Knit Sewing Techniques: Making Comfortable Clothes for Your Loved Ones
- Londa
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 15
Enhancing Your Sewist Skills: My Journey in 2018
In 2018, I embarked on an exciting journey to tape two segments for the It’s Sew Easy Series 1500. The episodes premiered on June 27, airing across various PBS stations. During these segments, I shared several sewing techniques that are SEW VERY IMPORTANT for any sewist working with knit fabrics. Today, knit fabrics are a popular choice due to their comfort and easy maintenance.
As a proud Nana to four lovely granddaughters, aged 8, 6, 5, and 10 months, I often find myself sewing garments for them. I know all too well that cotton woven fabrics would never look decent after being wrinkled in my very busy daughter's home. With a 3-year-old boy running around, they have grown completely accustomed to wearing knits. Recently, while shopping for fabric online, I specifically sought after a BIG HUNK of knit print for matching dresses for my granddaughters and one for my daughter. More on shopping online for knits later in this post!
Techniques for Necklines, Waistlines, and Hems
I often feel frustrated with knitting pattern instructions that simply say, "turn edge under and stitch." Anyone who has attempted this technique can attest that it leads to a wavy, homemade finish! To help you achieve a polished look, I developed a fantastic method utilizing LASTIN - Clear Elastic. I’m thrilled to share that you can find this product on my website.
Stop now and watch this valuable 5:20 minute video. You'll be glad you did!
Video Highlights:
Waistline Elastic Techniques: Beginning through 1:37
Lastin Clean Snappy Finish: 1:38-2:08
Balancing the Bulk in Upper Edges and Hems: 2:35
The Secret to a Clean Snappy Finish
The heart of my "Clean Snappy Finish" lies in clear elastic called Lastin. I discovered this magical product many years ago during my quest to find the perfect elastic. It has the ideal thickness, measuring 3/8″ wide. Importantly, it's vital to store clear elastic in a drawer, away from light, which can cause it to deteriorate. When applied using my techniques, it is encased and remains intact. Find Lastin at this link below.
Using Knit Fusible Interfacing
Cutting your own strips of knit fusible interfacing is the most economical approach. It's also quite easy! Be sure to cut them on the crossgrain. I keep a supply of 2" wide strips stored in a chest at my pressing station. I use French Fuse Fusible Knit Interfacing. Unfortunately, I can no longer handle this product competitively since I cannot match the big retailers.
However, I do offer my friend Emma Seabrooke's wonderful 1" Knit Fusible Stay Tape. This product is fantastic, and for now, I can competitively price it at $9.50 for a 25-yard roll. I keep both products in a pretty box at Londa's Sunroom Sewing Studio.
Comprehensive Knit Sewing Class
For a comprehensive 'class' that compiles everything I know about sewing with knits, invest in and learn from this full video series... perfect for reference whenever you need it!
The Science Behind Elastic Disintegration
Let me share my unscientific yet experience-driven hypothesis about elastic longevity. First, it’s essential to recognize that all elastic will eventually lose its stretchiness over time, just like we do. Therefore, we can't expect elastic to last forever.
From my experience, elastic tends to maintain its stretchy character longer when it is regularly "hydrated." By 'hydration,' I refer to machine washing. Garments that are routinely machine washed and dried gently or hung to dry often exhibit longer-lasting elastic.
In summary, the fabrics I frequently wear, finished with Lastin edges, have proven to withstand time better than dressy tops I've left unworn for years. As fashion trends return, I've begun to repair these garments by replacing their elastic. I believe my pieces, crafted from timeless patterns, will remain part of my wardrobe for years, making every effort to maintain them worthwhile.
Even unworn skirts seem to adhere to this principle. They linger in my closet, as I've grown less comfortable going bare-legged at my age. Maybe it's time to embrace classic hosiery and bring back what makes me happy!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the idea that hydration can prolong elastic life. Please share your experiences below!
Bonus: A Unique Waistband Technique
My assortment of waistband elastic techniques would be incomplete without one I learned from my friend, Louise Cutting, during her $1700 Pant class years ago. I taught this technique for years, integrating it into my wardrobe. Many of my students at Londa's Sunroom Sewing Studio found great success using it.
I created a YouTube video on this topic that takes about 15 minutes to watch and absorb.
Finding this specific elastic can be challenging. I recommend purchasing several 1-yard packages from my website to build a stash. Although sewing might be a bit tougher without JoAnn Fabrics, many online sources provide the materials we need. You’ll be supporting small businesses like mine, and I appreciate every order.
JoAnn Fabrics: A Loss to the Craft Community
I, for one, will miss JoAnn Fabrics. Over the years, since closing my fabric shop in 2003, I could find fantastic textiles there. Recently, their prices zoomed upward, possibly trying to stay afloat.
Despite their efforts, I believe their persistent sales and shifts away from sewing toward various crafts ultimately led to their downfall. Running a retail business cannot thrive with continual sales without increasing base prices.
Back in the day, I would take my sewing students to JoAnn Fabrics for valuable lessons about textiles. Ten years ago, I created a class called Textiles for the Seamstress, which served as a helpful guide in understanding fabric and pattern interactions.
My hope is that online fabric retailers provide accurate descriptions of their offerings. For my personal recommendations, check out:
Vogue Fabric Store, which offers a subscription service that's worth exploring HERE
Elliott Berman Fabrics, where I used to buy fabric for my store. They also feature a free swatching service (you only pay shipping).
Although I haven't ordered yet, Gorgeous Fabrics seems promising, based on the owner's informative videos.
Seeing fabric shown draped on dress forms helps greatly in the purchasing process—consider this when you're shopping! Please share your recommendations below!
The Importance of Supporting Small Retailers
In today’s market, small online retailers face challenges against giants like Amazon. If you value having charming shops with real people to visit or receive a personal touch in your online shopping, I urge you to support small businesses like mine and others mentioned.
I understand the convenience of ordering from Amazon for everyday items, but for unique products, lend your support to smaller retailers instead.
Join Me in an Upcycle Project: Tommy Hilfiger Transformations
This recent project was incredibly fun! I transformed a Tommy Hilfiger shirt along with a denim skirt needing some love.
Follow My Creative Process
Watch the video documenting my creative journey as I transform the shirt and skirt.
Watch for My Next Blog Post!
Stay tuned for my upcoming blog post, where I'll explore another flat-looking waistline elastic application technique.
HAVE FUN SHOPPING! Discover great patterns, notions, and unique handmade wearables at: http://www.londas-sewing.com
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