Hi Everyone! Welcome to Hemming Techniques Part 2: Sewing Hems on Knit Fabrics. Knit fabrics are beautiful and provide a very authentic look and feel to the garment. Unfortunately for most, these fabrics also bring with them a bit of fear and anxiety. I experienced those same feelings early on but after hours of experimentation and research, I've overcome those fears. I love to sew with knit fabrics and hope that these tips and techniques will encourage you to practice sewing with knits too!
Are you ready? Let's go...
In the video posted below, I share with you several tutorials for hemming knit fabrics. First, we take a look at a basic double turned hem, then we look at using a twin needle, and finish off with a quick look at using the walking foot. One of the primary secrets to hemming a knit fabric is the use of fusible interfacing for knits - it works wonders! The other necessity is pressing with steam to regain the shape of the original hemline - watch the video to see the techniques in action. Experimenting with the techniques and figuring out which method works best for you and your machine is the key to success!
Pattern Overview (Liberty Jane designs using knit fabrics):
- Liberty Jane Free T-Shirt
- Liberty Jane T-shirt Variations
- Liberty Jane Baseball T-shirt (AG, WW, Boy Doll, AGAT, Ellowyne, Journey Girls, BFC Ink.)
- Liberty Jane Off The Shoulder Tee
- Liberty Jane Cortina Couture Top
- Liberty Jane Malibu Halter Top
- Liberty Jane Sorrento Top
- Liberty Jane V-neck Tee
Resources: Here's my long list of knit fabrics and knit fabric notions - so much good stuff!
Mood Fabrics Shop online or visit them in New York and LA:
- Stretch Rayon Jersey - Turquoise, Sky Blue, Rose Pink, Magenta are some of my favorite colors.
- Rayon Blends - Blue Floral has been used on the Welliewishers™ Baseball t-shirt cover
- Performance Jersey - Great for yoga pants, tank tops, and leggings. Try Calm Pacific paired with Black Cotton-Viscose
Harts Fabrics: This store is fantastic! If you're ever in Santa Cruz, CA be sure to look them up!
- Cotton/Spandex Jersey - Red Floral and Barnacles Print are cute!
- Sweater Knits - like Navy Stripe
- Fun Designer Overstock Fabrics - Ella Moss Slub Knit, Splendid Melon Jersey
- Rayon Blends - Polka Dot, Teal Stripe
- Bamboo Knit - love the Mini Stripe!
- Swimwear Knits (fantastic selection!) - inventory is constantly changing, many of our previous pixie packs were sourced from Harts!
Girl Charlee (Great online source for knit and ribbing fabrics):
- Cotton Lycra (lots to choose from just pay special attention to the scale of the prints)
- Ribbing Fabrics for binding on tees, sweaters, and hoodies
- Specialty Knits - Vegan Leather, stretch lace
Fashion Fabrics Club:
Spandex World: Large selection of lycra blend knit fabrics.
Fabric.com:
- Pellon EK130 Fusible Knit Interfacing Black White (currently not available)
- Rayon Slub Knits - great for basic t-shirts and tank tops!
- Stretch Jersey Knits
- That adorable Flamingo Print Knit shared by Marilyn a few months back!
- Stretch Lace - Floral
- 3/8" Stretch lace trim (great for hems!)
The Fabric Fairy: Great selection of knits!
JoAnn Fabrics In-store and online:
- EK130 Fusible Knit Interfacing
- Cotton Spandex - My go to for basic white or black tees - easy to sew, steams well and works great with iron-on designs!
- In Store - I love to check out the "Red Tag" tables usually in the back of the store. The inventory is always changing and I frequently find slub knits and sweater knits there.
For WA State Locals:
- Pacific Fabrics (Downtown Seattle by Safeco Field) Great selection of swimwear knits on the back tables!
- Fabric Depot - Portland, OR area. Largest fabric store in the Us, I believe! Great selection of 4-way stretch mesh (in store) as well as vegan leather, and knit blends.
Knit Notions:
Fusible Knit Stay Tape 1/2" width rolls (need to be trimmed to 1/4"): Sewing Machine plus
Velcro® Brand Tape - 3-yard rolls available at Home Sew
Twin Needle - 1.6mm size 70 or 80 is what I use for doll tees (Klasse or Schmetz). I have a universal style, but if you can find one for stretch, it might work even better!
Coffee Filters - I'd suggest Amazon! ;)
Steam Iron - You might be surprised to know that the one I'm using the in the video is just $15! There's a large variety of irons to choose from, take your pick, I'm sure any will do fine!
Week Two Task:
- Practice a few hem techniques - share your examples with us in the group!
Next Tuesday - Week 2: Hemming Chiffon or Silky Delicate Fabrics
