Great information Toni! When I started back sewing I started sewing with knits and no one told me otherwise so I'm glad I don't have that fear! Have a great weekend.
@@SewSewLounge Singer 500a Slantomatic, called a Rocketeer because of its “space age” design. It has built in cams for decorative stitches. It was made in the early 60s and if you want a dependable machine, it’s very desirable and not expensive. I’m surprised you have been in the sewing world for a long time and aren’t familiar with the vintage machines. I bet Grandma knows about it! Her Featherweight is an even more iconic machine 😁
I have a Slant-O-Matic!!! It's was my friend's mom's and he gave it to me so it would have a good home. I didn't know it was called a Rocketeer! I need to get it cleaned and oiled so I can start using it. Thanks for the info!
I learned something new today! I never noticed the stretch ruler on the pattern package! I grabbed one of my knit patterns, and there it was! Thanks for the info!
I love to sew with knits. My sewing professor loved knits so I’ve been sewing with knits forever. I like to put stay tape on the shoulder seams to keep them from stretching out.
That’s the exact opposite of my sewing professors who told us not to use knits because they were difficult and unpredictable. I didn’t use knits for years because of their negative advice!!
This is so helpful! I haven't sewn a knit in a few decades, and found that my basic Kenmore can't handle the new lycra/lyocell fabrics as my presser foot is non-adjustable. I made the same dress (Simplicity 9011) with pretty good results, but after this video I can't wait to try again! I didn't know about the relationship between percentage of stretch and ease. So much to learn!
I think 4-way stretch is a misnomer. Fabric has 2 directions--vertical & horizontal. Knits stretch in 1 direction or 2. Good video to lessen the fear of sewing with knits for beginners.
I wouldn’t expect much from knits unless you have a serger. I know you can use a zig zag, but I’m not fond of the look of the seams. I know everyone says you can use a twin needle for hems, but I tried it with a couple of machines and it always tunneled. I gave up and bought a cover stitch and haven’t regretted it. My husband was, why do you need another machine?? I told him a coverstitch only has one job (hems, mostly), but it does that job very well.
I think if you take the time to adjust your sewing machine to the knit fabric you’re using you can have good results. Not everyone can afford a server. I have one but mostly use it to finish seams.
When sewing knit fabric lighten up your pressure foot pressure. On my machine the normal setting is 5. Then I sew knits I lower it to about 3. This will help prevent you fabric from stretching out as you sew. Also, DO NOT use the lightening stitch. The slight backward movement of the stitch makes for puckery seams. Use a stitch that has only forward movement and some width. Serpentine stitch is great for hemming.
Tony I’m new to the channel and have been binge watching and loving what I’ve been seeing and hearing I love your tips and techniques I’ve been sewing for years and still feel like I’m picking up a Lotta great techniques from you. Thank you.
The one sleeveless knit dress, the Butterick pattern I referred to in the video, was unsuccessful. It the arm holes looked decent. I put the dress on my dressform and then hand basted the facing in place and then re-sewed using my machine.
Have you [or anyone else] tried using a straight stitch with the new stretch thread that is now available? I really want to try that instead of my serger or the lighning stitch, which is what I use on my standard machine. Great tip about sizing down on many patterns. I've found that to be the case on many of them. Make sure you're doing the "test" stretch with the fabric in the right direction. Great video. I love your sewing room. ❤
My sewing machine HATES stretch thread. I bought a variety of colors of Eloflex by Coats & Clark and I can’t return it. If you want to try it out send me an email and I’ll send you some 😉
Colleen, I have not used knit for a blanket. But suspect you could use the the same fold over edge technique that I used with a fleece blanket. You can watch it at this link: How to Sew a Fleece Blanket with a Sewing Machine ua-cam.com/video/mAwVPsPKqEA/v-deo.html
@@karolmolpus9536 is that what’s referred to as double knit? I have some vintage polyester from my grandma’s fabric stash 😂 it’s the first knit fabric I ever sewed with!
I can never cut my fabric correctly when using knit. For some reason it looks as though it was being chewed on lol! 😢 should I be cutting on single layer? Bc no matter what I do, it never looks even and then sewing it gets botched! What am I doing wrong? Help!!!! 😩
Knit fabric is the 1st fabric I learned to sew on. My first machine was notorious for eating my knit fabric! I almost threw in the towel but found hacks until I could afford a better machine. I think there is a learning curve and your going to make some errors as you start sewing knit as there are differences among them.
I agree! I only like to hear background music when the content creator doesn't talk. Otherwise it is distracting. Anyway, I really like the content of this channel. I once had a really bad experience with a rib knit fabric. The neckline and hems stretched out so much that I had to abandon the project halfway because it looked really bad. It taught me to stay away from very stretchy rib knit with bad recovery. I can use that fabric for cuffs though. It would be perfect for that.
I'm still working on NOT stretching out the neckline. Using knit interfacing helped when I made the Jade pattern, but it was still a little bigger than it was supposed to be.
Great tips for those knits. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks so much! I’m glad they are helpful.
Great information Toni! When I started back sewing I started sewing with knits and no one told me otherwise so I'm glad I don't have that fear! Have a great weekend.
You too Zelda☺️
I bought a walking foot (new) that fit my 1960s Rocketeer. They’re very helpful.
I’ve never heard of a Rocketeer, who made it?
@@SewSewLounge Singer 500a Slantomatic, called a Rocketeer because of its “space age” design. It has built in cams for decorative stitches. It was made in the early 60s and if you want a dependable machine, it’s very desirable and not expensive. I’m surprised you have been in the sewing world for a long time and aren’t familiar with the vintage machines. I bet Grandma knows about it! Her Featherweight is an even more iconic machine 😁
I looked up Singer Rocketeer and it's the coolest thing ever and now I need one!
@@patriciac4562 I’ll have to do that too!
I have a Slant-O-Matic!!! It's was my friend's mom's and he gave it to me so it would have a good home. I didn't know it was called a Rocketeer! I need to get it cleaned and oiled so I can start using it. Thanks for the info!
Good tips
Thank you. Happy sewing!
I learned something new today! I never noticed the stretch ruler on the pattern package! I grabbed one of my knit patterns, and there it was! Thanks for the info!
You are welcome!
I love to sew with knits. My sewing professor loved knits so I’ve been sewing with knits forever. I like to put stay tape on the shoulder seams to keep them from stretching out.
That’s the exact opposite of my sewing professors who told us not to use knits because they were difficult and unpredictable. I didn’t use knits for years because of their negative advice!!
Awesome tips and tricks! Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome! Thanks for watching ☺️
Love this channel! So much valuable information! 👍🏽
You’re welcome! I appreciate your comment. Thank YOU for watching 😊
This is so helpful! I haven't sewn a knit in a few decades, and found that my basic Kenmore can't handle the new lycra/lyocell fabrics as my presser foot is non-adjustable. I made the same dress (Simplicity 9011) with pretty good results, but after this video I can't wait to try again! I didn't know about the relationship between percentage of stretch and ease. So much to learn!
Glad you enjoyed it! I find the super stretchy lyocell and spandex knits are harder to sew than a cotton jersey knit.
I think 4-way stretch is a misnomer. Fabric has 2 directions--vertical & horizontal. Knits stretch in 1 direction or 2. Good video to lessen the fear of sewing with knits for beginners.
I would agree that it’s a misnomer, but that’s what all the patterns say which doesn’t reduce confusion.
I wouldn’t expect much from knits unless you have a serger. I know you can use a zig zag, but I’m not fond of the look of the seams. I know everyone says you can use a twin needle for hems, but I tried it with a couple of machines and it always tunneled. I gave up and bought a cover stitch and haven’t regretted it. My husband was, why do you need another machine?? I told him a coverstitch only has one job (hems, mostly), but it does that job very well.
I think if you take the time to adjust your sewing machine to the knit fabric you’re using you can have good results. Not everyone can afford a server. I have one but mostly use it to finish seams.
When sewing knit fabric lighten up your pressure foot pressure. On my machine the normal setting is 5. Then I sew knits I lower it to about 3. This will help prevent you fabric from stretching out as you sew. Also, DO NOT use the lightening stitch. The slight backward movement of the stitch makes for puckery seams. Use a stitch that has only forward movement and some width. Serpentine stitch is great for hemming.
What great tips! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Lots of great tips, thank you 👍🏿
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching ☺️
Tony I’m new to the channel and have been binge watching and loving what I’ve been seeing and hearing I love your tips and techniques I’ve been sewing for years and still feel like I’m picking up a Lotta great techniques from you. Thank you.
Thank you Craig! I’m so glad you’re finding my channel helpful❤️
Any advice on how to prevent sleeveless armholes from stretching so much?
The one sleeveless knit dress, the Butterick pattern I referred to in the video, was unsuccessful. It the arm holes looked decent. I put the dress on my dressform and then hand basted the facing in place and then re-sewed using my machine.
Wonderful tips. What is the standard tension set for knit fabric?
My machine is a Bernina so I just leave it on the factory tension setting for everything. I use a longer stitch so it’s stretches.
Have you [or anyone else] tried using a straight stitch with the new stretch thread that is now available? I really want to try that instead of my serger or the lighning stitch, which is what I use on my standard machine. Great tip about sizing down on many patterns. I've found that to be the case on many of them. Make sure you're doing the "test" stretch with the fabric in the right direction. Great video. I love your sewing room. ❤
My sewing machine HATES stretch thread. I bought a variety of colors of Eloflex by Coats & Clark and I can’t return it. If you want to try it out send me an email and I’ll send you some 😉
I want to make a baby blanket from knit. Have you don't that before? Thanks. Colleen
Colleen, I have not used knit for a blanket. But suspect you could use the the same fold over edge technique that I used with a fleece blanket. You can watch it at this link: How to Sew a Fleece Blanket with a Sewing Machine
ua-cam.com/video/mAwVPsPKqEA/v-deo.html
Thank you so much for your quick reply. I will watch that video. Thanks again!
@@colleenmurray4707 you are welcome! If you have any questions please let me know!
I’m not afraid of sewing knits, I can’t find a knit fabric that I would spend any of my valuable time sewing on or wearing.
I’ve been lucky to find some that I like, but it is challenging.
Great video. What is the color nail polish and lipstick you are wearing? It looks so good on you and I want to copy.
Lol of course! The lipstick is Violeta by MAC and the nail polish is Grandma Kissed A Gaucho by OPI. Have fun!
Ponte is easy because it's heavier.
I hadn’t found ponte at Joanns!
@@SewSewLounge not anymore... sadly
@@karolmolpus9536 is that what’s referred to as double knit? I have some vintage polyester from my grandma’s fabric stash 😂 it’s the first knit fabric I ever sewed with!
@@SewSewLounge a fine grade of double knit. They sell pants made out of it by Jjill.
I can never cut my fabric correctly when using knit. For some reason it looks as though it was being chewed on lol! 😢 should I be cutting on single layer? Bc no matter what I do, it never looks even and then sewing it gets botched! What am I doing wrong? Help!!!! 😩
I have another video about cutting knit that should help you!
ua-cam.com/video/TShtnsxiWUM/v-deo.htmlsi=yBfxdpSPqbhd1zzD
Knit fabric is the 1st fabric I learned to sew on. My first machine was notorious for eating my knit fabric! I almost threw in the towel but found hacks until I could afford a better machine. I think there is a learning curve and your going to make some errors as you start sewing knit as there are differences among them.
Wow, how interesting! Thanks for sharing your story.
Don't have a serger.....seems everyone uses one 😮
I only use mine to finish seams. I’m not comfortable sewing knits with it. I’m worried I’ll accidentally mess up.
I’m really interested in your content but background music is so distracting.
I agree! I only like to hear background music when the content creator doesn't talk. Otherwise it is distracting. Anyway, I really like the content of this channel. I once had a really bad experience with a rib knit fabric. The neckline and hems stretched out so much that I had to abandon the project halfway because it looked really bad. It taught me to stay away from very stretchy rib knit with bad recovery. I can use that fabric for cuffs though. It would be perfect for that.
I didn’t even notice it until you mentioned it. It could be a little softer.
Thanks for watching!
I'm still working on NOT stretching out the neckline. Using knit interfacing helped when I made the Jade pattern, but it was still a little bigger than it was supposed to be.
Perhaps you should change your fill-in music to something more relaxing. Ann
Thank you for spending your time with me!
I had no idea there are so many factors involved in sewing different fabrics. Yikes.
SO many fabrics and varieties!
I agree, bit overwhelming, but this video helped a lot, thank you