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Can I use rib knit for entire garment? Ribbed knit
missusprim Advanced Beginner OH USA Member since 6/7/09 Posts: 96	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/4/11 9:24 AM I have several yards of gorgeous ribbed knit that was obviously intended for cuffs, hems, necklines, etc. Because they were odd colors I was able to get so much, but am now wondering if this type of fabric is suitable to use for the entire garment rather than just it's intended use as for cuffs, etc. Also, given that it's a bit heavier and will drape 'heavier' - if anyone has any suggestions on how to stabilize the edges to keep the shape. I am thinking of facings if the pattern does not call for one as well as interfacing the facings for stability. Any other suggestions would be appreciated! I just hate to see this stuff sit and go to waste.........
marec   Intermediate OR USA Member since 5/11/08 Posts: 3543	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/4/11 11:06 AM Weren't these called "poorboy" tees in the 60s? I'll be tracking this as I 'm interested in this style. ------ my blog: http://kf-biblioblog.blogspot.com/ Sewing through my pattern stash-125 completed.
sew2006 Advanced ON CANADA Member since 6/24/06 Posts: 1704	Login to reply to this post In reply to missusprim Like this post Date: 12/4/11 12:33 PM First I would was it to see how it feels after a couple of washes, many rib knits soften up. Next test the stretch/recovery of your knit. If the fabric has good recovery you can use for a whole garment, perhaps a sweater open at the front with a facing. Clear elastic would also be good to stabilize the necklines.shrug free pattern cardigan M5932 A lot of rib knit I have is too narrow to sew garments, less than 18" wide as a tube. Depending on how the fabric was stored in a warehouse many bolts of turbular knits have permanent fade/wear mark down both sides preventing placing a back piece on the fold line. ------ Janome10001, Babylock ESG3, Brother ULT 2001, White 634D serger, Pfaff 1472, Singer featherweight, Singer 14T957Dc, Bernina FunLock 009DCC coverlock, Brother PQ1500S, Janome CP900.
gramma b Advanced USA Member since 7/25/08 Posts: 2267	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/4/11 11:38 PM It also helps to have a Twiggy-like figure, altho you are probably too young to remember her. Ribbed knits will show everything as they are clingy, and some tighten up again with each wash. Oh, for the days when we could wear those 60's short ribbed go-go dresses with boots!
ItzMePenny Intermediate CA USA Member since 12/31/05 Posts: 164	Login to reply to this post In reply to marec Like this post Date: 12/4/11 11:53 PM Quote: marec Weren't these called "poorboy" tees in the 60s? I'll be tracking this as I 'm interested in this style. That's what I was thinking. I made several in the 60s when I had the figure for them. ------ PennyZ
missusprim Advanced Beginner OH USA Member since 6/7/09 Posts: 96	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/5/11 5:16 PM Yikes, by no means do I have a stick figure! More like an hour glass one. Which is why I I'd have to go with something that is not fitted. Sew2006, thanks for the pattern suggestions. I see where the cardigan that has the long front openings is gaining popularity - and it's a look that I could pull off. Washing a swatch sounds like a good idea so I can get an idea of how it's going to 'behave' after I've made something out of it.
JeanM Intermediate VA USA Member since 6/25/05 Posts: 118	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/5/11 7:39 PM Depends on the fabric. Some of the rib knits are (IMO) too light weight, and have little recovery (usually the cotton or cotton poly blends), and I've found once they stretch out they tend to stay stretched out. But I used the cotton lycra ribbing that Joanns carries (42 or 44 inches wide) to make some basic tees last year - the lycra in the blend helps the ribbing hold its shape - I used one of the Jalie patterns (2805, I think), and cut a slightly larger size so there was a bit more ease (my preference - I like having a bit of ease in my t-shirts). I think I made about 7 or 8 of them (different colors), to wear under sweaters or shoulder shawls or light jackets. They have held up well, although a couple of the colors have faded a bit along the seams. YMMV.
TanyaMT   Intermediate CA USA Member since 4/28/04 Posts: 539	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/5/11 8:43 PM I use rib blends all the time if they have lycra. Plain cotton rib, not so much. If I do, it is a snug fitted tee with not too many seams. You can put clear elastic in necklines and edges to reinforce, twill tape sewn into the shoulders to prevent rippling and stretching. ------ My sewing blog: weebeaks.blogspot.com
purplebouquet Advanced AR USA Member since 11/16/05 Posts: 1004	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/6/11 12:29 PM Could be itchy. I had that happen with a garment that was very clingy. If you have too much, consider selling it here under Classifieds. Claudia -- Edited on 12/6/11 12:30 PM --

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