic and interfacing should help me tremendously. Thank you.

  • Clovis
    February 8, 2020

    I just finished making a fleece jacket.

  • Karen
    February 8, 2020

    Years ago I gave up garment sewing and switched to quilting. I just returned from an Asian cruise with 3 new knit tops I had made for myself. I wasn’t quite satisfied with the fit of each but I might attempt to use the patterns again. I like how knits hang, how they fudge a bit where needed and no wrinkles from the suitcase.

  • Nancy
    February 8, 2020

    I need to get back into sewing clothes. Haven’t done much since I retired.. switched to quilting and craft projects. Thanks for the great giveaway.

  • ANN FISHER
    February 8, 2020

    Just got back into sewing garments. These patterns would make a great project for the winter.

  • Janet
    February 8, 2020

    I recently made a fleece jacket. i love how it turned out. I was able to make it a little longer than the ones I tried on in the store. Also, the color selection is wonderful at the fabric store. The knit wardrobe pattern shown above would be wonderful for traveling.

  • Bonnye
    February 8, 2020

    I am interested in making a new pair of pants for spring.

  • Martha O.
    February 8, 2020

    Currently finishing a child’s fake-fur lined poncho. I’ve only sewn with knits once ( helped make a friend’s friend a dress for wedding wear in 1981!) So a pattern with good instructions about knit fabric sewing will be very helpful.

  • Louise Johnson
    February 8, 2020

    I have been sewing heavy wrap style elastic waist skirts for winter travel. The elastic waist fits me no matter how much I eat at a conference banquet! The wrap style makes it easy to walk fast or up stairs with a free stride. A ribbon or coordinating lighter fabric waist band reduces waist bulk, and the selvage is often a great vertical line accent to visually slim the look. Heavy fabrics are warm and tend to not wrinkle much. Some of the skirts are reversible too.

  • Carol J.
    February 8, 2020

    Thanks for the knit tips! I sew mostly knit T-Shirts so some other patterns and ideas would be very useful. Knits are so comfortable to wear. I enjoy all of Nancy’s informative emails.

  • Peg Hambrecht
    February 8, 2020

    Thanks for the chance to win. I loved the tips! I plan to make a pair of stretch pants and a doggy sweater.

  • Lorraine Alves
    February 9, 2020

    This pattern shows beautiful outfits. I will be making knit fabric coordinates for a late spring trip to Greece. I plan to use stretch knits with 3 -5% spandex.

  • Dena M
    February 9, 2020

    I have the fabric and pattern for a sweatshirt knit top sitting on my cutting table waiting for me to cut and sew.

  • marilyn dunstan
    February 9, 2020

    I’m about to start on my fifth sweatshirt jacket. I’ve done one with a zipper, one with big buttons and hair bands for closure and two with trim on the opening. Not sure how I’m going to do this one yet. Guess I’ll check in My Sweatshirts With Style book to get an idea.

  • Cecilia Aquilina
    February 9, 2020

    I am working on some leggings right now. I love wearing knits and would love to have the wardrobe pattern. Thank you for
    the tips. Keep them coming.

  • Donna Fecteau
    February 10, 2020

    I wish I was working on that lovely tunic top! Sadly, I am only fixing zippers and hemming pants this winter.

  • Susan
    February 11, 2020

    Working on some skirts at present time in various materials. This knit wardrobe pattern looks like it would be quite helpful to have and would appreciate having a resource for the tips of sewing with knits.

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