The advantage of knit fabric is that it stretches. That is its disadvantage too. But that is ok. It is just like most things in life. I love knit tops – there are none as comfortable as them – and when you love something, you will find ways to turn the advantages to your advantage and ignore the disadvantages. Here is a tutorial to sew a very easy top made of a stretchy knit fabric.
Related posts : Knit fabrics -glossary ; How to sew knit fabrics with your sewing machine
How to sew the knit top
You need about 1 meter of knit fabric (depending on the length you need) and some bias binding tape cut from a stretchy fabric or synthetic fabric for making this top. Jersey fabric is a good choice for sewing this top.
Related posts : Make your own bias binding tape; How to bind edges with bias binding tape; Different ways to bind a neckline with bias tape– 6 ways.
Some tips for sewing with knits : A properly sewn seam is needed for the durability of your knit top, because the fabric stretches, the stitches should stretch too.
An overlock stitch by the serger is perfect for finishing the edges of your knit fabric neatly; Otherwise, on an ordinary home sewing machine use a stretch stitch – the zig zag stitch present in most of our sewing machines would do. If you use a ballpoint needle, there will be less damage to the knit fibers – not necessary though.
Step 1.
Fold 2 pieces of fabric 36 inches wide and 21 inches long by the middle. Mark the following pattern dimensions on your fabric.
Cut it out.
Step 2.
Separate the 2 pieces. Mark the neck depth differently on both of them.
Mark front depth as 3 inches on one piece and back depth as 1 inch on the other piece.
Cut them out separately
Step 3. Bind the neck edges with a bias binding tape
First keep the bias tape on the neckline edge, rightsides together. Sew together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Fold the cut edge 1/4 inch to the inside.
Turn the bias tape to the back (not fully ; the edge will be covered with the tape as in the picture below) and pin in place.
Stitch in the ditch from the front.
You will be catching the folded edge of the bias tape at the back when you do this. Ensure that this is happening.
Now again fold this bound edge to the back and stitch in place from the front, neatly. It will look like this.
Do this for both the neckline edges.
Step 4.
Keep the shoulder edges together, overlapping. Pin in place. Sew the overlapping seam together. Do this for both sides.
Keep the bias tape (side edges turned to the inside) pinned on top of this seam.
Sew in place.
It will look like this. (Please excuse the waviness of the stitching. My sewing machine is behaves strangely with knits)
Step 5.
Join the side seams of the front and back as usual – rightsides together. Fold the hems (bottom edge of the top and sleeve hem) and stitch in place.
Related posts : Clothing design patterns
Are these measurement for small medium or large builds?
Very nice and easy pattern. , appreciate this gift.