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Member since 4/20/05
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Posted on: 4/23/07 8:52 AM ET
I am totally pro muslins now. I used to avoid them like the plague. Now I use them to check fit for almost everything except TNTs. I can buy a bolt of muslin using my JoAnn coupon so that I always have it on hand. What can I use for a muslin when the pattern calls for a knit? I don't maintain a stash so I don't have lots of knits laying around the house. Is there a site that sells cheap knits suitable for test garments?
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Member since 11/12/05
Posts: 98
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Posted on: 4/23/07 9:26 AM ET
In reply to Elaray
I buy $1/yd knits from WalMart. I also found a couple of old knit jersey sheets at garage sales that I am using. You could also cut up old large t shirts--it might take more than one shirt for each garment.
  
Member since 9/14/02
Posts: 2707
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Re: Knit muslins (posted on 4/23/07 9:39 AM ET)
I don't make knit muslins anymore. I got frustrated with making a muslin, only to find that my "good" fabric had a different kind of stretch and recovery than most bargain knits do.

Instead, I go ahead and start with the "good" fabric, but with generous seam allowances (1" on sides and underarms, 5/8" everywhere else). Before I cut anything, I compare the pattern to an RTW garment of similar fabric to select my size and/or decide on major alterations. Then I cut it out, and machine-baste the whole thing together to check the fit before stitching it permanently.

Another (quicker) thing you can do (instead of basting) is go ahead and permanently stitch the shoulders, neckline, and sleeve cap/armhole. Then pin-fit the side and underarm seams.

On pants, you can stitch the crotch and inseams, then pin-fit the side seams and decide on the waist placement before stitching them permanently.

-- Edited on 4/23/07 9:41 AM --
  
Member since 2/25/06
Posts: 1950
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Re: Knit muslins (posted on 4/23/07 10:16 AM ET)
You can buy Wazoodle T-shirt grab bags. They will cost you more than the WalMart dollar table though. This is good if you think you might make wearable muslins as they are good quality pieces. I recently got Tshirt grab bags (1.25 yards apiec, 4 pieces per grab bag) for $9 because I'm a member and they were in the flash sale. But, they are not very expensive at other times. Shipping ended up being about $6.50 for one grab bag, so four long-sleeved t-shirts worth of fabric was about $15.50. Usually, I like 80% or more of the colors and can use the colors I don't like for muslins or pajamas, but they are always good quality.

I recently got some decent buttermilk print knit and some synthetic stretch velour at WalMart's dollar table. For muslins, you can buy a whole bolt when you find it. You can even quickly finish off your muslins that need adjustment and donate them to the women's shelter. Those women often have nothing but the clothes on their back.


-- Edited on 4/23/07 10:24 AM --
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Member since 9/14/05
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Re: Knit muslins (posted on 4/23/07 10:25 AM ET)
Inexpensive fabric is a lifesaver for muslins--just don't expect to get all the bugs out when you are using knits. I've run into too low necklines, too narrow waists, too big bust, too short sleeves, etc, etc.
Walmart fabric works okay--but check the recovery first. I also use hand-me-down fabric, off-color fabric received in grab bags/bundles, and clearance bin fabric (like at Joannes and Hancocks).

Using wide seam allowances on your nice fabric is a great idea--especially for the side seams, since fabric do behave differently.
  
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Member since 7/30/02
Posts: 8991
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Re: Knit muslins (posted on 4/23/07 10:49 AM ET)
I've just been contemplating this, and am thinking of putting an order in w/ trimfabrics.com. They have a number of $1 per yard knits in their bulk inventory.

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