I only tend to sew with jersey fabrics, because I'm a fairly new beginner and, as you said, the patterns are far simpler. I'm a bit frightened to try woven patterns as the patterns seem far more complicated! One tip I have found that helps with thin and slippery stretch fabric is to lay tissue paper underneath the fabric and on top of the feed dogs to stop the fabric from being chewed by the feed dogs. Then when I have finished sewing, I just tear the tissue paper away! Hope that help someone! Have a lovely break away and TFS xx
At first, I was thinking, oh, my, this is basically a lecture video without any hands-on learning, but I was patient and listened to your entire video, and I can’t tell you enough, just how valuable your video was, I don’t care to use Jersey knit much for the simple reason I wasn’t comfortable with it. I now have a new fabric that I feel comfortable with, and I am very appreciative for the time you took to make this video. Cheers.
Thank you so so much for this. I've been a seamstress for years, but the one thing that always fills me with dread is when customers ask for something in stretch fabric! You've made everything so much clearer. Thank you again!
The Gutterman thread is the absolute best!!! Been seeing for 3 years now and just switching the thread made me a much better sewer! Thank you for the tips
I've been sewing since I was a teenager,; learning on the pedal Singer in 1964 from my grandmother. I'm so glad I picked your site to learn to sew with something other than wovens. I'm going to make my hubby a tee and I can't wait to try the walking foot.👍
I hope 5 years later you will see my thank you. I saved your video to my sewing playlist. My first attempt at alterations on my 12-year-old Wal-Mart Brother's quilting machine today was a shirt made with jersey material. The needle type, thread type, walking foot, and stitch type would have all been messed up, as I would have used an all-purpose thread with a straight stitch and standard foot. Jersey doesn't even seem complicated with your fantastic advice. Thank you! (PS...I now love my shirt with a more flattering hemline. I'm not fond of hemlines that start at the hip and curve down in the front and back. I chopped it off and sewed a straight hemline. I definitely see myself wearing the shirt in my regular rotation now.).
Thank you for this very useful video- and a thank you to all the viewers who added their helpful tips. I have a rotary cutter but I cannot seem to master it. I can just about manage a straight(ish) line using a ruler but going around a curve accurately is beyond me. Purely selfishly I would love to see a video on tips and tricks for using the cutter.
well, you popped up in my search, sewing tshirt material... and Im definitely subscribing... BRILLIANT LOVE!!!! I learned more in this vid, than i did my entire life of sewing... goodness. Thank you.
Thank you for taking the time to post another video. I have been sewing for a long time but there's always something new to learn. P.S. It amazes me that there are people who will make personal criticisms in their comment. It's so rude! You are to be commended for continuing to vlog in spite of your throat condition.
@jane lam it's still nice to have support when rude and ungrateful people feel the need to leave negative comments. Your comment for example is juvenile and unnecessary!
Feared this blog would repeat others I've watched on sewing with knits but I very much appreciated the rationale you provided and background information. Plus I learned information that I didn't know. Thank you.
Thank you so much! Just watched this after chucking in "sewing with jersey" onto google. So pleased I've found you :) Feeling a little more inspired to try my first Jersey pattern :) Very engaging - I personally loved the talk! I'll be watching more!
Just want to say a huge thank you! Your video was so helpful I've just finished a pair of jersey trousers with pockets and a fancy tie! First time I've ever sewn with stretch fabric! I didn't have a clue before I watched your video and they're gorgeous, my granddaughter's thrilled Thanks
This is brilliant! Taking up the hem on a jersey type dress, I've always had to use hand stitching before, but it's perfect with the tiny zig zag method. Thank you!
Lovely video, i did a dressmaking level 1 course 2 yrs ago and been mainly sewing quilts and small gifts, now im thinking of embarking on making clothes, found your video very helpful thankyou.
Thank you for this video! I’m relatively new to sewing & I’ve only sewn woven fabrics to date, so I was really confused about why I couldn’t find any information about how to finish seams on jersey/stretch fabric if you don’t have an overlocker 😂🤦🏼♀️ now I know it’s because you don’t need to finish them! Very helpful tips 👍
Have only recently started following you and I'm totally addicted, I find your vlogs really helpful and totally inspiring with all your lovely makes and fabric ideas 👍
Thank you so much for this advice, I prefer to wear jersey as my top and bottom don’t fit a standard pattern and jersey fits better but I’ve been reluctant to sew with it. This video has encouraged me to start. I do have an overlocker but I’m terrified of it so a video on using overlockers would be great, also the pattern advice you spoke about would be good. Hopefully a whole new wardrobe of comfortable dresses will emerge! Look forward to the next video.
Thank you so much for the great info. I had no idea you didn't need to finish the seams - hooray! I've just booked a workshop on stretch fabrics so this will be good prep. I'm going to be such a girly swot and have a go using all your tips ahead of time. 😄
I’ve just been battling my machine to sew some spandex jersey, quite thick, suitable for swim and leisure wear. 280gsm. Anyway, I couldn’t get a stitch to form and was sure I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Followed your advice! But what I thought was Gutermann’s was actually Moons. The fluffiness of the thread delays the needle’s ability to pierce the fabric just long enough to throw the timing out and skip the stitch. It’s ok turning by hand, but not when powered. So I checked the thread, changed it to ‘definitely Gutermann’ and it’s a lot better. Still missing some zigs and zags, but much better I’ve got a jersey needle in, and I’ve sent off for stretch, with the higher eye. Hoping that will pick off the last missed sts. Crazy, detail matters
Fab video thank you. I can't decide whether to get an overlocker or not, struggling with Jersey, but will give these things a go first. Thanks for spending the time to share your tips. A xxx
YES - do an overlocker/serger video and a Cover Stitch one as well (if you have one)! Hope you also take pictures of your trip to France! Woo hoo - what fun for you.
Your tips are great, especially about the walking foot. Definitely makes a difference. I use a Pfaff machine which comes with the walking foot already built in. It's really handy because you just tap the little arm and it's in place. I recommend this if you do a lot of garment sewing. It's the main reason I bought the Pfaff.
Brilliant tips, thank you. Maybe a vlog on how to cut jersey with a rotary cutter as well as favourite jersey patterns would be great. Hope your throat feels better soon.
I’m a beginner and have just seen this video on sewing with jersey. I have subscribed and would love to learn more about understanding simple patterns as at the moment they might as well be written in Japanese! I would also love a lesson on how to use an overlocker. I haven’t got one yet as I haven’t got a clue about them. I have a basic Janome CXL301 machine and I’m still very much learning how to use it. I’m a complete novice and don’t know about different needles and foots. A beginners lesson would be fabulous! Thank you so much. 😊
Great vlog, very useful tips. I’m about to cut out my Kielo wrap dress, this is my first jersey make 🤞🏻 You did mention I think on instagram stories that you would do a vlog on how to do the bodice on the Tilly and the buttons Joni dress. I would find that useful as that will be my next make. Hope you’ve had a great break in France and are feeling refreshed. Thanks again x
Great video! I have another trick up my sleeve that I use when sewing knits and that is using woolly nylon thread. Total game changer for me! I would love a video on your favourite jersey patterns! If you could pair it with fabric recommendations it’d be great. I’m only learning about fabric and even though you usually have suggestions in your pattern it’d be great to see the fabric. Ps: I really enjoy listening to your voice. You sound slightly ‘bad ass’ which is very attractive.
Thank you so much Sheona, I really really enjoyed watching this. I’m going to try Jersey and this has been really really helpful and useful too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags
10:56 🤦🏻♀️ I found this video because I’ve been having so much trouble with sewing the neckband onto the knit top I’ve been making. This makes so much sense as to why I’ve been having so many difficulties now. (I’m starting to see again for the first time since I was a teenager (in my early 30s now) and am having relearn all of the tricks I used to know.)
What about the needles just called Ballpoint as I get confused and use both those and stretch needles but have never realised they would be better on different types of jersey? I usually test them out on a piece of fabric to see if they work well. I also invested in a walking foot . The only thing is it doesn’t have seam guide I like to see if you see what I mean.This has been such an informative video. Btw I love your top and guessed it’s a Molly top which is such a lovely pattern. Thank you for my lovely order recently. Next time I’ll order that pretty rotary cutter. Mine is pink to match my mats but I don’t think it’s the best. I’d like to see a video on your favourite stretch patterns. 😘
Thanks Ruth! Stretch & Jersey needle are all ballpoint needles, that’s the umbrella term for them but some manufacturers have refined them to be slightly different hence why you’ll get slightly different results. Always better to check on a test swatch as you say. So glad you loved your order xx
Stretch needles are not the same as ballpoint. They are less ballpoint and are designed for highly stretchy fabric such as swimsuit fabric. Ballpoints are for all other knit fabrics.
Omg lady, this was so helpful! Also, you are so funny (your finger knitting needles sent me - and the “stop for tea” … hahah I seriously relate to your low effort presentation style … lol). Thanks you, I’m a subscriber now.
This is such a great help. I have a walking foot I bought for my Janome. Also I have those stitches on it that you mentioned on my machine, so lots of options. The garment I was making is a Ponte Roma and even though I used a zig zag Stitch, it still skipped stitches, so I will buy the gutermann thread and see if that helps. Great tips, thank you so much.
I lost a channel where they were showing making a quilt from a jellyroll or making a jelly roll and then use it to make a quilt from . It was to be a 40 minute quilt. If you could help me find it I'd appreciate it. I was watching it about 4:25 pm. Thank you!
Hi great vid but one thing not mentioned is you can also use a knit foot which doesn't have to be screwed on so ur not changing your shank and is more easily interchanged to other feet it's basically a baby walking foot and cheaper than a walking foot
Excellent and helpful! Only just found this having bought an overlocker which is worrying me! I would love to have more help like this with using it please. Thank you so much, ‘Scilla.
Thank you Sheona, very helpful! Your suggested Vlogs would be great.... love the Freddie’s Flowers by the way, I have the same on my dining room table 😊
Great video, thank you. I have just invested in an overlocker as my sewing machine, an Elna, was so old there is no compatible walking foot (I tried 4). The overlocker is a fantastic machine - it's a different dimension of sewing and I am now tackling knits. So YES PLEASE for your favourite jersey patterns. Yes please to Stevie pattern for next video and maybe some fabrics. Fabric selection is where I am making my worst mistakes - two write offs. Very frustrating. The fabrics which don't seem to work for me are polyesters which shred at the seems and are so slippy. 😒 choosing the right material
TheOnlyJennySutton hello Jenny, Yes, that was the problem, the needle wasn't centred on the foot - and I gave up. Obviously you have had some success with this!
Very useful Sheona. For your next vlog perhaps combine the two and do a review of Stevie plus fabric suggestions from your shop for sewing Stevie up in, looks like you can use a variety of fabric types...
Thank you for this. I had a horrendous time sewing a jersey fabric that kept getting eaten by my sewing machine. I do have a walking foot so will buy some special needles and try again!
Thank you! It depends on the type of fabric but I’ve always found a lightening stitch more than adequate. I find the triple stitch takes a long time and uses a lot more thread!
Well, I think I made up a few more swear words just trying to make a chemo cap out of knit! Wouldn’t ya know I took my walking foot off before I started!! I will put it back on before I make anymore. Thanks for your tutorial!
Go to the supermarket and buy yourself some spray starch in the laundry section. You can spray it on the fabric before you cut or on the edges after you cut it and it will stiffen them up, then wash right out on the first wash ☺️
Thanks for the tips and the explanations. The people saying you talked to much are fools. Explanations of why it it's better to do things a certain way make sewing on all fabrics easier as you learn why some things work or don't. Thanks!
Hi, I just wanted to say I really liked your tips for sewing jersey and would like to see a tutorial for sewing on strecth fabrics. I have a babylock sewing machine and a brother serger.Is it easier to sew strech fabric with a serger? Ive never sewn on strech fabrics and would like to learn.I live in the US in Florida.I dont know if the sewing techniiques are different here.I am trying to find a pattern for a jersey skirt.Ive purchased the jersey needles and am going to read the settings for strech on my machine.Id really like your help on this. Thanks
marlene cabada it is 100% easier to sew knits on an over locker. The only time I sew knits on my regular machine is when I am sewing an in seam pocket, or toptsitching. And after trying to sew on a very dense ponte Roma today I am trying to figure out how to do the pockets on the overlocker.
I loved these tips. My machine is eating the fabric though. I tried tissue paper, it didnt help. I had to go to a much thicker paper to finish the pattern I was working on.
