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Want to learn new skills for sewing stretchy projects? Here is a round-up of our favorite tutorials, articles, and patterns to explore sewing with knit fabrics.
These resources are organized by type, so you can browse the tutorials that match your learning style. Under each section, they’re organized by the most general tutorials up top and the more specific techniques underneath so you can follow each section in order.
If you learn best with videos, follow our video round-up. If you prefer to read tutorials, check out our articles round-up. And if you learn best by sewing, check out the list of sewalongs and patterns that will grow your skills.
Video Tutorials
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How to Sew Knits Without a Serger: Sewing knits on a regular sewing machine is simple! Just follow these easy steps. -
How to Determine Stretch Percentage in Fabric: Learn how to calculate your fabric's stretch percentage to ensure your garment will fit. -
A Guide to Coverstitch Machines: In this tutorial, you’ll learn what coverstitch machines do, how to flat hem, how to hem in the round, how to unpick coverstitching, and some basic troubleshooting. -
Do I Really Need a Coverstitch Machine?: Will a coverstitch make hemming knits easier, or is it a waste of money? In this video, Sarai weighs the pros and cons of investing in a coverstitch machine. -
How to Raise, Lower, or Change the Neckline on a Pattern: Think about your favorite T-shirt or dress. How do you feel about the neckline? Necklines sit front and center on our bodies, so if your neckline is too high or too low, or you really prefer V-necks to crew necks, you might find yourself not wearing that garment as much as you’d like to. We’ll show you how to draft your dream neckline! -
How to Reinforce Shoulder Seams: Prevent stretched-out shoulder seams on your knit garments using two simple methods. -
How to Sew a Knit Neckband: This video shows you how to get a professional-looking neckline on knit patterns.
Articles
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A Guide to Shopping for Knits: 5 questions to ask yourself when shopping for knits. -
How to Sew Knits Without a Serger: Simple tips for using your home sewing machine to sew knit fabrics. -
A Guide to Coverstitch Machines: A comprehensive guide to using and purchasing a coverstitch machine. -
How to Pick the Right Needle for Your Project: Learn about different needles for knits here. -
From Woven to Knit: Can you sew woven patterns in knit fabric? -
How to Line Sleeveless Knit Garments for a Clean Finish: This quick tutorial will show you how to create a professional finish for your sleeveless knit patterns—no armbands necessary! -
Swimwear Basics: Everything you need to know about sewing your own swimsuit. -
How to Shop for Swimwear Fabric: Pick the right fabric and lining for your handmade bathing suit. -
Fabric Guide: Activewear Fabrics: Whether you want the latest in technical knits or all-natural options, there are plenty of ways to keep dry and comfortable. -
Fabric Guide: Merino Wool: How to sew with merino wool. -
Fabric Guide: Double Knits: How to sew with double knit fabric. -
Fabric Guide: Athletic Knits: Tips for sewing strong seams. -
Fabric Guide: Sherpa: How to sew with sherpa. -
Fabric Guide: Sweatshirt Fleece: How to sew with sweatshirt fleece. -
Fabric Guide: Sweater Knits: How to sew with sweater knits. -
Fabric Guide: Rib Knits: How to sew with rib knit fabrics.
Patterns and Sewalongs
If you join these sewalongs, you’ll feel comfortable sewing with knits, and you'll have a few comfy, stylish garments to wear.
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Orlando Knit Tee Sewalong: This class will walk you through each step to sew the Orlando top, a knit tee with a scoop neckline. -
Cal Pajama Set Sewalong: The Cal set includes a racer-back tank top and semi-fitted boxer shorts. The tank has a scoop neckline, a placket for snaps or buttons, and a curved hem. The shorts have a faux fly. -
Devon Knit Dress Sewalong: This comfy pattern features dropped shoulders and a generous turtleneck. -
Milo Cardigan Sewalong: Are you ready to up your sewing with knits skills AND make a great layering piece? Well, meet Milo! Milo is a knit cardigan with a modern silhouette featuring a great mix of details to hone your skills. -
Maggie Two-piece Swimsuit Sewalong: Sewing your own swimwear doesn’t have to be complicated. Meet Maggie! This two-piece swimsuit has a scoop neckline, wide-set straps, high-waisted bottoms, and a cheeky cut at the legs. In this class, you’ll learn everything you need to know to choose and sew with swimwear fabric. -
Goldie Sweetheart Tee Sewalong: This tee has a wide sweetheart neckline cinched with elastic at the center front. Plus a fitted silhouette with full-length sleeves that are slightly gathered at the top. -
Nash Flared Leggings Sewalong: This leggings pattern harkens back to the yoga pants of the early aughts but with a more modern silhouette. -
Mel Knit Joggers Sewalong: The Mel joggers are knit pants with a relaxed mid-rise fit, clever elasticized drawstring waistband, cuffs at the hem, and of course—pockets. -
Lex Sweatshirt Sewalong: The Lex sweatshirt is a quick, cozy project that will boost your mood while you sew it and when you wear it. It has an oversized fit, dropped shoulders, and a kangaroo pocket with a binding at the openings. -
Wallis Athletic Dress Sewalong: The Wallis dress and romper is a playful, flexible design with options for a skirt, shorts, or both. -
Robin Bra Sewalong: The Robin bralette is a fitted soft bra with princess seams. It’s self-lined with adjustable straps, a hook and eye closure at the center back, and a comfortable picot elastic finish at the neckline, armholes, and bottom band.
