Can I Sew Knits With a Regular Sewing Machine?
Knits are a versatile material and can be great for making clothes and small aesthetic items. Sewing with knits can be tricky, requiring specialized needles and techniques, along with quality sewing machines that are up to the challenge. Can a regular sewing machine be used to sew knits? Read on to find out.
One great thing about sewer knit fabrics is their ability to drape over the body and move with the wearer, providing comfort and style at the same time. Knit fabrics are more resistant to wear and tear, and laundry is much easier, as the fabric won’t shrink or fade. Sewers who want to get started with knits need the right tools and techniques to sew with success.
The first thing to consider when sewing knits is the sewing machine, which needs to have all the functionalities and features to work with knit fabric. A regular sewing machine isn’t made for knits and may cause problems, such as skipped stitches and fabric bunching. A specialized knit sewing machine may better handle knits, as it has the features to accommodate them, such as a zig zag type of stitch pattern, and a presser foot with a roller on the bottom that pushes the fabric through the presser foot and prevents it from getting caught. Specialist machines also offer adjustable width and length of stitches so that sewers can customize the look of their stitches.
When it comes to needles, knit fabrics require a ball point needle that passes through the fabric without cutting it, thereby avoiding any runs or holes in the fabric. Sewers should invest in needles that are specifically made for knit fabrics, as regular sewing needles may cause the fabric to distort.
In terms of thread, it is best to use thread specifically designed for knits, as these are designed to stretch with the fabric and provide a good connection. Sewers can also use a serger, which is a four- or five-thread sewing machine that is specifically designed to control the edge of stretchy fabric. It is also recommended to use a walking foot, which is a special foot that helps to feed the fabric through the machine evenly and prevent any puckering.
Sewing knits can be a fun and rewarding experience for sewers, but it does require the right tools and knowledge. It is not recommended to sew with a regular sewing machine, as this can cause serious problems and damage the fabric. Instead, sewers should invest in a higher quality machine that is specifically designed to handle knits, along with the right needles and threads, so they can create beautiful pieces with ease.
Stabilizing Knits For Sewing
Stabilizing knits is an important step in any sewing project that involves knits. One of the biggest challenges in sewing with knits is their tendency to stretch out when they’re being handled. Stabilizers act as a barrier, preventing the fabric from stretching out when it is sewn. Sewers can use specialized interfacing, also known as knit interfacing, which is designed for use with knits and comes in various weights and supplies.
In addition to knit interfacing, sewers can also use a fusible spray adhesive, which is applied to the wrong side of the fabric and bonds the material, thus preventing it from stretching. Water soluble stabilizers, such as Pellon’s Wonder Under or Sulky’s Easy Kote, are another option. This type of stabilizer is applied to the wrong side of the fabric and dissolved with a damp cloth after the sewing is finished.
In some cases, sewers may choose to use tracing paper underneath their fabric to give it stability, especially when sewing curves. It is important to use paper that is thin and translucent, as thicker papers may pucker when sewn into the fabric. Finally, sewers can choose to use zig zag stitches to provide extra stability and help keep seams from stretching out, as the stitches pull the fabrics together.
Types of Knit Fabrics
There are a variety of different knits fabric available today, so sewers must be careful to choose the right one for their project. Common types of knits fabrics include cotton jersey, which is soft and comfortable with a bit of stretch; interlock jersey, which has more stretch and a slightly heavier weight; ribbing, which is stretchy and good for cuffs and bands; and fleece, which is a thicker knit fabric that is great for outerwear and blankets. It is important to know the specific properties of each fabric so that sewers can choose the right one for their project.
When it comes to washing knit fabrics, it is important to use the gentle cycle, as this helps to preserve the elasticity of the fabric and keeps the stitches from coming undone. Most knits can also be tumble dried on the lowest heat setting, or hung dry. Sewers should never bleach or dry clean a knit fabric, as this can cause it to shrink and fade.
Tips for Sewing Knits
Sewers should take their time and focus on accuracy when sewing with knits, as mistakes can be difficult or impossible to fix. They should also avoid backstitching, as this can cause puckering, and use pins sparingly, as too many pins can push the fabric out of position. Pulling on the fabric while sewing is another mistake to avoid, as this can cause the fabric to stretch and distort.
One way to reduce the chances of distortion is to sew a sample, or muslin, of the garment first and make any necessary adjustments before starting the actual garment. This is a great way to get practice sewing with knits and ensure a perfect fit. Another tip is to use polyester thread, as this helps prevent thread breakage. Finally, it’s always a good idea to prewash the fabric before starting a project.
Sewing Knits on a Serger
A serger, also known as an overlocker, is a specialized sewing machine designed to quickly join fabric edges together with an overcast stitch. Sergers are ideal for sewing knits, as the stitches are tight and even, and the fabric edge is secured in place. They are also great for edging and finishing seams, as well as creating decorative hems.
A serger can be used on a variety of fabrics, but there are certain fabrics, such as velvet and corduroy, that can be difficult to sew on. It is important to select the right presser foot and stitch length for the fabric, as this will affect the quality of the finished garment. It is also important to use a special type of needle made for knits when sewing with a serger.
When sewing knits, it is important to use a ball point needle, as this will help prevent the fabric from being punctured. Sewers should also adjust the stitch length and tension to prevent puckering. Finally, it is recommended to use a special type of overlocking thread when sewing with a serger, as it will provide a secure connection.
Sewing Knits With a Coverstitch Machine
A coverstitch machine is a specialized sewing machine used to create a strong and stretchy stitch that is commonly found on the hems and necks of t-shirts and other knit garments. Coverstitch machines are great for stretchy fabrics, as the stitches are designed to stretch and move with the fabric, providing comfort and lasting durability.
Coverstitch machines are easy to use and require special needles and thread. The needles must be set up correctly to ensure that they don’t break and that the fabric is tensioned correctly. The thread should also be strong and stretchy so that it won’t snap when stretched. Sewers should start by doing a few test stitches to fine tune the settings and ensure that they are sew the garments with accuracy.
When it comes to fabrics, it is important to choose ones that are suitable for the coverstitch machine. Fabrics that are too light or too heavy may cause problems, such as skipped stitches or breaking needles. Sewers should also use a walking foot to help the fabric move through the machine and prevent puckering.
Conclusion
Sewing knits can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it does require special tools and techniques to ensure success. Regular sewing machines are not made for sewers, as they are more prone to problems and can cause the fabric to be damaged. It is best to invest in specialized machines, needles, and threads to ensure that the fabric is handled properly and the garments turn out just as expected.
