Trouble sewing knits and stretch fabric? Fret no more. Here are a three simple tips for hemming your cotton jersey tees and comfy yoga pants without all the waves!
First, if you’re using a standard sewing maching and trying to reconstruct an old knit garment or oversized t-shirt, using a zig-zag or stretch stitch works wonders. The zig-zag allows the stitch to stretch with the fabric, so it won’t break when you try to get your personalized garment on or off. This setting also reduces the amount of ‘waves’ that form and warp the flow of the weave once hemmed. Second, a good old fashioned press job never hurt as a final project step. The hot steam produced softenes the fibers and helps you to manually reshape them thru gentle tugs and pulls in the right direction. Finally, if you plan to be constructing alot of stretch and knit fabrics, you might want to consider investing in a serger. A serger is a special sewing machine that trims off the seam allowance and sews around the seam, locking the edges to prevent rolling and fraying. It is also used in more creative ways to give your garment a more personalized look. With regards to stretch or knit fabrics, a serger allows for more stretch than a zig-zag stitch. The only set back to a serger, threading it! If you think leading your thread along its destined course on your standard sewing machine is a hastle, then you are in for a real treat. Most sergers require you to thread at least 3-5 different spools through their own maze before you can press the gas pedal. But have no fear, practice makes perfect and in no time you will be threading like a pro and appreciating your investment one jersey at a time!
