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How to make a Seam with Knit Fabric
and a Seam Finish with Knit Fabric
 When working with
knit fabrics, a serger is your best bet for a seam finish. However, the following
directions work fine and are what seamstresses have used for years before
sergers were even available to the public. |
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For this example we are going
to use the sleeve on the jacket that is shown above. This jacket was
made from soft velour knit fabric. It was a little difficult to work
with because it was a "slippery" fabric. But all turned out well.
It is made well, looks attractive, and is very comfortable to wear.
First, pin your seam as you would normally.
Some "knit only" patterns have you do 1/4" seam allowances. If it
doesn't say to, then stitch your seam allowance as you normally would
using a 5/8" seam allowance. |
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When stitching seams with knit
fabric you must use a very small zigzag stitch and stretch your fabric a
little bit as you sew. If you look at the bottom of this photograph
you can see the little zigzag stitch I used.
The purpose of this is because your fabric is
knit, it stretches. Once you have made the garment and wear it, your
garment and seams will move and stretch along with your body movements.
This type of seam on a garment allows a "stretch" or "give" when you move
around. If you use a straight stitch, and you stretch your body,
there is no "give" in your seams and your stitches in your seam will
break. |
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If you did not use a 1/4" seam
allowance, then trim all of your seams to 1/4". |
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With the seam allowance
together, zigzag stitch along the edge, stitching both seam allowances
together, as shown in the photo. This gives a nice clean look to the
inside of your garment with no threads coming off, and it washes very
nicely. |
Working with Knit Fabrics
Sewing Clothes
Advance Sewing Techniques
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