So kinda funny story. Yesterday while quilting with the beast I decided that I just had to make a skirt. I have this one knit skirt that I just LOVE. I'd wear it everyday in the summer if my kid didn't render that impossible within the first five minutes of the day. So I decided I need to make more. The picture in my head goes something like this...nice simple black knit circle skirt with appliqued red flowers. Well as you can see from the picture (don't look to close, it's really not that flattering) there are no flowers; and here's why. I've never made a skirt in my life, nor have I ever worked with knits before. What made me think I could do this I don't know, probably insanity. It started out okay. I pulled out my favorite skirt (or as I like to call it, my lollipop skirt), used it as a pattern and just started cutting and sewing. Well, it doesn't fit quite right, due to a cutting error, but I at least know how to fix that part, and I wished every other minute that I had a serger, but what gets me is that I couldn't for the life of my hem the darn thing. Is there some secret chant you need to know in order to hem knit? At first I thought that it was the curve of the bottom that was giving me problems. After unpicking the hem twice I decided to just cut it off and have a straight hem. Well I couldn't hem that either, not to mention the fact that apparently I can't cut straight and the hem had a couple "peaks" to it. (Luckily that doesn't show too much.) So way too many hours later, most of which was spent unpicking, which is probably my least favorite activity in the world, I had a skirt that I couldn't hem, didn't fit right and really is basically see through. Sigh. I tried. My dear husband made it a little better with his suggestion of lining it with a fun color and then making those "peaks" more prominent, so it looks like it's on purpose. Which is a great idea, if only I knew how to line things. So really the up shot of all this is 1) I need serious help in the knit department. 2) I should think before I cut. 3) That picture is one I'll stash away and never show anyone ever again. And.. 4) This would be a lot easier if I had a serger. Anybody know where I can find a cheap one, or someone want to donate to my pathetic cause?PS. Sorry for the long, rambling post. As you can see I have yet to make peace with the skirt. Maybe tomorrow.
I'd love to know the secrets of working with knits....I really wanted to make a quilt with some of Sophia's baby clothes..which of course are all knits, or stretchy cotton blends...but I know my method of sewing isn't going to work for this....I remember once my mom was quilting at an extra curricular function for my sister and someone asked if she could make a dress and she told them only if they wanted a quilt wrapped around their body...lol
ReplyDeleteI will definitely let you know if I ever find out the "Knit Secret"!
ReplyDeleteOoh, I can see a skirt like that being dangerous around a child :-) I'm sure it would make for funny moments outside of the house!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThere is no secret, knits are impossible to sew on a domestic machine! So are vinyls, lace, velvet, lame', and I could go on and on...I think it's why quilters stick with cotton! :) Let us know if you every find out what that magic chant is...
ReplyDeleteI worked with knits once, and never will again. I had a teacher tell me that you need to sew it without pulling the fabric too much so it doesn't pucker. Also. try dropping the feed dogs. They also pull on the fabric. I can't believe I still remember this, I'm just a beginner myself. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few other tips that help with knits. First, be sure to use a ball point needle, or jersey knit needle. I'm not really sure how this helps, but it definitely does. Second, you may want to try the skirt again, but cutting on the bias. It makes for a more drape-y look. Last, I would try getting a pattern that calls for knits, as the layout is different than working with woven fabrics, plus they allow for the stretch. Last, on the hemming issue - try a rolled hem. My machine has a special foot for doing this, but you could also try to do it by hand as you go, but that is a little tricky. I am not an expert, but I hope this helped!
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