Can You Sew Knits on a Regular Sewing Machine?
Knit fabric is becoming increasingly popular in the world of fashion. In addition to its versatility, leaving it an ideal choice for any beginner sewer. Many stop there, however; fearful of the difficulty associated with sewing such materials, opting instead for fabrics those are traditionally more manageable such as cotton, linen and silk. But it doesn’t have to be so difficult; with a few tips and tricks, knit fabrics are entirely achievable on a regular sewing machine.
Knit fabrics are constructed using interlooping yarns which don’t require weaving and thus make them much stretchier than regular woven fabrics. The material used for knit fabrics is so stretchy, it needs to be handled with a bit more care than say, a cotton blouse needs. To that end, a regular sewing machine is up to the challenge. All it needs is a few easy adjustments,
Stabilize the Fabric
Using a stabilizing material such as lightweight interfacing should be used to ensure the material holds its shape while cutting and sewing. This extra support can make all the difference between a project turning out as intended and being filled with gaps, puckers and overall messiness – no one enjoys having to unpick!
Pick the Right Needle
Utilizing the correct needle is absolutely essential when sewing any fabric but especially with knits. A jersey needle should be used as it is designed with a slightly rounded tip which helps it to ‘grab’ rather than ‘stab’ the fibres of the fabric as well as slashing through them, thus preventing any of the damage done by regular needles.
Choose the Correct Thread
Understanding the purpose of the different types of thread available is key in selecting the right one for a knits project. On top of the normal all-purpose thread for a regular sewing machine, it’s also recommended to use an elastic thread. This will ensure a greater stability overall and, like the needle, it will help reduce any damage caused while the machine is working.
Adjust the Tension and Stitch Length
The tension of a regular sewing machine can be adjusted, allowing seaming on lightweight fabrics such as jersey to be effortless. To achieve the perfect tension, start with a loose tension but not too loose! A 2 or a 3 should be sufficient. Similarly, reducing the stitch length for knitted fabrics minimizes the amount of thread at the back of the fabric, creating a much neater finish.
Utilize an Overlocker or Serger
If a regular sewing machine is not quite enough, investing in an overlocker or serger is essential when sewing knits. This is similar to a regular machine but has a second set of needles which ensures a neater result for all fabrics, not just for knits. They may have a steeper learning curve but, with a bit of practice, they are a worthwhile addition.
Press and Finish the Seams
Once the sewing is done, it’s important to press and finish the seams. Using an appropriate pressing auxiliary and waxed paper, press the right side of the seam down with an iron. Using the steam features can help to reduce the stretching of the knits. To finish, trim the threads and excess fabric in the seam allowance, by using a quality pair of scissors
Practical Tips for Sewing Knits
Sewing knits is not as difficult as it seems. To make sure your project looks professional and neat follow these tips: Choose the right needles, thread and tension for the job, use a stabilizer for greater stability, invest in an overlocker for neat seams and press and finish the seams with a quality auxiliary and scissors.
Common Problems Associated with Sewing Knit
As with any sewing project, problems can arise. The most common ones associated with sewing knits are puckering and stretching of the fabric. To avoid this, start with a stable fabric, use the appropriate needles and thread, adjust the tension of the machine correctly and use a low stitch length.
Care Instructions
When your knit garment is ready to go out into the world, it is important to provide your customer with instructions on how to care for it. The instructions should include information on the machine washing and heat settings, as well as brushing and pressing instructions.
Future Home Sewing
As the popularity of knitting continues to grow, so too does the opportunity for home sewers to get involved. Sewing knits is a great way to get started, as it offers an accessible introduction to working with fabrics that can be difficult for beginners. With proper research and guidance, sewing knits with a regular sewing machine is very much in reach!
Techniques for Sewing Knitts
When sewing knits, make sure the fabric is stable and choosing the correct technique is key. Whether enrolling those extra hands to help control the fabric while you sew or using the seam allowance as a guide while setting the stitches could make all the difference.
Benefits of Sewing Knits
Home sewing with knits allows for one to create sturdy and durable pieces of clothing which are perfect for all seasons. From the winter months needing sweaters and thermals to the summer months with airier and brighter option, the possibilities are endless.
What to Look Out For
When purchasing knitted fabric, be sure to look at the composition of it. This is to ensure it is suitable for the project and to understand how it might react to different wear and wash. Investing in a quality fabric, can means your creation will last longer.
