Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 18, 2008 05:14pm | #1

   It may be better to just hang on to the patterns until you can find just the right fabrics!  I know that's not what you wanted to hear, but hope to save you the frustration.  Mary

2. 
   ThreadKoe | Sep 18, 2008 05:53pm | #2

   The give of the knit fabric has been worked into the wearing ease in these patterns. That means that in order to make them wearable in woven fabrics, you would have to split the pattern apart and add ease or room through the middle of the pattern as well as the sides. If you are willing to play with them, it is possible, but an awful amount of work for such usually simple garments. Better to invest in woven patterns. Time=Money Cathy

3. 
   Teaf5 | Sep 20, 2008 12:44am | #3

   While I agree with the others that knit patterns are usually not good for wovens, some patterns that call for knits with very little stretch can be converted fairly well if made in a very drapey woven fabric using a size or two larger than usual.

   However, the difference in fit between knits (most of what we buy in RTW) and wovens (what home sewers are pretty much limited to) causes frustration for home sewers.  No matter how good you are at fitting, a woven top is not going to fit or feel like a knit t-shirt, even if you're using a woven cotton with spandex.

   Before wasting time, check the pattern books for styles that are similar to what you like about the knit patterns.  If there aren't any, it's probably because the design depends on the use of knit rather than a woven fabric.  If you find one, it might be easier to wait for a sale and buy it rather than spend a lot of time on the very uncertain business of converting a pattern.

1. 
   artistic1 | Sep 20, 2008 01:44am | #4

   Thanks for the info it just seams that EVERY pattern this year is knits. i have ordered a few knits online however that can be costly. I just dont get these pattern companies vs home fabric stores they are never in sync with each other..I suppose next year the trend will be wovens and many knits will appear in the stores. i remember when i first started sewing in high school..the trend was polyester knits they were all over the place!!! I can find solid knits but matte jersey prints are hard to come by...where do all those pattern companies get their fabrics shown on their envelopes?? Most likely somewhere where the average consumer cannot!

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Sep 20, 2008 02:45am | #5

   You need to talk to the owner/manager of the places you shop. Often they will look for what you want, if they know about it. They will shop for you if they know what you are looking for. Often, they appreciate customer feedback as it lets them know what to buy for their customers. You may find they have sample cards that you can order right from. Cathy

4. 
   Cherrypops | Sep 20, 2008 12:42pm | #6

   make a test garment using the method shown to me via Knitwit Australia

   make the garment in two sizes up. (do not add 2)

   I am a size 10 in most patterns bust size 32.5". knit going to woven I choose size 14.

   If I were going woven to knit ;

   I go down two sizes which for me can be tricky depending on the smallest pattern size given. then I make sure the fabric stretch is not less than 2.5cm.

    

    

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Sep 20, 2008 05:21pm | #7

   Hi Cherrypops, have not heard from you for a while. Hope you are well.
   What type of garment did you do this with and how successful were you? Cathy

   Edited 9/20/2008 10:23 am ET by ThreadKoe

1. 
   Cherrypops | Sep 21, 2008 10:12am | #8

   An A Line Dress with centre back zip. No problems with it.

   I don't have it anymore, I outgrew it and I do not have or remember the pattern I used.

   Try a basic design first and see how you go.

    

   I am well just busy.

    

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Sep 21, 2008 05:26pm | #9

   Thank you. Glad to hear you are well. Cathy

5. 
   CostumerVal | Sep 22, 2008 10:57pm | #10

   I ditto Cherrypops. I used Vogue 2064 with a woven crepe. I usually sew size 12 patterns, I used size 16 for this top. You can double check your ease with a tape. I had to alter the pattern at the sleeves so I could get my hand through. You may have to engineer an opening at the neckline for your knit patterns, but any sewing book will show you your options in that department. I say go for it.Val

1. 
   artistic1 | Sep 22, 2008 11:36pm | #11

   Thanks everyone for your input!

   Debbie

1. 
   Cherrypops | Sep 23, 2008 08:14am | #12

   Hello artistic1 ( i love that name )

   You are so welcome... and if you need any help just ask any one of us.

   Please let us know how you go with this and how your garment turns out  - using pictures if you can.

   Cp

   Edited 9/23/2008 1:14 am by Cherrypops