|
- Use a ballpoint or universal needle for sewing knit fabrics.
Universal needles have a modified ball point that sews well on both knits and wovens. To
avoid snags, always begin projects with a new needle in a size compatible to the fabric
weight.
- T-pins or long glass head pins are ideal for pinning bulky knits.
- To repair snags, pull loose yarns to the wrong side using a knit
picker.
- A roller foot or Teflon™ foot allows layers to feed evenly
while stitching.
- When selecting thread, keep the following characteristics in mind:
- Polyester thread is strong and slightly elastic.
- Cotton-covered polyester thread contains the slight stretch of
polyester, but has the sewing and pressing characteristics of cotton.
- Lingerie/bobbin thread is a 100-percent nylon thread that
stretches. Use it in the needle and bobbin to build added stretch capability into the
seam.
- Texturized nylon thread also contains stretch characteristics and
can be used in the needle and bobbin to build stretch into the seams. To thread texturized
nylon, use a needle threader or put a dab of seam sealant on the thread end and let it dry
before threading the needle.
- As with polyester thread, lingerie/bobbin or texturized nylon
thread can melt if pressed with a hot iron.
- A rotary cutter and mat allows cutting of knits without shifting
or stretching the fabric.
- If fabric edges curl, place the pattern on the fabric wrong side.
- Cut the fabric on a flat surface and prevent it from hanging off
the work surface edge to avoid stretching.
- Test the fabric end to see if it will run by gently pulling the
cut edge in the crosswise direction. Repeat for both fabric ends; sometimes runs occur
more easily in one direction than the other. If so, place the lower garment edge toward
the end that runs; the hem edge is handled the least during construction and is less
likely to run.
- Use spray starch on knit edges that tend to curl.
- Press sweater knits over a terry towel to avoid flattening.
- Always let fabrics cool and dry before handling to avoid
distortion.
Fusible tricot adds
durability, yet is soft, has give and is compatible with most knit fabrics.
|
|
