Nothing is as comfortable and easy to wear as knits-and they’re versatile, too. With the right techniques, you can turn knits into classic officewear, high-performance activewear, comfortable lounging garments, easy-care travel clothing, or flattering basics. Knits are fun to sew, but you’ll want to take special care in sewing the seams and finishing edges. It’s important to maintain or control the stretch, depending on the garment’s requirements. Follow this guide from “Finishing Knits,” Threads #183, Feb./March 2016, and you’ll end up with long-lasting garments that look great-and make you look great, too.

---

Nothing is as comfortable and easy to wear as knits—and they’re versatile, too. With the right techniques, you can turn knits into classic officewear, high-performance activewear, comfortable lounging garments, easy-care travel clothing, or flattering basics. Many prints and textures are available, offering superb style options.

Knits are fun to sew, but you’ll want to take special care in sewing the seams and finishing edges. It’s important to maintain or control the stretch, depending on the garment’s requirements. You’ll end up with long-lasting garments that look great—and make you look great, too.

---

Seams: stretchy or stable

In general, when sewing knits, choose a stitch that stretches with the fabric. The exception to this rule is for seams that need stability, such as shoulder seams, wide necklines, and waistline seams that don’t need to stretch around the body.

For seams that give, use a stretch stitch.

Options include a narrow zigzag or an overlock stitch on your sewing machine, or a three- or four-thread serger stitch.

For seams that stay, use a straight stitch.

Add a stabilizing strip to…