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How to Sew With a Jersey Knit

Jersey knit fabric never seems to go out of style. Its wearability, ease of care, low price and wide variety of colors makes it ideal for sewing comfortable, casual garments -- clothes that will take you from home to office and then out at night. Jersey knit is easy to work with, but the stretchy nature of the fabric requires a few techniques that make it even easier.

Things You'll Need

  • Pattern
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Rotary cutter
  • Mat board
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a sewing pattern that has been designed specifically for use with jersey knit fabrics. Check the back of the pattern packet for details about the degree of stretch required in the jersey knit, as well as how much fabric is needed for the garment.

    • 2

      Launder your fabric prior to using it, to allow for any shrinkage before sewing your garment.

    • 3

      Cut out your pattern pieces, and pin them to the fabric. Arrange them so that the fabric grain is running in the same direction on all pieces and the greatest degree of stretch is horizontal to the body. This will ensure the fabric sits well at the bust, waist and hip areas. Use plenty of sewing pins to hold the pattern pieces in place.

    • 4

      Cut out the pieces, creating a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Using a rotary cutter and mat board works best, but scissors can be used.

    • 5

      Use 100 percent polyester interfacing to reinforce jersey knit fabric in high-stress areas such as the cuffs, plackets, necklines and closures.

    • 6

      Load a size 10/70 or 11/75 ballpoint needle and all-purpose, cotton wrapped or polyester thread into your sewing machine.

    • 7

      Sew your jersey knit garment using an overlock stitch for seams, and do not stretch the fabric as your are sewing. But if you have a machine that sews only straight stitches, use a medium stitch length and stretch the fabric in the front and back of the presser foot as you sew. For the hem, use topstitch or blind hemming.


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