hello friends, while i would have preferred ‘garment construction’, perhaps this heading will send some helpful advice my way. in laying out my cotton-spandex knit for a Kwik Sew unitard, should the pattern be laid out so the greatest stretch is lengthwise, i.e. grainline of the pattern parallel to the selvage? an ‘activewear sewing book’ i referenced at the local library carried that advice, however the Kwik Sew instruction sheet says the greatest stretch should be around the body. this will be a yoga unitard, so stretching is it’s basic function! thanks for your help. hope someone sees this Q…
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Replies
organdy, I would lay out the pattern so that the greatest stretch goes around the body. You want the unitard to give as you bend.
Your question is a bit confusing because it sounds as though you are saying the stretch of your fabric is on the lengthwise grain. Most knits have a crosswise stretch.
organdy, does your fabric have a two way stretch, across and the length of the grain?
the fabric is two way stretch, with the greatest stretch lengthwise
When using two way stretch fabrics, the length of fabric often has greater stretch. When laying out a pattern, follow the instructions given by the pattern maker. If they tell you to put the greater stretch around the body, cut the pattern on the crosswidth if that is where the greatest stretch is. When using a knit pattern, it is designed to have the greatest stability in the length of the garment, so it will not bag and grow. Cathy
You should have two way stretch - technically four way stretch. Otherwise the stretch should go around the body.
all -- thanks for the answers -- the pattern layout shows the greatest degree of stretch should go around the body, so i can proceed with my new unitard!
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