In “Knit Know-how,” Threads #176, former Executive Editor Judith Neukam shares tips and techniques for sewing knits. As any experienced sewer knows, knits come in a variety of styles and fabric types, from tissue-weight jerseys to bulky sweater knits. Watch this Threads Essential Techniques video to learn which machines, needles, and stitches are best suited for particular knit types. Learn a foolproof technique for stabilizing shoulder seams on knits, how to handle necklines on knit garments, and how to sew a durable hand stitch for hemming knits.
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New sewers have a tendency to hand sew hems in a tight stitch, reasoning that it will hold better. In truth, the looser catch stitch is perfect because it is flexible. It will hold better than any tight stitch and it is almost invisible from the right side.
I found this useful - I am new to knits and have struggled with finishing necklines nicely. Thank you.
I use a twin needle to hem my knits. I loosen the tension on the needle thread to keep the stitch from making a channel. It lays flat and stretches without popping.
My seams are a zig zag set at 2-3 wide and 1-1 1/2 long. This has a nice stretch and it looks the same on the outside of the seam as a straight stitch.
Kwik sew has lots of good patterns for knits.
Judith needs to be the ring-mistress on "Threads Sewing Circus" - a donated television show concept (I'm a giver!) this magazine needs to bring to fruition, and the masses.
Good video for techniques on stable knits. I have difficulty sewing thinner knits that stretch much more- fabrics such as bamboo jersey. Can you demonstrate how to sew stretchy 4 way knits?
Thank you for your question and suggestion to demonstrate how to sew four-way stretch knits. This may be helpful: In "Pro Methods for Activewear" Threads #190, April/May 2017 (https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2017/03/01/pro-methods-for-sewing-activewear), sewing pro Melissa Fehr discusses stretch knit sewing techniques, as well as fabric selection and garment design adjustments.