Six Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabrics

Six knit garment sewing tips by tv host Nancy Zieman

Six Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabrics

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Six knit garment sewing tips by tv host Nancy ZiemanFind success sewing with knits using six of Nancy Zieman’s favorite sewing tips. Follow the simple less is best principles and you’ll find knit garments are quite fun and approachable for most sewing skill levels. Here are a few tips that might help you with your next (or first) knit sewing project.

Six Easy Knit Sewing Tips

Tip #1: Choose an easy pattern

McCalls 7331 Nancy Zieman

McCalls 7331 by Nancy Zieman

  • Look for styles and shapes with few seams, letting the drape of the fabric be the star.

Tip #2: Sew simple

McCalls 7152 by Nancy Zieman

McCalls 7152 by Nancy Zieman

  • If you’re a serger owner, here’s where a 4-thread overlock stitch should be used. It’s fast, easy, and the seam will stretch.

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  • When using a conventional sewing machine, try a “wobble stitch.” First coined by Betty Cotton of quilting fame, this narrow zigzag (.5 width and 2.5 length) has an ever-so-slight zigzag, providing a little stretch in the seam while looking like a straight seam from the right side.

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Tip #3: Sew in some stretch

McCalls 7353 by Nancy Zieman

McCalls 7353 by Nancy Zieman

  • Stabilize the shoulders of knit fabrics with clear elastic. Serge or wobble stitch over the seam, stitching over the 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.

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Tip #4: Serge off the hem

McCalls 6607 by Nancy Zieman

McCalls 6607 by Nancy Zieman

  • If you’re looking at a knit pattern with a shaped hem, make it easy on yourself; let your serger do the work. Use a 3-thread overlock stitch and serge along the hemline.
  • To keep the knit from stretching, serge over precut strips of wash-away stabilizer. Place the strips on the wrong side of the fabric and then serge. After serging, tear away the excess stabilizer. Presto, no stretching. (The stabilizer is what you see, under the stitches, on the wrong side of the fabric in the photos below.)
  • Serge each edge individually, don’t try to turn the corner. Tuck the thread tail to the wrong side and hand stitch the thread tail to the seam. Clip off the excess thread. It’s fast!

PB300150

PB300151

 

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Tip #5: Double fold the edges

McCalls 7252 by Nancy Zieman

McCalls 7252 by Nancy Zieman

  • With knits, very few patterns have facings to finish the edges, one layer of fabric is all that’s used. Consider finishing the edges with a double fold.
  • Fold and press under 1/4-inch and straight or wobble stitch. Stitch one edge (center front seam in this example) and then the hemline. Before stitching the hemline’s double fold, place a scrap of fabric under the presser foot, stitch from the scrap (or anchor cloth) to the fabric. This anchor allows you to easily sew the thick area at the corner with even stitches.

  • Clip off the anchor cloth when finished.

Tip #6: Hem with fusible tape

McCalls 7290 by Nancy Zieman

McCalls 7290 by Nancy Zieman

  • Press Pellon Lite EZ-Steam IIa 1/2″ wide paper-backed fusible webalong the wrong side of the hem’s outer edges.

How to Hem Knit Garments by Nancy Zieman

How to Hem Knit Garments by Nancy Zieman.

How to Hem Knit Garments by Nancy Zieman.

  • Remove the paper backing; then press the hem to the wrong side–at the edge of the tape. The fusible webbing provides extra stability and shaping.

How to Hem Knit Garments by Nancy Zieman.

  • Straight stitch or wobble stitch the hem. How to Hem Knit Garments by Nancy Zieman.

Give these tips a try!

Six tips for sewing knit garments by Nancy Zieman

Watch Sew a Knit Wardrobe from Start to Finish on Sewing With Nancy online.

How to Sew a Knit Wardrobe from Start to Finish with Nancy Zieman

For a chance to win a copy of my McCalls M7331 Knit Collection Pattern, please leave a comment below and let us know what view you’d like to make. The McCall Pattern Company will give away one pattern to one US resident in the 48 contiguous states.

Knit Garment Collection Sewing Pattern M7331 by Nancy Zieman and McCalls Pattern Company

The randomly selected winner of a Farmhouse Floral Fat Quarter Packfabric pack from the July 21 post is, Donna Ingalls.
Farmhouse Florals Fat Quarter Pack by Nancy Zieman for Penny Rose by Riley Blake
Her comment is: I have been saving the monthly patterns to make my own quilt! The Farmhouse Florals look bright, fresh, and clean! I am eager and excited to start sewing on each block!

 

Happy Sewing,

Team Nancy Zieman

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC.

Nancy Zieman Productions, LLC

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87 Comments

  • Karen Johnson
    July 28, 2018

    I’d like to make view ABD.
    So I need to start shopping for just the right fabrics.

  • RitaMarie
    July 28, 2018

    I’d love to add some knits to my Fall wardrobe. View C of Nancy’s pattern looks perfect for the cool crisp MN Fall days to come.

  • Ennis A Weeks
    July 28, 2018

    Love that pattern!! I have lots of knit fabric waiting to be sewn. So I would make the combo of ABD first. I need new pants!! Thanks.

  • Doris
    July 28, 2018

    This looks like a very versatile wardrobe pattern, and the tips are GREAT ! THanks for all that you do to enhance our sewing experience to help us learn to make clothing that looks so professional.

  • Jean G
    July 28, 2018

    I have a knit fabric I want to use to make a sweater. Thanks for the hemming suggestions.

  • Teresa Williams
    July 28, 2018

    I like ABD the most, but all of the views look like they would be easy to sew..

  • Martha Lauffer
    July 28, 2018

    I like abd.Now I need fabric

  • Peggy Bibb
    July 28, 2018

    I haven’t sewn on knits for a long time but recently purchased some. Thanks for the wonderful suggestions on sewing on knits. The pattern has everything you would need for a new wardrobe!

  • Martha
    July 28, 2018

    Definite interest in making #7152 for my daughter… this will be a true learning experience as I’ve never sewn knits and will also need to make buttonholes!

  • Marg hodgins
    July 28, 2018

    Great tips, will try several of these on my future projects. I love the stabilizer tip to avoid the stretching on the hemline.

  • Gloria M
    July 28, 2018

    ABC but who could resist sewing all the entire capsule.

  • Rita Long
    July 28, 2018

    I would like to make ABC. I used to sew knits,but it has been a long time. I would like to again.

  • PsychicSewerKathleen
    July 28, 2018

    ABD – I have this lovely pattern! I forgot all about it until just now. I wanted to make a peplum skirt and needed a straight skirt pattern to start and this one will suit perfectly. Thanks for the “reminder”!

  • Jean Langbein
    July 28, 2018

    I’ve steered clear of knits for a long time but recently got a serger. I like ABD version to make to travel on some sewing adventures.

  • Patti P
    July 28, 2018

    I already have a vest cut out from McCall’s 7290. I can’t wait to use these tips, especially for the fusible webbing. Nancy’s knit collection would be great to have. Thank you.

  • Betty
    July 28, 2018

    The first pattern you showed looks like a great outfit and I would try all the pattern pieces. Could you please tell me the best kind of knit to use. Thank you.

  • Sandra
    July 28, 2018

    I haven’t sewn with knits for years but love the comfort of wearing them. I got a new Babylock serger so I would love to have a pattern recommended by Nancy to try making these garments.

  • Andrea Letourneau
    July 28, 2018

    I’d start with the jacket, skirt, and matching top. I’ve gotten into the habit of purchasing my fabrics in 5-8 yard pieces to ensure I have enough of the same fabric to make several matching items.

  • Lori
    July 28, 2018

    I would sew view d. Thanks for the tips

  • Jeanne Catron
    July 28, 2018

    While I love wearing knits, I have always hated how my item comes out when sewn. The above tips are great and I would like to try them out on the first pattern B/C.

  • Lorraine
    July 28, 2018

    I’d start sewing with knits using the jacket, top and skirt pattern because the seams a relatively straight lines. This way I would be able to practice using Nancy’s right on tips for sewing with knits.

  • Gaycha Mayhew
    July 28, 2018

    I would make ABC for my working granddaughter. Thanks for the good tips on knits.

  • Noreen
    July 28, 2018

    I would sew ABC. I love the look and feel of knits, but finding knit fabric can be difficult.

  • Karen simpson
    July 28, 2018

    Love this pattern. I find you tutorials and videos so helpful and useful. I would like to make all the pieces described on this pattern.

  • Gayle O’Grady
    July 28, 2018

    I’d like to make the B, C view. It looks easy, classic and classy. I recently bought a Babylock serger and now feel confident to conquer knits.

  • Susan Spiers
    July 28, 2018

    Loving the B,C look! Thank you, Susan

  • Ann
    July 28, 2018

    I’ve been thinking I need to get back to sewing my clothes and these patterns look like a great place to start. I am only 5 foot tall, which wasn’t hard to purchase off the rack when I was younger and thinner. Now middle age, and not so thin… nothing off the rack is working. Nancy to the rescue!

  • Janet johnson
    July 28, 2018

    I love all the tips on sewing knits. It’s been a while for me. I do have a serger and would love to use it again. I think I would use the pattern to make A & B. I think the pants are a little too form-fitting for me, but the top and jacket look great.

  • Robin Hessefort
    July 28, 2018

    I was just in my sewing room looking @ my Babylock “Evolution” which I purchased from Nancys Notions. I would love to win this pattern and get acquainted with my Serger again

  • Laura Olson
    July 28, 2018

    Love the swing jacket, VIEW A for me!!

  • Carol Rechtoris
    July 28, 2018

    I’d like to try that chevron top. I’ve sewn the knit collection and gave my pattern away to my sister. I’d like a replacement pattern! Wow!!

  • Anne Z.
    July 28, 2018

    I love the ABD view. Time to get back to sewing knits.

  • L Watson
    July 28, 2018

    These all would make great outfit selections!

  • Debbie T
    July 28, 2018

    I am actually going today to buy my first serger. I just started making baby clothes for my first grandchild and I want to use the soft knits for most of his outfits.

  • Debbie Moen
    July 28, 2018

    I’ve always been more of a quilter than a seamstress as I’ve been intimidated by knit fabrics but these tips are fantastic. I would probably start with ABC.

  • Patricia M Radloff
    July 28, 2018

    These tips are fantastic and can’t wait to try them on some knit fabric from my stash. I have a serger that does overlock and need to get friendly using that, have been going to try it and just haven’t had the nerve till reading the tips. Now feel I can tackle the task convertibly. Thank you for all the wonderful tips.

  • Wendy
    July 28, 2018

    I would start with the ABD pattern. I’ve been intimidated to sew with knits, but I think this pattern would get me started. I’d love to be able to say that I created an outfit!

  • Kathryn Smotryski
    July 28, 2018

    ABD would be my choice. I like how casual the look is.

  • Marsha Nelson
    July 28, 2018

    I would like to make each piece. My whole closet of clothes is sooo old, faded and out of shape. I’ve been wondering what to do. I recently bought some knit fabric that I like. This pattern is perfect! I like simple clothes and do have a serger. Thank you.

  • Debbie
    July 28, 2018

    Funny, my daughter and I had this discussion this morning…both of our wardrobes are tired, out-dated, and too big! Our next shopping trip will be for fabric to overhaul them…the A-B-D look would be perfect and so versatile for office-meetings–dinner out days on the run!

  • Joyce Brown
    July 28, 2018

    I love ABD for its versatility and I could see combining 4 or 5 different colors to mix and match all the pieces for an easy fun wardrobe.

  • Jan Wurster
    July 28, 2018

    I love the tips on sewing with knits. It has been a long time since I have sewn knits. I look forward trying out these tips and pattern suggestions.

  • Rosie
    July 28, 2018

    I would start with ABD, but may add C for a mix of wardrobe outfits. These tips are wonderful, and I will incorporate them into my sewing.

  • karen
    July 28, 2018

    View ABD, casual yet classy

  • Clovis
    July 28, 2018

    I’m still learning how to work with knits. These tips will be very helpful. A, B, D and C would be the choice for me.

  • Diane Lackey
    July 28, 2018

    I live view ABC. Great for work and travel!
    I’ve used a lot of these techniques as I LOVE to garment sew with knits. Would be useful to have a quality source on line for ponte knits…. 🙂

  • Alida Mihovilovich
    July 28, 2018

    I’d like to make view ABD. Love all of these pieces because they are so classic and the pieces can be used in such a variety of ways!

  • Penny
    July 28, 2018

    I need to get over my fear of knits with the ABD combo!!!

  • Penny
    July 28, 2018

    I would love to get over my fear of knits by trying the ABD combo!!

  • Carmen
    July 28, 2018

    Magnificent tips on sew with knits. I will apply them ASAP. Thank you!

  • Ellen A.
    July 28, 2018

    I would love to do view C. Perfect for the summer heat right now and I’m sure it’s a breeze to put together.

  • Mary Green
    July 28, 2018

    I luv the sweater and skirt set. Want to do some sewing for myself after taking a detour into quilting for 20+ years.

  • Ann
    July 28, 2018

    Great tips! Thank you!

  • Doreen Linehan
    July 28, 2018

    I’d love to stitch the A, B, C view. Looks like nice work attire & comfy.

  • Dorothy L James
    July 28, 2018

    I would love to make all of these.

  • Carol
    July 28, 2018

    I really love knits since they are so comfortable to wear. I like this pattern a lot since it’s so interchangeable. ABD would be my starting point.

  • Beverly
    July 28, 2018

    I love the weekend wardrobe pattern (7331) because I find an elbow or 3/4 sleeve comfortable any time of year and having all these coordinated pieces is great.

  • Michelle Hall
    July 28, 2018

    I love the soft drapey cardigan with the slacks and top so I would make b-c-d

  • Jo Ann Setliff
    July 29, 2018

    Skirt

  • Marsha
    July 29, 2018

    View ABD of this McCalls M7331 pattern looks perfect for the upcoming autumn season, and using your tips I know it’ll be beautiful!

  • E. Watson
    July 29, 2018

    I would love to make view ABC, but I probably wouldn’t wear it as often as my other favorite, view ABD. 🙂

  • Kay
    July 29, 2018

    I love this pattern! I have not sewn any complete outfit using knits. I would make A B C to be a staple in my wardrobe. I am from Ohio. Pick me!

  • Sherrie Schubert
    July 29, 2018

    Love pattern 6607, will make the knit tops!

  • Sharon Cowley
    July 29, 2018

    I love sewing, I love the Sewing with Nancy programs and I love McCall Patterns because they fit well and are elegant looking. I have been sewing for over 50 years, have a wonderful Pfaff sewing machine and two Baby Lock sergers. I now mainly sew for my daughter, who would look wonderful in your McCall Pattern #7331, Styles A< B and C, since she is tall and slender like the model.

  • Kathy R Hartwell
    July 29, 2018

    I would make A, B, D. Love this whole pattern and was even thinking of buying for those pieces.

  • Lee Ann Wagner
    July 29, 2018

    I love them all but would really like to make the cardigan. I love to use a cardigan to add a little color to an outfit.

  • mary m
    July 29, 2018

    I love the idea of putting the tear away under the serged edge. Who knew! I would any of the patterns.

  • VALERIE MCCALLISTER
    July 29, 2018

    I love this pattern and would make all views. I have been a fan of Nancy Zeiman for more years than i want to publicly admit.

  • Joanne Webster
    July 29, 2018

    Each of these pattern garments offers versatile options. I would sew A, C and D initially. These pieces would blend with my wardrobe and work well for me in my on-the-move job. I’m new to serging, so these tips and pictures are very helpful!

  • Tina
    July 29, 2018

    I would make A, B and D. Thanks for the giveaway. tljeo at yahoo dot com

  • Jackie Gordon
    July 29, 2018

    I would make ABD. Learning how to make knit clothes.

  • Jackie Gordon
    July 29, 2018

    I would make ABD. looking for nice fabric

  • Bridget
    July 29, 2018

    I would like to make the jacket, pattern 7290C. I think it would look great with so many different outfits!

  • Theresa
    July 30, 2018

    Love sewing knits on a serger.

  • Lois koran
    July 30, 2018

    I enjoy sewing knits, thanks for great teachers like Nancy. I would choose ABD.

  • beth d.
    July 30, 2018

    I would love to make a knit sweater from the pattern. hope I win.

  • Donna Fecteau
    July 30, 2018

    Wonderful tips! I’d like to make the ABD combination I need some new outfits for work.

  • Melanie Dumas
    July 30, 2018

    I like View A,B,C. It looks fresh, feminine and easy to sew.

  • Bonnye
    July 30, 2018

    I would sew ABC. Knits are so comfortable. The pattern is very nice.

  • Suzanne
    July 30, 2018

    Even though we miss her badly, Nancy’s influence and wonderful talent live on!
    I just made a new dress form and would love to use it for making some knit dresses.

  • Karen King
    July 30, 2018

    ABD, because this outfit looks so comfy!

  • Cathy Schumer
    July 31, 2018

    I have recently been gifted a large amount of knit fabric. It has been years since I have sewn with knit fabric. I did not know what to make with it, but with these tips and this pattern I am anxious to get started. I want to start with the jacket since I get chilled so easily. Just the thing to keep me warm when I am out and about in the air-conditioned public places.

  • Susan
    August 1, 2018

    Knit fabric is so verstatile and requires easy care. All the patterns are quite fetching, but pattern 7353 with dress options would be my choice as I love to wear dresses and like the styling of the pattern.

  • Denise Wichman
    August 3, 2018

    I really like the 7290, jacket, best combo. I like the drape and it’s definitely my style. Im looking forward to working on my first knit pieces. Tha serger tip is great.

  • Dara Dubois
    August 3, 2018

    Would love to win the pattern to use some of my knit fabrics (of course I have it in stash) to make an easy breezy travel set for my sewing cruises coming up. Mix and match sets would be great for travel (and take up less space). Thank you for all you do to keep us in stitches!

    Dara

  • Linnie
    August 12, 2018

    Just learning to sew with knits, not quite as bad as I though it was going to be. BCD would be my choice.

  • Patricia Gabhart
    August 12, 2018

    I like view ABC. I did a lot of sewing on double knit years ago, but haven’t done any recently. It was easy to sew and care for. I would like to try it again!

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