Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Techniques and tips for sewing knits Could someone recommend a good reference book for this?
MNBarb   Intermediate MN USA Member since 4/3/10 Posts: 1521	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/9/11 7:22 AM Since my recent return to garment sewing I've realized that I'm creating things out of wovens but I really prefer wearing knits. I was given a basic serger and my sewing machine has some stretch stitches. I used to whip out leggings and little girl swimsuits for my daughter (15 years ago) but I feel like I need more of the "tricks" for sewing knits. I like the Taunton "Easy Guide to sewing..." series and wonder if the "Tops and T-shirts" would be a good all-around reference or, if not, what book might help me to get my finished products to look good inside and out. ------ Barb "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison "I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
mhk3boys Intermediate NC USA Member since 11/22/08 Posts: 267	Login to reply to this post In reply to MNBarb Like this post Date: 2/9/11 9:32 AM I really like the "Easy Guide to Sewing Tops and T-Shirts,Skirts, and Pants" from Marcy Tilton for sewing with knits. I also like "Serger Secrets" from Rodale books. And if your serger is acting up, I like "The Ultimate Serger Answer Guide" from Krause publications. HTH ------ Relax, don't get your elastic all twisted up in your waistband! Hell hath no fury for the poor soul that sews an ill-fitting garment! Thank God for Surefitdesigns.com!
EleanorSews   Advanced MI USA Member since 7/26/07 Posts: 3755 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/9/11 10:24 AM Sew U Home Stretch: The Built By Wendy Guide to Sewing Knit Fabrics by Wendy Mullin and Eviana Hartman Tripped over this in a going out of business sale and flipped thru it. Knew instantly it was destined for DD's sewing library. She gained a new found courage to sew with knits and is happy to have it. The book is nice because it has a hard cover but is wire bound so it will lay flat while you are working from it. DD uses a cookbook stand to hold it in an more upright & readable position while she is sewing. ------ "We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are." Anais Nin "Attitude is the difference between an adventure and an ordeal." unknown
Barbara3   Intermediate USA Member since 5/22/06 Posts: 926	Login to reply to this post In reply to MNBarb Like this post Date: 2/9/11 11:50 AM Two books that I've found interesting and helpful are Christine Jonson's Life in the Little Black Dress + Other Stories (A Sewing with Knits How to Book) and Connie Long's Sewing with Knits. -- Edited on 2/9/11 11:53 AM --
BeckyNoSleep Intermediate USA Member since 4/19/10 Posts: 129	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/9/11 12:26 PM I agree with Barbara, Connie Long's book is one of the better ones, as it is thorough and well-organized. I am working through it right now as I tackle some bamboo/spandex jersey with a mind of its own. I also REALLY liked the Palmer/Plestch DVDs "Sewing with Sergers" - the clothes are outdated but the techniques are the same, and I found it so helpful to see what was being done.
Lynnelle   Intermediate MI USA Member since 4/8/07 Posts: 2375 Board Moderator	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/9/11 2:55 PM Deepika wrote a great article in the current issue of Stitch Magazine about sewing knits.
MNBarb   Intermediate MN USA Member since 4/3/10 Posts: 1521	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 2/9/11 3:43 PM Thanks, so far, everyone. I do like Connie Long's methods, of course her book is OOP and expensive but I ordered it from the library as well as the Sew U book and the Easy Guide to Tops and T-shirts. I, of course, always want the one that I can't have. I didn't know about Stitch Magazine. I'll check it out. ------ Barb "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison "I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
craftinginmycave2   Intermediate IL USA Member since 11/23/09 Posts: 412 PR Weekend Chicago Organizer	Login to reply to this post In reply to MNBarb Like this post Date: 2/9/11 3:49 PM I really liked Sarah Veblen's online class here at PR. She gives wonderful samples and her videos are very good. I also picked up a few tips from the recent t-shirt webcast from Silhouette Patterns. ------ http://asgchicago.wordpress.com
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7578	Login to reply to this post In reply to MNBarb Like this post Date: 2/9/11 8:11 PM Not in the Easy guide series, but published by Taunton is Connie Long's great book on sewing knits. I don't remember the exact name. Also, go to Marcy Tilton's website and look at the great tips and instructions that Marcy has online. There's also a great video from her on fitting a knit t shirt. I don't remember if you can get to it from her website, but it's available through David paige Coffin's You Tube videos. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
Nancy K Advanced NY USA Member since 12/28/04 Posts: 7578	Login to reply to this post In reply to MNBarb Like this post Date: 2/9/11 8:14 PM I didn't realize that Connie's book was out of print. Taunton has been reissuing the Easy series doubling up some of the books. It's a shame when some of the really excellent sewing books go out of print. ------ www.nancyksews.blogspot.com

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.