BEST & WORST knit fabrics: FIT & FLARE styles. Examples & 2 new Olympia dresses (Love Notions)

Today is a practical episode that will help you choose knit fabric types that will work well with fitted knit bodices found in dresses and peplum tops. I’ll also share what types of fabrics to avoid. You will see many examples of fabrics and my makes, including 2 new Olympia dresses from Love Notions.
The Olympia dress has been re-released to improve sizing up to 5X. It's the Feature Friday pattern today the 26th of August 2022 ($5). It will be $3 OFF during Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th of August. This is my affiliate link: www.lovenotions.com/product/o...
Using my link does not cost you extra, but it supports my work via a commission. Remember to use my coupon code 10pins at checkout for an extra 10% off, every day, even on top of the discounted prices!
See the video I made about the Olympia for Love Notions KZbin channel here (full review & sewing tutorial): • Olympia dress re-relea...
Previous Olympia dress videos on my channel: • Olympia dress (Love No...
See all my Love Notions makes in my playlist: • Love Notions patterns ...
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Specifics:
*Size XL
*C cup
*Rayon Spandex & Pique knit with good stretch
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/atm/young-love
DISCLAIMER: I don't have a fabric sponsor. I produce sewing content independently from pattern brands and share my unique way of sewing with you, with my own investment of time and resources. I am not providing a paid service to pattern brands nor intend to replace instructions found in patterns with my content. I don’t necessarily follow instructions. My opinions are honest, especially around fit and sewing techniques.
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If you enjoy my work and it provides value for your own sewing, consider supporting my channel. Thank you :)
PATREON: for ongoing monthly support you receive rewards, exclusive posts, videos and full sew alongs from me / liftingpinsandneedles
KO-FI: a one off “coffee” will support ongoing cost of sewing supplies ko-fi.com/liftingpinsandneedles
AFFILIATE LINKS: if you are inspired by my work and you purchase patterns from these links, at no cost to you, I receive a small commission that helps supports my work:
*Love Notions Patterns: www.lovenotions.com/?affiliat... Use the Code 10pins at checkout for 10% OFF every day and even during sales!
*Itch to Stitch patterns: itch-to-stitch.com/shop/?affi...
*Sinclair Patterns: sinclairpatterns.com?ref=38
*5oo4 Patterns (Five out of four): 5outof4.com/?ref=karina
*Wardrobe by Me patterns: wardrobebyme.com?ref:karinatrinidad
*Green Style Creations patterns: greenstylecreations.com/?aff=18
*Pattern Emporium: patternemporium.com?aff=83
AMAZON STORE: Visit my amazon storefront where I have listed my favorite basic sewing tools (presser feet…..etc)
www.amazon.com/shop/liftingpi...
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Let’s Connect!
Instagram: / liftingpinsandneedles
Facebook page: / liftingpinsandneedlesk...
Contact me: [e-mail]
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MUSIC USED:
Artist: OmgLoSteve
Song: Too Late ft. Addie Nicole
Download/Stream: audiograb.com/00rnG6phv

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

The Olympia dress has been re-released to improve sizing up to 5X. It's the Feature Friday pattern today the 26th of August 2022 ($5). It will be $3 OFF during Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th of August. This is my affiliate link: www.lovenotions.com/product/olympia?affiliates=366 Use my code 10pins for an extra 10% off even on top of sale prices!

[@onlyyou725]

I really enjoy watching you Karina, your tips are so helpful. All the time and effort you put in to the production you present us with is so well informed. I know for me, I have become a much better sewist. Buying fabrics online had been a bust for me, but through your instructions I've been able to purchase better fabrics for "ideal" fit. Thank you so much.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

I don't shop well online, but with brick and mortar shops closing right and left I'm left with little alternative. This video will help me a lot!

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

Omg I recently bought a 100% organic cotton knit to make my mum a loose t-shirt. It grew and grew until it was absolutely huge. No recovery, just a baggy saggy mess.

[@denisedorsey2889]

Karina, thank you for this comprehensive lesson on knits. A few days ago I made the trek to the city to visit a real fabric store ( not Joann which is mostly fleece and quilting cottons and crafting things - so frustrating). I just wandered, looking at everything, reading the signs and touching the fabrics. It was such a fantastic learning experience for me. I bought some knit fabric (Liverpool, I think) for a LN Metra blazer, a lovely sweater knit, a French Terry and a gorgeous rayon. The people in the shop were so helpful and kind. I’ll definitely be making another trip and now I’ll be more informed because of your video.

[@manhurter]

This was so informative. I've seen patterns requiring vertical stretch and I never understood why thanks for explaining.

[@louiseeiffel1014]

I was just at a fabric store earlier today looking at their knits but didn't buy any because I wasn't sure they would work. After watching this, I'll feel more confident in picking knit fabrics. Thanks for the explanations.

[@oskarmolly]

The blue that your wearing reminds me of Sapphire jewels. So beautiful!

[@shirettejohnson8326]

Thanks for the chat. It was so nice, it was almost like we were having a visit. Lol Your dresses are all lovely and it was so nice of your mom to help with the hemming. Thanks again!

[@t.davila2997]

Extremely helpful, great video! Thank you for addressing this issue.

[@joanneharvey246]

Excellent information for me. I’m so scared to purchase fabrics online but I may try it now that I know for what to look.

[@makeitjoyful]

What a wonderful and informative video! Also watched your video on sewing the Field of Dreams dress. Thank you! Going to make a thank you payment for these KZbin sewing classes! 👏 I have avoided sewing clothes with rayon spandex so far because sometimes it shows every lump and bump. I like your tip about doubling up on the bodice, using a print, and I guess using a less fitted style for the skirt.

[@gertrudewelsh781]

I love both of your dresses. This was a great video, very informative. I made some leggings for my granddaughter and didn't realize that the stretch was vertical and not horizontal. They were beautiful but she could barely get them on. It was so sad. But they gave them to a friend who was younger and very skinny, she loved them. It never occurred to me that fabric was made that way. Now I always check.

[@kathyburt3294]

I never know what kind of fabric to buy. this is very helpful

[@paulaogilvie8150]

Thank you this was really helpful Karina. I’ve come back to sewing knits after about 20 years and the fabrics all have different names and sometimes compositions!

[@suek7086]

I've found the same. Back when I last sewed them I am not sure they even had names, just knit.

[@karlab9557]

Wonderful video. So informative. Matching fabric to a pattern has been a challenge for me. I never knew why both horizontal and vertical stretch was needed until I started watching your videos. Lovely fabrics, as always! I am learning a lot from you! Thank you!

[@tzenikafaraki3363]

Thank you Karina!! Very very helpful!!! Greetings from Greece🇬🇷🌹🌹🌹

[@TheHaymeadow]

Fabulous video Karina, these detailed videos about fabrics and the often overlooked information are wonderful, thank you so much.

[@kristieprice8842]

Thank you for this video on knit fabrics! I have learned alot.😊

[@teresawilbur8035]

Very helpful! Love the zebra dress ❤️

[@patgottshalk8808]

Thank-you for sharing your knowledge for knit fabrics.

[@ginnyrivera2786]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. 😊

[@Escape10mom]

As always, great info!!! Love your dresses!

[@suek7086]

Thank you Karina. As always your videos are very helpful. You work so hard for us and I appreciate it.

[@mollycatcolorado9252]

This information was extremely helpful! Thanks for all your sewing content.

[@jo-annekristensen8540]

Terrific video Karina! I've been sewing with knits for years, but you had several suggestions and points I had not considered. Thank you!

[@marlenede-abel1336]

Lovely dress (the Olympia with the leaves) and really appreciate all the information re the fabrics as I purchased this dress after seeing your video with the detailed sewalong of the neckline - thank you so much for your videos and the education you provide.

[@carolreece9950]

Very helpful, thank you Karina. So far I have only used stretch materials - this is a wonderful fabric guide. Starting to investigate linens now, after your recent video

[@lyndataylor4327]

Super informative & thankyou for the doubling up back/bodice tips! 🙏🏻

[@debbiegauvain8539]

Thank you, Karina! This was very thorough and helpful. 💐

[@nancyhurt7145]

Excellent information! Thank you!

[@marilynhardman5239]

Thank you for sharing all this fabulous information 💐

[@joanneblair2087]

Excellent information. Thank you.

[@lorlor2831]

This was very helpful, thank you❤️

[@susanstewart1402]

Now I know why my expensive brand "stretch" jeans bag out .. they are only 2-3% Lycra, rather than the 5% Karina recommends. Thank you!

[@lesleymoodley5703]

Thanks Karina. Very informative as usual. Used your code to purchase the dress.with Spring fast approaching in Australia, it will be a good one to try. Take care 🤗

[@julieinnis2219]

An amazingly helpful video - thank you Karina. 🌸🌸 I will rewatch and take lots of notes.

[@jmanonmakes]

Such a great, informative video. Thank you so much!

[@ann-elisefryen6364]

Thanks for info, very useful - lovely dresses, esp. the "zebra-one" 🙂

[@davernew.305]

Excellent info! I know understand about vertical stretch ☺

[@marygeorge9688]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

You’re so welcome 😀

[@chris_Lisa]

I love your videos and I am currently sewing an Aria with a sleeve placket and using all your helpful videos. I even enjoy your neighborhood bird friends. You always look lovely in rayon spandex and the fabrics are beautiful. I am hesitant to use it because I hear sewers mention that their garments sometimes "grow" on them. Do you have any advice on sewing with rayon spandex?

[@amysellers3284]

Hi Karina. I was very excited to see your video. I was wondering which lovely dress you are wearing as you speak in this video.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It’s the Saltwhistle from Love Notions 😀

[@beanmehula]

Finally someone who explains the fabric they use and why. Aloha Karina! I’m a new subscriber and enjoy all the detail you put into your videos. But the thing I enjoy most is you let us get into your head. I can follow your train of thought very well in the process. Your taste in fabric is so beautiful. I’ve started learning things I never knew. You are an accomplished sewer and I am enjoying learning from you. Such a gentle disposition you have. I AM INSPIRED. I have not used PDF patterns but you certainly have me rethinking that. I’ve always used commercial patterns. Perhaps you can explain to us the benefits of trying PDF? For instance, why would I be willing to have to print out about 40 pages of paper and tape/glue them when I can get them ready printed in an envelope?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

Welcome! About PDF patterns…. I live in Brazil and they are literally the only option I have available to me. I cannot access printed patterns. About big 4 patterns… they can be frustrating and their size inclusiveness is poor. I’d rather support indie designer who care about their clients. Pdf patterns also have A0 printing files and that makes it a lot easier.

[@beanmehula]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles I understand. I think this is the 8th time I’ve watched this video…and I’m on vacation (holiday). Took notes and made better decisions on my latest fabric choices. I’m also taking advantage of purchases while being away from home. Thanks for educating me!

[@helenhamilton9473]

Thank you Karina - as always so informative and helpful. I'm currently cutting out a top in cotton spandex and its rolling and curling like crazy. I tried spray on starch but it didn't really work. So I'm just cutting out one piece at a time in single layers - there are many pieces in the front and back and using jars and bottles to hold the fabric in place. 😅grrrr. Worst thing is I probably won't like it when its finished. hahah

[@lindak8664]

Thanks

[@laurajones4088]

Excellent video, Karina! Both of your Olympia dresses are beautiful. I avoid 100% cotton/cotton/lycra-tees I made shrunk in length and stretched out of shape-ugh! One of the shops that I order online from includes H/V stretch percentages in their fabric description which is super helpful. Could a knit with minimal stretch only along the selvage be treated like a woven?

[@maidenmakesreviews]

@Lifting Pins and Needles Karina, do you have a video on how to make the skirt less full? I have made the Olympia but I feel it has too much volume for my body. How can I make it more slimline please?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I’ve shown how to do that with a peplum. It would be the same with a skirt. See it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/d53ZmXR4d9lmsKc

[@leotamaag7420]

Karina, Thanks so much for all your information on fabrics. I have some double brushed DTY knit fabric with 40% 4 way stretch. It is 95% polyester and 5% spandex. Do I need to double up the back?

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

It’s always personal preference. Maybe you can drape it over yourself in a fitted way and see how it feels. It’s never a bad thing to double up the back 😀

[@leotamaag7420]

Thanks so much

[@pwoolard4150]

I was hoping liverpool would be on your list, either good or bad.

[@LiftingPinsandNeedles]

I couldn’t possibly mention all the knits that exist. I don’t have any in my stash right now. If class that as a yes but with a more voluminous skirt look :)

[@pwoolard4150]

@@LiftingPinsandNeedles Thank you for taking the time to reply.