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Member since 6/7/05
Posts: 1334
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Posted on: 5/18/10 12:55 PM ET
I have a stretch woven that got so beautifully soft in the washer and has so much stretch, that I think I could use it in a knits only pattern. Obviously I'd have to change any sewing techniques that assume a non-ravelling cut edge. But other than making a few construction method changes, will it work?

And while I'm thinking out loud, what about the knit patterns that only call for a small amount of stretch....can a stretch woven be used?
  
Member since 2/2/08
Posts: 578
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Posted on: 5/18/10 3:59 PM ET
In reply to Amy-may
I was just wondering that myself. I hope you get some good answers.
  
Member since 1/8/10
Posts: 1500
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Posted on: 5/18/10 4:56 PM ET
As far as what you "can" do, it's your fabric, and your sewing machine and your time.. you can do anything you want to do.

So far as how it would turn out, I think it would depend on the pattern. Knits seem to drape quite differently than wovens, but drape varies largely by fiber too. A very drapey style would probably end up more different than something simpler.

Unless the fabric was expensive, why not just experiment?
  
Member since 3/19/05
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Posted on: 5/18/10 5:51 PM ET
In reply to Amy-may
Same question.

Just finished sewing a dressing gown mostly on the serger - fabric after washing had a great deal of stretch so set the serger for a knit.

To avoid ripppling at the hems I hand sewed them but the thought kept going through my mind - should this be treated as a knit?

Will be interested to see more responses
  
Member since 6/16/06
Posts: 1286
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Posted on: 5/18/10 9:00 PM ET
Add me to the list of inquiring minds...I have some stretch sateen that is REALLY stretchy...can I treat it as a knit?
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Too much fabric to count...
  
Member since 3/12/10
Posts: 1323
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Posted on: 5/18/10 9:06 PM ET
Oh I had my new viking class today, i learned that you can treat anything that stretches as a Knit. I asked her when to use the Stretch needles, she said anything that stretches. Knits or otherwise. My SM tell me what kind of needle to use and it comes with a stretch needle when I use any kind of stretchy material.

I hope this helps?
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Go Sew Something
  
Member since 6/23/04
Posts: 4892
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Posted on: 5/18/10 9:22 PM ET
In reply to Amy-may
I've done it before. That is used a super stretchy woven fabric with a knit/stretch pattern and it worked very well. As long as you pay careful consideration to matching the fabric with the right type of knit pattern. It's about using the right pattern with the fabric. Not all knit patterns will work. Stretch and recovery, along with sewing techniques all need to be considered.

Examples:
1. Pants - I used a Jalie yoga pants pattern (meant for stretch fabrics with 40% stretch) with a woven stretch bengaline fabric with 35%. No problems at all.
2. Blouse - used an OOP Kwik Sew blouse pattern meant for knits with 35%, with a crinkled woven fabric (very stretchy). HTH
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Belinda. Melbourne, Australia
http://sew-4-fun.blogspot.com/
  
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