Sewing with knit fabric is very different than sewing with a woven print. However, once you master sewing with knit fabric, it will assuredly become one of you favorites.

These are supplies that I use regularly. You don’t need to use all of these supplies or these particular brands, but I want to share what we used here.

• Knit fabric
• Ribbed knit fabric
• Gutterman thread
• Terry knit fabric
  

Step #1 Ball Point Sewing Needles

Make sure you use a ball point needle in your sewing machine.

It is important that you use the correct needle when sewing with knits. A ball point needle treats the fabric differently than a sharp or universal needle. Instead of breaking the threads, it actually separates and then inserts between the knit yarn. Many times a ball point needle will come with your machine, or you can find them in any fabric and notions shop.

Be sure to change your needle for every new project!

Step #2 Stitches

Before beginning your project, first find a sample of knit fabric and practice! Sample work is an integral part of figuring out exactly what works for your machine. Simply fold the fabric so you are sewing over two layers (like you would with most of your sewing projects) and then practice with the stitches.

While you are practicing on your samples, be sure to make note of your stitches, stitch length and width, and any other pertinent information. I find it most helpful to make a sample scrap book. This can be saved for future references to similar fabrics and stitches. I find it most helpful to have that information handy.

Due to the fact that knit fabrics stretch, we similarly need to use stretch stitches. Many newbie seamstresses use a straight stitch when they start with knits, but then are surprised when the thread “pops” or breaks. You will be ahead of the game if you can familiarize yourself with your specific sewing machine and the type of stitch-work it can perform.

Zig Zag

The zig zag stitch is the basic stretch stitch that is available on almost every sewing machine. Practice with different stitch lengths and widths in order to figure out what is the best setting for your machine and your particular fabric. Remember, you may use different settings with different fabrics.

Some machines have different versions of the zig zag stitch. Here is an example of the “Triple Zig Zag” stitch.

You can tell that there are three stitches in every direction. This gives additional strength with a decorative element.

Triple Stitch

Another great stretch stitch is the “Triple Stitch.” This stitch is typically depicted on your sewing machine by three horizontal lines drawn closely together. This stitch stretches because it takes two stitches forward and then one stitch back. You may need to try longer stitch lengths for best results.

Twin stitch

If you can find a ball point twin needle, you can do the twin stitch. Since every sewing machine is different, please check your manual for directions.

There are two upper threads with the single bobbin. Here is an example of the back of the stitch:

The zig zag in the back makes this a great stretch stitch.

Please note about using a twin needle:  Success with this stitch really depends on your machine. I have owned machines which allowed this stitch to turn out wonderfully, and I have owned machines where I wanted to pull my hair out. If you have ball point twin needles in your sewing stash, this is an excellent stitch; however, if it doesn’t work, you have a lot of other great stretch stitches at your disposal.

Decorator Stitches

Most decorator stitches stretch! You can have a lot of fun with this. Play with your samples and see what you can create. Here are some examples of decorator stitches that I came up with:

Have fun experimenting with knit fabric!

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