~ Tips for Using Jersey Knit ~
ALWAYS wash jersey knit before sewing. If you have more than a yard of fabric, sew the ends together to avaoid tangles in the washer & dryer. (Use cold water and tumble dry Low.)
ALWAYS use a ball point needle (70 or 80) and sharp pins.
Pin seams before sewing.
Use polyester thread - there is less change of the seam popping when the garment is worn.
(Cotton is a second option.)
Lengthen your stitch from 2.5 to 3, or 14 stitches to the inch, OR use the narrowest zig-zag stitch that your machine will do (.5). This will keep the seams from ripping when trying on, and help with wavy seams. You do not have to own a serger to sew with knits!
When hemming, only turn your edge up once, and hem with a longer stitch.
For a crisp hem, cut a piece of fusible knit interfacing twice as wide as the hem allowance, iron on wrong side, then fold and stitch hem.
ALWAYS follow the pattern instructions when cutting,
to keep the stretch of the knit in the right direction.
(Jersey Knit
Fabrics by Valori Wells from FreeSpirit are 58"-60 wide and 96% Cotton 4% Spandex.) |
