How to sew KNITS on a REGULAR sewing machine??? Here are simple STEPS and TIPS that I use!

Dear Sewing Friends, in this video I will show you how I sew a t-shirt on a sewing machine. There are many more ways how to achieve awesome results, including a walking foot and a twin needle, BUT this is a very simple video so that you can use what you ALREADY have at home to get you started. It is not as dreadful as it seems, just a few tips and you will be sewing knits in no time! All useful video links mentioned are below:
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!
USEFUL videos on sewing with knits :
✂️ How to copy a t-shirt - • How to turn your T-shi...
✂️ Perfect neckband every time - • How to sew a neckband ...
✂️ 2 ways to sew sleeves in knits - • 2 methods to sew knit ...
ALL about knits (and STABLE knits) - stitchingincol...
MY FAVORITE SEWING TOOLS:
1. Bias Tape Maker - amzn.to/3151IFh
2. Medical Tracing Paper - amzn.to/2EMafDm
3. Washable Fabric Markers - amzn.to/2ENCgKy
4. Hem Guide Clips - amzn.to/2EM5VUs
5. Sewing Rullers - amzn.to/2WF77n0
This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something from the links displayed above I get a small commission. It does not come out of your pocket, but it does help me to support this channel. Thank YOU!
#TIPSforbettersewing #easypatterndrafting #thoughtfulcreativity
Thank You for Watching!
LET'S CONNECT:
INSTAGRAM - / thoughtful_maker
PINTEREST - / goaskalisa
Thank You for being here and I hope that this channel encourages you to sew and make beautiful things!
xxx, Alisa

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Do you like to sew knits on a sewing machine? How to sew a perfect neckband EVERY time - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJSah2SEbLWkiKc

[@MagoArMar]

Subtitulos por favor,

[@lynnlynn2661]

Loving your channel. When you mentioned that sewists may need to buy an iron if they don't already have one, I wasn't sure I had heard you right, so I went back and listened to it again ! Yes, I bet there are people now who don't own an iron. I'm just so old-fashioned. ha-ha

[@janiewilliams5803]

Especially liked the folded towel as a ham and hand basting the neckband on to the shirt. Thank you!!

[@ljwilliams755]

I've been sewing many years, but just now learning to work with knits. I really appreciate your clear instructions, and I enjoy your smiling delivery. Thank you.

[@nicolehubbard3536]

You're a good teacher - thank you!

[@Penguinandpear]

Very useful info for beginners! Love the way you teach x

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you so much!!!

[@auntiezann5146]

I’ve made a few t-shirts (after gaining the COVID 15!) and they are getting better, but this video is huge! Lots of great tips on making the neckline smooth, and getting really polished results. Plus, you can pick your own fabric, and make the neck and sleeve length the way you want! Thank you so much, Alisa. You are terrific!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing and glad it was helpful!

[@marygeorge9688]

I appreciate your videos. You are very organized with the lessons as well as organizing the playlists. Thank you!

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

Alisa this was such a helpful tutorial. I have not been enjoying seeing knits at all! And I think many of these suggestions will make a difference 😀. Thank you!!!

[@virginias7689]

I'm always nervous trying to see with jersey knits. Your tutorials give me confidence! Thank you!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

Lots of great tips! I'll add one that i discovered last year when my sewing machine died. If I have to hand sew with knits I like to use a back stitch, it's an inherently stretchy stitch due to the way it loops through the fabric.

[@judyrobinson5044]

One tip:--this is great for those getting started without knit experience! Great video. BUT--the hem I learned can be ironed in with stitch witchery and is every bit as flat and durable as hand sewing. THEN, if you do want to add machine stitching to that the stitch witchery holds it so it does not ripple. Comes out looking fabulous. But like you, I have sewn MANY knit hems by hand long before I learned about the stitch witchery!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you, Judy.

[@deborahpotter703]

Thanks for the towel idea for the tailors ham alternative!

[@mariaorrs83]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I have wanted to start sewing knits. I have been sewing for years on my mother's Singer sewing machine from the 1960"s. It is a workhorse, but it really only does straight and zigzag stitch. This tutorial was very helpful and answered a lot of my questions. Using a cuff for the neckband and sleeve is a great idea so you don't see the zigzag stitch!!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I totally hear you! I used to do cuffs like that when I first started sewing with knits and let's just say - doing it perfectly wasn't on the menu yet :) this helped and saved the day!

[@abaigealduda2756]

Really helpful information, especially about fabrics! All the tips were just great!!!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PatMcFadyenGrowingGradeByGrade]

This tutorial is so helpful! Watching you sew answers so many questions I have, especially about this topic. Thank you so much!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Miss Pat, I still have the request from you about how to finish edges with zig zag on woven fabrics. I am working on it!

[@PatMcFadyenGrowingGradeByGrade]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity You're so kind! No rush, you certainly have a full plate! Thank you!

[@carolclemmons4894]

I purchased that exact fabric you are wearing, from Jo-Ann’s. I have yet to use it but am excited to work it up after seeing your adorable make!

[@debmacie1612]

Thank you. Great info and takes the fear out of the process. I never could decide which stitch to use!

[@yore17]

I really love the shirt you're wearing in the video. So pretty.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yay! Thank you! There is a full tutorial for it on the channel :)

[@tina8513]

I have sewn knits before (a lot) but I liked seeing different ways of doing this. I valued seeing your explanation of which knits you would not sew on a normal sewing machine.

[@janedoe5731]

I love the way that you explained! Simple, easy and joyful!

[@SBL1932]

What a great video. You showed us so many tips and tricks

[@rhodamurphy2097]

Even though I have been sewing forever, this was a very good video. Thanks.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Rhoda, thank you and my pleasure! :)

[@friendoflife2416]

Wow that looks amazing!

[@galaxytrio]

Clear and charming.

[@vickyls8132]

I agree with the hand sewing of the hem! And I’m going to try that hand basting method for the neck band! Thx!!!

[@sylvienayman8441]

Very straightforward. Thank you for the tips 😊

[@suni485]

Just the one I was looking for. Thank you.

[@tex1622]

I sew t-shirts similarly - I use ribbing on the neckline, sleeve cuffs, and sometimes even on the hem like you would a jumper or hoodie - it makes for a very cute tee. I also choose not to hem the sleeves and hem and instead leave it raw if I'm using a knit fabric that won't fray - it looks cool, sews up quickly, and saves a lot of headaches if you LOATHE hemming knits! Great video as always, Alisa :-)

[@Sabine87]

Thank you so much for this video. I just bought some bamboe cotton blend tricot to start my first sewing project with knits. Now all I need is a pattern to try out. Maybe something for my toddler first 😂

[@p.nik.6965]

Alisa I am so so happy I have stumbled upon your channel! I have started getting into sewing recently. Your tutorials are absolutely amazing. I literally have no questions by the end of the videos. I have watched so many one after the other, thank you for your great work!!

[@karin0963]

Thank you for this great info. I don't have a serger and sewed a knit skirt once and had some trouble. This will definitely help next time.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I truly hope that it does! There are many more things you can do for easy sewing knits on a sewing machine, but these are good basic steps to get you going.

[@karin0963]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity thank you so much!

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Alisa!! Thanks for the wonderful tutorial.. As always information is so helpful…. 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@parijyotishi9270]

Thank you so much for this wonderful clear instructions. I have exact same fabric that I bought from Joan’s and will definitely try making a T-shirt.

[@shaunaferguson6102]

This was great!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Awesome, glad you liked it!

[@imsewblessed1578]

Very helpful video. 👍👍😊

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank YOU, Christine! Much love!

[@imsewblessed1578]

Thoughtful Creativity - CRAFT, SEW, DIY right back at ya ❤️

[@patm8751]

Great video 👏💖

[@madhurimistry7701]

Very nice

[@saraveradequinn]

Hi! how do you know. so much! it is so pleasant to listen to you while you explain. I love to sew but I still make mistakes. I wish I have your knowledge :)

[@rosannacarrasco3921]

Thank you. Excelente😘👍

[@FarhanaFaruq]

Thank you

[@InAgatasCottage]

Brilliant video :D

[@conniesmith9989]

Hi. Hello. Howdy. Thank you for sharing. Also, I love your top. Pattern ?

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

For the video on my top - click on my channel name and go to "videos" tab. You will find it there.

[@madhumitaghosh713]

Lovely. Looking forward to trying it out very soon. Wish me luck. And u can make a ham n sleeve roll for yourself

[@S.A.MCraftyhandsNailSalo-pw9nr]

i have just 1 question will i be able to design anything after i have join you community as i dont have money to waste and you show practical things which i really like. also the fact that you have nice ideas with scraps.... i have basic knowledge but i have a specific dress i want to learn to make out of my mockup. i hope you read this and will come back to me. i am in south africa and the people here are crazy with classes which is wild.

[@msaiben]

Thank you We don’t need extra serger for beginner sewer

[@gabriellagonda1544]

Great video as always! One additional question: how do you (if at all) finish your raw edges? Or do you just trim aways the seam allowance?

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Great question, with knits you don't have to finish the raw edges as they don't fray - which is great!

[@nspindlow5046]

Thank yoy

[@mjp5129]

I have only made one top, for myself and it’s I guess a medium knit. Don’t really know what the material is. I serged all the seams, like I would with a cotton or blend. Is that not necessary with knits? I also used just a straight stitch?? looks okay. It’s a really pretty print. I also used facings. Probably not necessary, either…lol. Oh well. I’ve been sewing for years, but never knits. I mostly make quilts, but I do like to make apparel occasionally. I do enjoy your videos. You’ve helped greatly. Thanks

[@mishti06]

Im embarking on making a simple dress out of a thin weight 4 way synthetic stretch and was wondering if you could have any advice especially about the fabric warping? Should I reinforce seams with stabiliser? Are ball point needles still the right ones? I'm a bit terrified 😳.

[@donnaschrag1776]

I have been sewing many years and sewing knits has not been my forte. But your video helps me not be so intimidated sewing knits. I had a question: I've heard a walking foot can help the knit fabric not stretch so much. Is the walking foot used only on certain knit fabrics more than other knits? Thank you for your videos and helpful information. 🤗

[@mariumaish]

Hi!! I love your videos, they are very easy to understand. How do you prevent from waves forming on the stitches?

[@sarahboppsie97x]

Such a great video!! Those other fabrics you showed.. what would you use to sew them if not a sewing machine?

[@sadiachoudhary5903]

Beautiful t shirt. Can you please show us the shoulders design you have on the one you are wearing.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

The tutorial for this top has been on the channel since last year, please go to the "video" tab on my channel and look for it :)

[@kimromska1886]

Hi Alisa, Love your videos. Can you tell me which foot you use for knits? Thanks, Kim

[@manuelitaruiz9783]

Alisa,i been watching your chznnel for a while i love your explanations, i wanted to ask you on this video you call ribon on your daughter neck and sleeves ,could explain what kind, and where can we buy it . Thank you for your lovely and kind words

[@cathy74100]

I like the blouse you wearing. Could you please upload the it’s pattern cutting. Thank you so much

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Cathy, the video for this blouse is alread on the channel. Please go to my videos to find it.

[@dianakidd5688]

Great video, as usual! May I ask, do you have a tutorial on how to draft the shoulders on the blouse You are wearing in the video? I love this feminine style but am stumped on how to draft it.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

The tutorial is on the channel. Go to the video tab on my channel page and look for this video :)

[@linedezainde]

Excellent tutorial! I purchased some stretch bamboo fabric and I was told that I have to use my serger. Is this the case? I have to admit that I just can't bring myself to use the fabric... any advice? Thank you for your very useful videos!

[@darcy031685]

Do you have a tutorial on how to make the shirt you’re wearing in this video? The shoulders are so cute in it. Thanks.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yes, I do - go to my channel and look for that video :)

[@TheGalactica2001]

Do you ever use an overlock stitch with jersey fabrics? (I mean on a sewing machine not on overlock machine-we used it in our sewing course, but it’s a much heavier stitch than the zigzag one)

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Absolutely, you can use it as well! Some older and more basic sewing machines don't always have it.

[@mariawitbooi4196]

Thank you..can you tell me what size needle you use for stretchy fabric

[@trinapenno6554]

Do you have a wrap dress pattern video?

[@atheem8694]

Thanx a lot for the tips.. its really helpful 😊. If u don't mind may I ask what model is your sewing machine pls🙂?

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Singer Confidence 7470 :) had it for almost a decade!

[@Dep5723]

Why not use a walking foot for all stretch stitching

[@darleneappleman3911]

I bought knit material like for sweatpants 2 yards from walmart

[@aalishas8438]

What tension and stitch length did you use

[@dale3404]

I like to sew T shirts in the flat.

[@jasmineelfiky1410]

I was looking up an advice about the tension when u r sewing a medium weight jersey cotton...my stitches tangle on the bobbin side after few cm of good sewing ..I did many trials and un picking .. please help me ⚘

[@SparkyOne549]

Do you have a nest of thread in your bobbin casing? Does your machine jam when this happens?

[@mamasprintable2418]

Very helpful .. sometimes I feel discourage when my machine gets jammed .. I get up and walk away and come back days later 😳🥰😔

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I feel you, I did the same early on. Walking away helps!!!

[@lindafudge57]

What do you do if you have the other knits?

[@Tara4961]

I have the knit as you. Yours go through like butter, mines keep getting stuck under the feeder.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I have pants to shorten an it is freaking me as I would want to avoid curling.

[@Research0digo]

Hi, you didn't tell us scared-y cats which stretch stitch you used. Also, for the hem, couldn't you use a twin needle, so the bobbin thread zigzags over the edge of the fabric? When I go to Jo-Ann fabrics, will the girls there know what a stable knit is? I'm almost 68 years old - this is ridiculous, I just need to buy a yard, bring it home and practice. The dread of ruining a garment won't be an issue then. Thank you.

[@marilynsalome9999]

How to see the blouse you wear please

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Full tutorial for it is on my channel :)

[@ginangan8892]

For zig zag where do you put the edge

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

the edge of my presser foot matches the edge of the fabric and the stitch is about 1/8 or 1/4 away from the edge, some people leave more space.

[@susanna2965]

I don't understand... Do you sew ONLY with zig zag? No straight stich att all? That is somthing I have nerver tried. Interesting...🤔👏

[@kathleendemoya6089]

So with knit, there is no seam allowance?

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yes, there is, in any garment, whatever fabric you use. I like my seam allowances narrow regardless of the garment. Some people leave an inch, so it really depends. :)

[@user-qc9pd5fe5q]

What about swimwear knits on the sewing machine?

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

As far as I know swimwear is usually sewn on a sewing machine, even store bought (you can see the zig-zag stitch). I don't sew swimwear, as I have been wearing the same one for years, so look online for some additional info - thread, needles, best fabric, what kind of lining/mesh, closures and other things you will need. Get little swatches of fabric and see how your sewing machine takes it.

[@user-qc9pd5fe5q]

Thanks!

[@mufithabuhari4021]

Hmmm, you waited till I buy a knit foot to post this🤔

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Agrgrgr, sorry! Extra tools help with sewing knits, so you're all good! These are just super simple steps using what you already have.

[@mufithabuhari4021]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity ❤❤❤ I rarely used knit, but after watching your videos, I wanted to use more knit, had a hard time sewing. Finally bought a knit foot. Anyway, thanks for your tips. I enjoy all of your videos. ❤ from Sri Lanka

[@lottiesmith8937]

This is a great tip that I learned not long ago; start the seam about a half inch from the top of the seam, then reverse and then go forward. That way it doesn't match up under your pressure foot. Happy sewing!

[@mufithabuhari4021]

@@lottiesmith8937 I am not clear of this tip. Can u pls explain further?

[@lottiesmith8937]

@@mufithabuhari4021 When you are about to sew, do not start at the very top edge of the seam, move down a half an inch on the seam allowance. Then when you start to sew start sewing in reverse so you are sewing the top half inch and then go forward and sew to the end of the seam.

[@Mickey-jn8hz]

I hh

[@Tara4961]

It's not working. My knits are eaten up by Singer. I'm so 😔

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Do you have the correct needle? Did you adjust the stitch length/width? Are you helping to feed the fabric into the machine? Is your needle dull/old? Have you practiced on other knit fabric scraps? Please trouble shoot first before anything else. Everyone sews knits on a sewing machine and so can you.