Hello! It's Rhi - the Marketing Manager at Tilly and the Buttons, here to talk about my experience of learning to sew knits. It’s fair to say that I have the least sewing experience of Team Buttons - I’m still on my sewing journey, having only started sewing in November 2020.
My machine isn’t high end - a Singer Confidence 7463. I was so fearful of sewing with stretchy fabrics - having listened to the rumour that knit fabrics are difficult to handle, or that you need an overlocker. But *spoiler alert* this is a myth!
I hope my experience will help any other stretch sewing newbies out there and motivate you to tackle that project you've been avoiding... Here are the stretch sewing projects I started my knit sewing journey with:
Sewing Agnes
The Agnes jersey top is a gorgeous staple pattern that comes with the option of a helpful online workshop Learn to Sew Jersey Tops, so it made sense to start here.
I spent about 2 weeks fretting about fitting Agnes after I printed the pattern - I usually choose a size based on my high bust measurement, and add around 5-7cm with a Full Bust Adjustment. To end the procrastination, I chose the size between my full and high bust measurements (hoping the stretch would do the work for me) and cut Agnes out in size 5.
First I checked my stitches with some test swatches to check everything was okay. There were a couple of dropped stitches, so trying not to panic I rethreaded the bobbin which thankfully fixed the problem. What made me check the bobbin holder? I noticed a little clacking sound coming from the bobbin holder every time a stitch dropped - more often than not it’s the simplest fix.
The Learn to Sew Jersey Tops online workshop really supported me through the process and it came together really quickly. The size turned out to be absolutely fine and Agnes is a gorgeous base layer I know I’ll get a lot of use from!
Sewing Pearl
The first pattern release after I joined Team Buttons, I immediately fell head over heels for the Pearl cardigan. It reminded me of wrap tops I wore in the mid-noughties and I was so excited about the possible wrap cardigans I could make.
Still fretting about sizing, I chose to cut Pearl in a size 6, based on my full bust measurement, but I will size down for my next one for a closer fit and because I'd like the crossover point to sit lower on my bust. I'm learning that stretch garments come with different fitting considerations.
Pearl is much easier to sew than I expected, and came together in a few hours - not bad for my second knit garment!
My tips to start sewing stretch
- Don’t let the idea that sewing knit fabrics is difficult stop you from making the clothes you want to wear. It's not difficult or scary, it's just a different way of sewing.
- If you have a little experience handling fabric and knowing how to move it through the machine without stretching it (unless you're supposed to), you'll be absolutely fine
- Don't panic if you spot dropped stitches on your test swatch, it's often an easy fix
- Pick a simple pattern to start and go easy on yourself, learning should be fun
- Follow the instructions and take it slowly with the neckband
Have you started your own knit journey recently? We'd love to hear your own tips!
PS - Knit fabrics don’t tend to fray so you won’t need to vacuum every inch of your home when you’re finished YAY!
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Author: Rhi Pardoe
Agnes fabric: Cotton jersey from Rainbow Fabrics (no longer available)
Pearl fabric: Striped ponte roma from Pound Fabrics
