When I saw the beautiful line of
the Cottage Garden by
The Quilted Fish it was love at first sight. I was happy to join in on the fun of Riley Blake Designs knit love blog tour! Usually, I am not big into sewing with knits. To be honest with you I didn't really know how and I never had much of a desire to do so. Until I saw these gorgeous knits.
Before we start, Let me go over some tricks to sewing with knit using your regular sewing machine(tested and approved!)in case you are new to this. If you already know how, you can totally skip this part. Also, I am giving away the skirt I made with the cottage triangles! The giveaway rules will be at the end of the post. So, here are some tips and things you might need to buy if you don't already have them.
* Tip 1 / Needles
You want to use Jersey Needle(Ball Point Needle) for straight stitching, and stretch twin needles(Ball Point Twin Needle) for taking care of the area you want to top stitch for example, the neck area and hems.
* Tip 2 / Presser foot
This makes a BIG difference when you are sewing with knit as well. A walking foot will feed the top and the bottom fabrics evenly.
* Tip 3 / Stitches
Take a look at the stitch options on your sewing machine and study your manual (I know, I don't like doing that either, but you can learn what your machine can do!). Most of the knit projects can be accomplished using zigzag stitch and straight stitch but your machine might have better options. For example, one of the overcasting stitches on my machine looks almost like it is done by serger. I used that to finish my edges, but a lot of the knit doesn't fray, so you might not have to worry about it too much.
You definitely want to use zigzag stitch to sew horizontal seams. You don't need to worry about in this project but when you are sewing the neckline, armholes and hem, using zigzag stitches are vital. The finished clothing needs enough stretch so you can pull it over your body. Also, knit fabric can stretch out when you’re sewing with straight stitch and fabric may not shrink back. You can use straight stitch for vertical seams such as side seams and pockets.
Of course it would look more professional if you used Serger to sew garments but there are ways to sew knit. Don't let the fear of knit stop you from trying! It is a good idea to practice with knit scraps before you jump in to sew with really pretty fabric.
{To sew this maxi skirt you will need...}
1 1/3 yard of Riley Blake Designs knit ---- it is 58/59 Wide. My skirt is XS/S size and it was enough width to cut out front and back skirt. If you are making M size and up or tall size you will need more in length.
1" of Non-roll elastic
Matching thread
{How to}
1. Fold the fabric towards the middle to the width you need. I folded one of my maxi skirts in half and laid that on to the folded fabric. Make sure that both folded edges line up perfectly. Pin the skirt to the fabric. You can either trace around the skirt and then cut or cut right away. Don't forget to include the seam allowance for the top, sides, and the bottom. I know 1/2" seam is standard but I don't like thick seams, so I made mine with 3/8" seam for the top and sides and 3/4" for the bottom.
2. Cut out the belt as well. The measurements are:
(2 1/2" + seams) High x (width of your top of your skirt without the seam x 2 + seams on both ends) Long
3. Fold the belt in half and sew the ends together. Don't forget to leave the opening to put the elastic through later. Open the seam and press with an iron. Fold the belt loop in half horizontally and set aside.
4. Pin and sew the sides of the skirt. Press the seam with an iron.
5. pin the belt loop to the top of the skirt right sides together. Sew.
6. Put the elastic through. Sew the ends together, I used a triple decorative stitch, but you can use a zigzag or other stitch if you prefer.
7. Hand stitch the opening shut.
8. Fold the hem and press with an iron. Use starch twin needle and sew.
9. In no time I was able to whip up two skirt! :)
I went shopping in my closet and found a top that would go great with the skirt and the
shoes I painted last summer. Now it is time to try it on...
Now, are you ready for the giveaway details? I got to work with two beautiful knit fabrics. I am keeping one for me, and I am giveaway one to you! I love floral design, but I also LOVE this triangle design. A bit modern huh? This is that same size as my skirt which is xs/s.
Here is the very simple giveaway rules;
1. Simply leave a comment on this post. (1st entry)
2. Follow me on
Instagram. You can find my instagram on the side bar on the right. (2nd entry)
That's it! I will pick a winner on the night of April 2nd which is end of blog hop and announce the winner on the 3rd. If I can't contact the winner and get the shipping info in 48 hours, I have to pick a new winner. So make sure to come back to see if you are the lucky winner. :)
Thank you so much for visiting today I hope you enjoyed my post. Make sure to check out all the Knit Love Blog posts
here.
