Straight-stitching knit fabric can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible with the right technique. Knit fabric is stretchy, so you need to use a straight stitch that will stretch with it. You must also be careful not to overstretch the fabric, or it will pucker.
What You Need to Get Started
Before you start straight-stitch knit fabric, gather the essential materials, including:
- A sewing machine
- A ballpoint or stretch needle
- Polyester thread
- Fabric scissors
- Pins or clips
- A cutting mat
- A rotary cutter (optional)
- Pattern and fabric of your choice
To straight-stitch knit fabric, follow these steps:
- Use a ballpoint needle. Ballpoint needles are designed to glide through knit fabric without catching or tearing it.
- Set your sewing machine to a straight stitch with a slightly longer stitch length than you would use for woven fabric. A longer stitch length will help the fabric to stretch without puckering.
- Place the fabric under the presser foot and lower the needle.
- Begin sewing, slowly guiding the fabric under the presser foot.
- Be careful not to overstretch the fabric as you sew. If the fabric starts to pucker, stop sewing and adjust the tension of your thread.
- Continue sewing until you reach the end of the seam.
- Backstitch to secure the seam.
Tips
- If you are new to sewing straight-stitch knit fabric, it is a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of fabric before sewing on your project.
- Use a stabilizer, such as a tear-away stabilizer, to help support the fabric. This will help to prevent puckering.
- Press the seam after you have sewn it. This will help to flatten the seam and make it less visible.
- Use a serger or zigzag stitch to finish the edges of the fabric. This will help to prevent the fabric from fraying.
FAQ
What type of needle should I use to sew knit fabric?
You should use a ballpoint needle to sew knit fabric. Ballpoint needles are designed to glide through knit fabric without catching or tearing it.
What type of thread should I use to sew knit fabric?
You can use any type of thread to sew knit fabric. However, it is generally recommended to use a thread that is slightly heavier than the thread you used to sew the fabric.
How long should my stitch length be?
It would help if you used a slightly longer stitch length than you would use for woven fabric. A longer stitch length will help the fabric to stretch without puckering.
How do I avoid puckering?
Be careful not to overstretch the fabric as you sew. If the fabric starts to pucker, stop sewing and adjust the tension of your thread.
How do I backstitch?
To backstitch, sew a few stitches in reverse. This will help to secure the seam and prevent it from unraveling.
Can I use a regular needle for sewing knit fabric?
It’s best to use a ballpoint or stretch needle designed for knit fabrics to prevent snags and runs.
What should I do if my knit fabric is puckering while I sew?
Reduce the presser foot presser and consider using a walking foot to prevent puckering.
Conclusion
Straight-stitching knit fabric can be tricky, but it’s possible with the right technique. By following the tips above, you can easily straight-stitch knit fabric and create beautiful and durable garments and accessories.