Guide to fabrics | Kinds of Knit fabric | Types of Knits for sewing

Our Guide to fabrics is on its last episode. This time we bring you all types of knits for sewing. Do you struggle to identify knit fabrics? If you are in your journey learning to sew clothes then these guide to fabrics are invaluable. There are so many different kinds of knit fabric that it can be confusing, but we will show you everything you need to know about all the different types of knit fabric.
In this video we discuss :
Single or double knits 1:05
Blended knits 5:00
Stretch of knit fabrics 6:23
Diablo Jersey 14:33
Lycra Jersey 15:07
Viscose Double Knit Jersey 16:10
Ponte Roma 17:10
Scuba 18:40
Neoprene 19:20
Ribbing 19:56
Looped Back Sweatshirting 21:11
Brushed Back Sweatshirting 22:05
Boucle 24:10
Sweater Knit 25:35
Textured Jersey 27:00
Waffle Jersey 28:00
Crinkle Jersey 29:00
Quilted Jersey 30:40
Textured Mesh Jersey 32:30
You can see all of the videos in the series below.
Guide to Fabric Terms - • Guide To Fabric | How ...
Guide to Cotton - • Guide to Fabrics | Typ...
Guide to Silk - • Guide to Fabric | Type...
Guide to Wool - • Guide to fabrics | Typ...
Guide to Synthetics - • Guide to fabrics | Typ...
Guide to Knits - • Guide to fabrics | Kin...
Please note that we are not fabric experts (unless you count hoarding and stroking!) but rather fabric enthusiasts. Everything we say in this series of videos is based on our own research and is aimed at the home dressmaker who wants to know more about fabric. We have not been able to cover all fabrics, weaves and fibres in these videos but we hope that what we have covered is of some help. If we have made any errors, please feel free to message us and let us know.
Thanks for watching! Click here if you'd like to buy us a coffee:
ko-fi.com/thes... ☕️
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Who are The Stitch Sisters?
We are Nikki and Rachel, best friends and sewing enthusiasts who run online sewing classes and sewing courses for anyone wanting to learn to sew. If you are looking for a beginners sewing course or a sewing class for any level, make sure you check out our video based sewing courses online at www.thestitchs....
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[@mroberson325]

THANK YOU! This has been the most helpful video on sewing that I've ever seen. Most videos on fabrics just talk about the difference between knits and wovens. They don't go into the various different knits, which was so frustrating since there are so many! Thank you!

[@StitchSisters]

homeschool.meggie so glad you will find it useful 😘

[@lisafenn4238]

Hi Girls. I have watched all of the videos in this series. I am new to dress making and finding all the different fabrics an absolute minefield. The entire series is fascinating and I have learned so much that I feel like my brain is leaking. I can't thank you enough for all the information you have provided on all the different fabrics. I'm off to lay down in a dark room now lol. xxxxx

[@StitchSisters]

Lisa Fenn hope you can put some of your new knowledge into your Dressmaking.....have fun !

[@lianerichardson6633]

Excellent series. Thank you very much!

[@oscar6443]

Thank you girls for all that information. I watched all of them in one go and thoroughly enjoyed every one

[@veragiles981]

Fantastic! Thanks so much for all the videos and for putting so much information in them. I've started sewing again after quite some years and have shied away from knit fabrics. I had no idea how to identify a Ponte Roma for instance. These are definitely videos I shall keep returning to!Now trying to persuade my machine to twin stitch a nice neat hem on some gorgeous viscose jersey!!🤔🤔🤔

[@beckytheobsessedstitcher1170]

Just fantastic information - great video. Thank you so much for gathering and sharing all this information!!!

[@mindsetandmusic]

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Thank you.

[@Letha222]

Well done! I've watched the whole series and found it very helpful. Thank you so much!!

[@luzmartin5243]

This series is pure gold for beginners! Thank you so much!

[@StitchSisters]

You are very welcome 😄

[@sewagnes6706]

Hi ladies, great video. So informative and lovely to see all of the different samples. I learnt a lot more about knit fabrics by doing the cosicardichallenge you hosted with Amanda. However seeing this has just added and cemented a lot of what I learnt. Thanks so much for doing this. I've jumped from the Cotton to the Knits as they're my fav fabrics. Still to see your other ones on Wool, Silks and Synthetics which I'm looking forward to. Thanks again for doing this and for sharing xx

[@suemacleod6653]

Thank-you, loved this series. More please.

[@sallydingle321]

Fab, Fab, Fab ladies 👍. I'm going to watch them all again and take notes next time😁. The most interesting and useful vlogs I have seen yet💞💞💞😘

[@sallydingle321]

Ps. Still haven't got over your great Christmas vlog on the Lyndon sweatshirt 😉

[@rhondaziman562]

Oh my gosh, this series is absolutely AMAZING. thank you so much! I'm watching all of them, and will return to them over and over. I would completely love one on organic and eco-friendly fabrics, as I have committed to mostly work with those this year. I've been researching hemp, bamboo, and I already use a lot of organic cotton. But there are lots of lovely options also. I think it would make an interesting video on a very important subject :)

[@StitchSisters]

Rhonda Ziman thanks for the idea Rhonda, we will see what we can do !

[@leannsews]

Hello from Canada. I've watched your entire series. It's great! Thank you. I always really enjoy watching your videos - I like learning with a little bit of fun. :-) Keep up the good work.

[@Uberone14]

Hey girls! Finished the entire series! So great! You both have lovely personalities! So much information...wow, helped me so much. Now if I could just find all of this written down someplace so I could take it to the store with me. I took copious notes so I could do it myself I guess! So interesting!

[@Brightershadows97]

Thank you so much for doing these videos, so helpful. Thank you both xx

[@user-ff2sj5zv8v]

This is the BEST guide to knits I have ever seen, well done ladies.

[@MsSherrydarling]

My favourite so far!! I have sewn for years and have shied away from knits for all the reasons others give. I have dipped my toes in the knit pool and made a top last week(So Sew Easy's Eileen T-Shirt) out of a "textured knit". Not as scary as I thought. I had a little trouble with the neck band but it looks great!! I have a much better understanding of how knits are made and how they perform, thanks to your great video!! My next project is a single knit cardigan from Kwik Sew 3916. Wish me luck and keep up the great work : ))

[@evelynhinman3192]

I would like for you to do a video on sewing velvets.

[@jeanbourque6486]

Wow, I love watching your videos, they are so educational and informative. This one has answered a lot of my stretch knit questions. I was always hesitant to try knits. A few months ago, I cut a woven fabric to a knit pattern without realizing it until I tried it on. I loved the look on the pattern, so I ended up, shopping for a knit. My first attempt was not the best. I love the stretch fabrics and despite their difficulty in handling, I will keep making them. I believe this video will help me in selecting the right fabric for the pattern. I'm also going to try the water-soluble facing when I am pinning the fabric and seams, to cut down on the curling & stretching while sewing. Thank you for all you two do on these videos!

[@jacquelineclifford8285]

With ribbing which comes in tubular form, how would you cut it to form cuffs and neckbands? Could you possibly do a tutorial on this? I would find it so helpful.

[@shaimaaessam9718]

Hello I love you videos so much and I want to ask Which fabric we use it for underwears and cut shirts ??

[@user-vx6tc8mv9y]

Thank you ladies, these fabric videos are so helpful, I maybe able to now chose the right fabric for right project.

[@LBFavorites]

What type of knit would you recommend for a 1st project? I'm a quilter, new to clothing. Just a domestic sewing machine, no overlocker / serger.

[@bettylarks8134]

I have really enjoyed this series of fabric examples. It has definitely taught me a few things. Did I miss you covering Cuddle/Minky fabric? Would it be just like the other sweatshirting fabrics? I have used it on the back of baby quilts for it's softness.

[@SWEAR2CARE]

Thanks but no help because no close up so what are you discribing.. .Less camera your face ,, more time on the subject fabric please.

[@stephaniesanchez5266]

I love the Stitch Sisters!!! I am a beginner sewer and have learned a lot watching these videos. I wish I could go to these fabric shops they visit - we only have Joann's :/ Question anyone -- what type of garment can I make with Ponte 30% stretch?? I just got it in the mail and it doesn't seem too flattering for what I bought it for (a skirt)?? thanks in advance

[@judyh3707]

The closeups were completely indiscernible so I couldn't really tell what it was, so the usefulness of those portions was rather negated. Cover the camera completely so nothing else is in frame, so it doesn't continue to try to focus on your faces; your trying to see on the monitor whether it's focusing or not is what's keeping it from focusing. Or just edit in a photo for the closeup portion. It was honestly maddening, surely you noticed in editing that it was all out of focus.

[@marlenelaban1961]

Dear Ladies: I thoroughly enjoyed this video - the first of your Minerva Crafts "Guides To" that I have watched. It was massively helpful. I'm the person who wrote to ask you the size of the IKEA throw to buy to create the gilet. I ordered it from IKEA and received it a couple days ago and can't wait to use it. On the topic of knits, I was wondering if you ladies have come across ITY knits (InterTwist Yarn). They are 100% polyester, typically 60" wide. They come in solids and prints and they act like thin silk but with the strength of polyester. I have never worn it in a humid climate (I live in the desert Southwest in New Mexico) but I'm making virtually 80% of my garments from it at this time. I sleep in these clothes too! It actually breathes, something you don't expect from polyester. It has spectacular drape - gorgeous colors - is not very expensive - comes in various weights - sews up wonderfully with a no. 7 ballpoint needle. Lots of things don't require hemming as there is no curling. If you like shimmery, shivery, silky fabric, this is the one. Its watery drape is so wonderful that a piece of it in your hand, allowed to fall onto any surface, will literally fall completely flat. It washes and dries like a dream. I don't know how I lived without it. ITY. I buy it in gobs at Fabric.com on the magical internet. Just thought you'd be interested in another knit. I really appreciated this video of yours and can hardly wait to watch all the others. Goodbye and love from your big fan in Albuquerque - Marlene La Ban!

[@StitchSisters]

Marlene La Ban thank you Marlene ! We haven’t heard of it but will do a search and see if we can find some here in the uk 😘😘😘

[@georgeannbraden5065]

Moleskin, did you cover that? I’ve wondered what it’s like.

[@lesleyjones5455]

Can you include what types of clothing you would use them for. I’m making a cocoa dress not sure what to choose

[@bernadettedizzine7356]

found this and thank you very much, just getting into sewing knits,

[@kiamanawatini9512]

Wow just viewed all 6 videos kinda back to back (dinner break in between). I have learnt so much - content very informative, easy to understand, light and fun. Thank you for the research and sourcing of the different fabric examples. Appreciate a lot ...kiwi in Australia ❤️❤️

[@StitchSisters]

Glad you like them! Thank you for posting

[@TheFrenchSeams_vlog]

6 videos done! Woohoo! So interesting and have learnt loads! Thanks so much for putting this together!

[@saskiapoppeliers]

I really enjoyed watching this video. So many fabrics, but so useful for beginners. Will be watching a few more times because there was an overload of information.

[@vanessaknight7129]

Thank you ladies for being so thorough with this series. I am new to sewing and have been so frustrated with trying to figure out the different types of fabric and how too use them. What a relief you have given me.....

[@StitchSisters]

You are so welcome!

[@alexandrawellington8028]

Fantastic information!!!!!!!!xxx

[@vickithompson1840]

Just watched the guide to fabrics back to back, wow you girls know your stuff, especially you Rachael, I found it all really interesting and informative. Loved all the added facts especially about the cashmere and the goat and it’s goatee. I feel better equipped when looking at patterns now and hope I remember at least half of the fabrics you mentioned. Thank you ladies 😊😊😊

[@themonkeypuzzle]

Thanks SO much, you two! What a lot of work that series was for you to make. I so appreciate it as I learned so much about fabric and there's going to be no stopping me shopping now. I've been a bit overwhelmed before but it's nice to feel much more knowledgeable. I reckon fabric here in Canada is quite a bit more expensive than in the UK but the other half is home for a visit in a few weeks so he'll be bringing an order from Minerva back in his suitcase for ME! Thanks again... Just wish I could pop by for a workshop. ♥

[@shareesayers3572]

This series has been so helpful for my confidence going into sewing. As I am on a budget I often look out for fabrics in our local op shop but never had a clue what the fabrics were. Now I have more chance of identifying them. I found the information on how and from what fabrics were made of extremely helpful and interesting as well. Now I just need to finish my course on overlocking so I can explore working with knit fabrics.

[@folkartandfantasy]

I love your videos, full of information and well presented. Having just watched your tutorials on the cover stitch machine, which were fantastic, I’ve watched the Guide to Knits first, but I can’t wait to watch the rest of the series. Thanks for making it fun to watch too 🙂

[@julielangridge7900]

Absolutely enjoyed this video on stretch fabrics great for those just beginning to sew with stretch. So informative and great ideas given as what to create with the different fabrics and there use. First time watching you girls have now subscribed and will be watching a lot more, you’ve taught a mature lady a lot of stuff😃Thank you.

[@jelizjones]

I have watched all the fabric vlogs and have learnt so much. Thank you so much for all the work you put into the research and also sourcing the fabric. It was great to see visually and combining it with what you were saying. Thank you🙋

[@valerienell7838]

Hi Ladies. I binge watched all the videos and really enjoyed them. I often see fabric on patterns and when I ask at the fabric store they have no idea what I am talking about. So glad to see them here. Hopefully I remember them when I go fabric shopping and recognise them, then I can find out what they call them in South Africa. Thanks again.

[@annbuck7644]

Hi, I have watched all of these and now have all information written on backs of envelopes and edge of todays newspaper so will have to watch them all again. Thanks very much

[@juliadroy1179]

Absolutely brilliant series of videos, thank you so much I've learnt so much and have already passed on some of the information.

[@gabriellagrimaldo6335]

I've used that mesh knit or something similar to it. It is very slippery to work with, so going so on the overlocker is advisable.

[@maureencullen1008]

This has been brilliant.Its been so informative but in such an interesting way that I never felt overwhelmed by information .Definitely one to keep to beable to refer to.

[@jackiejohnston7100]

Jackie Johnston This has been so informative would love more videos like this. Thank you.

[@peggyblackburn9981]

Can't Thank You enough for this series. I have learned lots and lots. I know I will learn even more when watching them again. I will be book marking this series for reference. I appreciate the hours and work and research it must have taken to do these videos. Well done.

[@thinkerandmaker659]

Thank-you sooo much that was mega thorough. You must have done so much work, I’ll watch this one again as there was so much in it.

[@thenorthernsewist]

Fabulous and Thankyou to you both and Minerva! 👏🏼👍🏻

[@dianegould1696]

This has been the most informative video I’ve watched on KZbin! Thank you so very much!!

[@GeorgyE6]

These fabric vlogs have been so useful...thanks guys 👏🏼👍🏼

[@roi-lynnmunsey8317]

Have enjoyed your videos. I was taught not to do the stretch test on the cut edge. Fold it down and stretch the inside edge. Just the cutting can change the actual stretch %.

[@pavlalodge3044]

Great video 👏🏼

[@nettie6587]

Thank you for this - it was just what I needed :)

[@StitchSisters]

Glad it was helpful!

[@realpinkmonkey]

hi. thank you for the video. i have learned a lot. i watched the whole video so sorry if i missed it, but i was wondering if poly spandex knit is the same as poly spandex jersey knit? from all the videos and readings, it seems like its the same thing. like, what does the Jersey part mean? im asking because im kind of freaking out because my mom ordered a fabric for my daughters bday dress (her party is RIGHT around the corner). i told my mom i had only worked with quilters cotton so far and im pretty decent at making dresses with that (i have made several so far). but i just took a peek at her online receipt and noticed it said poly spandex knit!!! im so scared that its that real stretchy material :'{. im scared that i will mess up and she ordered it online WITH my daughters NAME on it!! i CANT mess this up! im seriously freaking out!!! can you explain to me what this fabric is like please and any tips you can give? thank you so much and thanks for the video

[@StitchSisters]

Anything that says jersey or knit is the same thing. It will be a stretch fabric but difficult to know how much stretch til you see it. We have a video on how to tackle tricky knits, might be worth a watch kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIHIeIKLbK1sf9U

[@realpinkmonkey]

@@StitchSisters thank you so much for the link!

[@Eva-dy9qy]

The whole series super helpful and fun to watch, thank you for putting it together!

[@constancergarcia7258]

Thank you for the knitfabric education 😉

[@shaidabegum.]

All i can say is THANK YOU to both of you. ❤❤

[@julieedwards6937]

I’m a knitter venturing into sewing as my hands are suffering after years of knitting. I’ve just subscribed to your channel and I’m learning so much from you, thank you ladies for the excellent content and the fun , Julie

[@StitchSisters]

Thanks Julie and welcome to the wonderful world of sewing ❤️

[@brendadouglas9833]

A great job girls. All your work you put into doing all these videos are much much appreciated. Thanks again.

[@StitchSisters]

Brenda Douglas your very welcome 😊

[@elaineshopland8408]

Super series! Very informative.

[@janetmoyle5614]

I have always had a love for knits but found choosing very difficult, I also use Minerva and they do have a section explaining all the fabrics but to be able to listen and actually see the fabrics in question has been an enormous help. Thank You for the series its been a godsend well done xx

[@StitchSisters]

Janet Moyle thank you Janet 😘

[@denbeesewswhat9841]

So in tandem with your videos I have been onto Minerva and added lots of fabrics for patterns I have. Thank you! xx

[@StitchSisters]

Den Bee Sews What that’s brilliant !

[@cherriesnhoney]

great info!...knits confuse me esp the pontes...so the curl...to the right side or wrong? ..also the quilted fabric, can that be used as warm layer between lining and shell fabric of coat/kelly anorak or does it feel too thick for that?...thanks again to you both and minerva for sending the samples. great series, def learned tons. tfs:)

[@StitchSisters]

cherriesnhoney hi, the curl is usually to the right side as the tension is tighter on the face side so it pulls the curled edge towards it. Yes, the quilted sweatshirting sounds great for extra warmth in a jacket, although I'd go for one with minimal stretch if you're putting it with a woven fabric x

[@cherriesnhoney]

Stitch Sisters thanks!

[@umathur]

What is a slub knit fabric?

[@StitchSisters]

A slub is a way to make yarn, which is then knit into a fabric. A slub means that thick and thin spots are intentionally put into the yarn for a design effect. ... It produces higher-quality fabric and tends to be softer than regular cotton.

[@umathur]

@@StitchSisters Thanks

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

Very helpful🤗

[@dewuknowHIM]

The camera didnt focus on ANY CLOSEUPS.....

[@KARIN1980ification]

I like this sewing sisters, but the sister with brown hair should let the blond talk more and take more place.