Sewing with jersey knit fabric can be a rewarding experience. Whether you want to create comfortable
t-shirts, stylish dresses, or cozy pajamas, jersey knit is an excellent fabric choice. Its stretchiness
allows for comfortable movement, and its lightweight nature makes it perfect for all seasons.
Choosing the Right Needle and Thread
When sewing with jersey knit, it is crucial to choose the right needle and thread. A ballpoint needle,
specifically designed for knit fabrics, helps prevent snagging or damaging the fabric. Use a fine needle
size for lightweight jersey and a larger needle size for heavier jersey fabrics.
As for the thread, polyester or cotton-wrapped polyester threads work well with jersey knit fabric as
they provide both strength and stretch. Match the thread color to your fabric or use a contrasting color
to add visual interest to your stitches.
Preparing the Fabric
Before you begin sewing, ensure that you prewash and dry your jersey knit fabric to prevent any shrinkage
that may occur later. It is also a good idea to iron the fabric before cutting to remove any wrinkles and
make the cutting and sewing processes easier.
Cutting and Sewing Techniques
When cutting jersey knit, use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to ensure clean and smooth edges. It is
essential to cut with the grainline to maintain the fabric’s stretchiness and prevent warping.
For sewing, using a serger/overlock machine is highly recommended as it provides neat and professional
finishes. However, if you don’t have a serger, a regular sewing machine with a stretch stitch or a
narrow zigzag stitch can also work well.
Finishing Touches
After completing your garment, it’s time for the finishing touches. Use a twin needle to create
hemlines that stretch with the fabric. Topstitching with a twin needle not only adds a decorative touch
but also reinforces the hems for durability.
With the right techniques and tools, sewing jersey knit can be a fun and rewarding experience. Experiment
with different patterns and styles to create comfortable and stylish garments that you’ll love to wear!
Love this post! So thorough and detailed
Great post, perfect for all sewing enthusiasts! I’m sure this will be extremely helpful for those looking to try their hand at sewing with jersey knit.