Get Started Sewing with Knit Fabric! Three Project Ideas too!

With cooler seasons approaching, more and more sewing patterns will start to feature warm turtlenecks, comfy sweaters, and fleece hoodies! What do these have in common? They require the use of knit fabrics.

 Sewing with knit fabric can seem daunting, especially if you’re used to working with woven fabrics like quilting cottons. However, with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you’ll find that knits are versatile, comfortable, and fun to sew. In this post, I’ll share some essential tips for sewing with knit fabric and provide three sample projects you can try. There's even a video tutorial for each! 

Tips for Sewing with Knit Fabric

Before diving into the projects, here are some tips to keep in mind when working with knit fabrics:

1. Choose the Right Needle: Use a ballpoint or stretch needle, which is designed to glide between the loops of the fabric without causing snags or holes.

2. Use the Appropriate Stitch: A zigzag stitch or a lightning stitch works best for knit fabrics as they allow the fabric to stretch without the seams breaking. You can also use a serger if you have one to both finish your edges while taking a seam!

3. Avoid Pulling the Fabric: Let the machine feed the fabric through on its own. Pulling or stretching the fabric as you sew can cause the seams to ripple or stretch out. One way to avoid this is to use a knit foot or a walking foot. Both of these presser feet guide the fabric from the top while your machine guides the fabric from the bottom so you get an even stitch. Here's some videos on a knit foot and a walking foot for more information!

4. Test on Scrap Fabric: Before starting your project, test your stitches on a scrap piece of knit fabric to help practice your technique and get used to the stretch. 

Project 1: DIY Knit Fabric Book Cover

This simple and easy to adjust book cover is a great way to get your feet wet into the knit fabric world! Check out the remnants section at Joann Fabrics to snag some test knit material and make a book cover for yourself! 

Project 2: Simple Knit Headband

This headband is great for a spa day! There is also information on how to make your own sleep mask in this video, but the headband can be made so easily! Here are the steps!

Cut a rectangle of knit fabric measuring 18 inches long by 6 inches wide. Adjust the length based on your head size for a comfortable fit.

Fold the fabric in half lengthwise with right sides together, matching the long edges.

Sew along the long edge using a zigzag stitch, creating a tube.

Turn the tube right side out.

Bring the short ends of the tube together and twist one end 180 degrees to create a knot-like twist in the middle.

Sew the short ends together, and then turn the seam inside to hide it. Easy headband! 

Project 3: Easy Knit Skirt

This skirt tutorial is made with a woven, but easily swap out the woven fabric for knit to get a comfy knit skirt! When sewing any of the seams be sure to take a zig-zag stitch so your fabric retains its stretch! 

Conclusion

Sewing with knit fabric opens up a world of possibilities for creating comfortable garments and accessories. Whether you’re making a book cover, a headband, or a simple skirt, these projects are a great way to practice your skills and build confidence. So grab your fabric and get started! Looking for some tools to help you get started with sewing with knits? Check out my Amazon Storefront featuring more knit fabric sewing accessories!