Sewing Knits WITHOUT a Serger | How to Sew Stretch Fabrics

Today we're talking about all the different stitches on your sewing machine that you can use to sew knits! Don't feel limited by your machine if you don't have a serger. You don't HAVE to have an overlocker. There are so many stitches available to you on your regular sewing machine for sewing stretchy fabrics!
0:00 Needle Choice
1:22 Zigzag Stitch
2:51 3-Step Zigzag Stitch
4:21 Lightning Bolt Stitch/Stretch Stitch
5:43 Reinforced Straight Stitch
7:20 Stretch Seam Overcast Stitch
9:28 Flatlock Stitch
12:36 Stretch Blind Hem Stitch
16:20 Final Look
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Music provided by Argofox:
Sex Whales- Poor Bird
• Sex Whales Poor Bird
Edited with: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Camera: Canon Rebel T3i
FTC: This video was not sponsored.

[@ecay]

I know that you're using a computerized sewing machine, but for anybody that is looking to do all of this, a lot of these stitches can be found in older sewing machines that have cams and you can get them generally speaking, reasonable and you can get the cams reasonably. So if you're not having a budget for a more expensive machine, you can look to the older ones. But you want the ones that have cams multi-stitch things like that. Like the singer 385 series, the Kenmore 158 series. You can even go back to the singer. Slant shank such as the touch and so and things like that that have cams you may have to get with somebody that knows how to get a older sewing machine where it works good but it's not hard. It is not difficult to do and you more than likely will not have to have parts replaced because it's all metal. But that's for those people who want to do this but may not have the budget for the more expensive modern sewing machines

[@tessyts]

This is probably the best video that I've ever seen regarding stitching on knit/stretchy fabrics. The information given was easy to comprehend and useful for all skill levels. The video and audio were superb with no background distractions. Thank you so very much! I look forward to watching many more of your videos. EXCELLENT!!!!!

[@richardlionheart3965]

Fantastic video, thank you. As a man learning sewing during lockdown (from masks to pillow cases and now t-shirts and sweatshirts) this was so helpful. No music, lots of detail, calm voice and lots of explanation. My 1960s Brother uses cams to change stitches but i may have some of the ones you mentioned, it does a basic zig-zag at least.

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Yay! Good for you for using lockdown productively. Those vintage machines are absolute workhorses with proper maintenance!

[@Tina06019]

Many of the old machines are just fantastic beasts - eventually the metal parts in the “drive train” wear down beyond repair, as in my 1908 treadle Singer sewing machine - But my 1984 Kenmore is still whipping right along, and I have used it hard during the last 36 years.

[@mariasmith9998]

Hey there what size needle do you use. When you sew t shirts? I have tried to sew t shirts but my thread keeps breaking. Do you have any tips i can use?

[@bitemefox9102]

You do an amazing job balancing giving enough details without beating people to death with info! Love it!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Thanks, I feel like I'm constantly rambling though. It takes forever to do a voice-over for me.

[@bitemefox9102]

@@TheAwlNighter1 no it feels like a good balance to me! Keep it up!

[@bevmcmullen8758]

Brilliant. I appreciate how you just get on with the tutorial without too much whiffle-waffle. Beautifully presented. Thank you xx

[@CurseTheDarkness]

Previously the only stitches I was told I’d ever need on a machine was straight and zig-zag. This video proved otherwise. Thanks!

[@debbrantner6666]

Great video! Very complete and clear instructions.

[@sewitseams5632]

You just convinced me to get a better model sewing machine just to do these stretch stitches. I think spending $100 more on a better entry level machine to sew leggings and knit jersey tops is worth it. This video was so helpful in understanding the pro and cons of each stitch. I have limited sewing experience with knits and this was extremely helpful. I need to sew dance wear for myself, excited to try your techniques.

[@lindasinesstiles4556]

VERY informative, thank you so much! I've worked with only woven fabrics for decades - your video takes away some of the angst I have about plunging into knits for casual wear. Your video is so easy to understand and easy to listen to, I'm sure to refer to it again and again.

[@magwayen5476]

"you will end up wanting these machines with a little bit more bells and whistles than a regular entry-level machine" I cannot agree more! I wish I saved up longer 😢

[@DenaHamilton]

Thank you excellent! Appreciate the concentrated content without time consuming entry, cuteness, or gimmicky video. Very informative and helpful!!!

[@bestflockingfriends]

OMG I’ve been desperately searching for help on a stretch stitch bc my machine doesn’t have a stretch option - I didn’t know that’s what the 3 stitch zigzag was for on my singer inspiration, thank you SO MUCH!!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Glad you found it helpful! Happy sewing!

[@JustTakeItInStride]

SUCH a great and informative video!!! How have I JUST come across your channel now? I'm making a pencil skirt out of stretchy "pleather" and that last blind stitch is going to be perfect!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Yay! I'm so glad my video can help you!

[@ciarasantos7623]

You are a lifesaver! I've stayed away from stretch fabrics because I hate the look when done in a sewing machine, but this video helped so much in making the look be more streamline. Thank you so much!

[@Barbarawilbur]

Fantastic video! Really showed what to do with all those stitch types on my machine. I have been scared to try to sew any knits but now am going to give it a try!

[@avenaprince2258]

LOVED this video. especially the way you segmented it. Awesome stuff

[@aiducha]

How happy I am that I bumped into you. I have learned a lot. Super great crafted video. Thank you very much. Cheers and greetings from Beer Sheva, Israel.

[@christinewheeler6443]

I have been sewing for 38 years, but i have qlways had trouble with knits.. your video was a wealth of helpful information to me... thank you so much.. you rock!!!!

[@yolandadicostanzo1347]

BEST video on this topic. I keep going back to it on every project as a reference and to choose the best stitch. I don't have a serger but want good looking results in the meantime. Thanks to you, that is possible for me.

[@r4d4r6]

One of the most professional videos I've seen! Thanks :) My machine wasn't that cheap and has 16 stitches, but no stretch overcast :(

[@margaretmckay8948]

Thank you! I now know what all these mysterious stitches on my machine do. Great video

[@mssixty3426]

Thank you, to-the-point, clear and concise, and exactly what I've been wondering about!

[@emilyackertrutten268]

This video is very helpful - only one I have seen that really goes into what stitch pros and cons are, which stitches are best for stable vs unstable knits, etc.

[@ImTash]

dude this was so bloody helpful you have no idea. THANK YOU

[@juliemiller9258]

Thank you so much for this professional video! I have been sewing nearly all my life and I learned so much! Makes me want to go take a class! Aloha

[@juliemiller9258]

I don't usually quilt with knits, but a friend brought me a big bag of t-shirts to make her a t-shirt quilt. First side, I used an iron on stabilizer, but it is making it so stiff. Second side, I am using my machine with the tiny, slow zig-zag on my black Janome and it is working very nice. I am so impressed! Not I just want this done so that I can machine mend a whole box of things I have been saving.. because they are knits! What fun! Thanks again!

[@lilibean01]

Super helpful summary of sewing stretch knit fabrics! Thanks so much!

[@katietheskeptic8736]

AMAZING!!! Thank you so so much for making this video and thoroughly explaining the uses, pros and cons for each stitch. I don't own my own sewing machine and rarely feel the need to use one but recently decided I should bite the bullet and finally purchase my own. I'm more of a novice when it comes to sewing so when I decided I would buy a machine I turned to ye ole google for any information I could get my hands on that might help me select a machine that would allow a novice to still produce professional looking items. What you covered in your video was not only helpful for selecting a machine but was also incredibly helpful for understanding how to create professional garments. Can't thank you enough for making it easy to understand!

[@stacyliner]

New to sewing and was struggling on which machine to choose. You just answered so many questions that I didn’t even realize I had. Better sense of direction now, thank you!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Glad I could help!

[@elliegifford5066]

Thank you so much! I am trying to get to grips with stretch stiches and this was so helpful!!

[@mayschar]

Thank you so much for clarifying all the different stitches! You really know your sewing!!

[@clairechen8291]

Thank you, this helped so much. I was trying to make outfit with strechy fabric, but i don't have a serger. ( i guess i don't need one now!)

[@deborahspooner8046]

Very good information. Love pros and cons. View is good

[@saartjeva]

Great video to understand different stitches and their impact on the fabric/project! Really learned a lot and convinced me to go for the more expensive machine that I had in mind as it has a lot of stitches.

[@galaxytrio]

Very informative.

[@lindawinn2568]

Wow! So much information in this video. I’m amazed. One of the best I’ve seen. Thank you so much. I will definitely be looking at more of your videos. ❤

[@andreawalker2535]

A very fine video on this topic. It is wonderful to find a video that helps the beginner. I like your clean, informative style.

[@pamelamolina5623]

Wow what a great tutorial! You are so good at this! 5 stars

[@amandaphillips7184]

Thank you! Very informative, I’ll be back to watch again when I’m at my machine!

[@donnlevin7591]

Yy

[@rracks]

Your voice is so tranquil🖤

[@loislawson2635]

👍 thanks for all of the great tips on sewing knits. I do not own an overlocker machine. Going to use the good thread.. Have all of the notions & lots of jesery knit fabric

[@mercyunselt2035]

Thank you for informative video..

[@jakea1035]

Thank you.

[@flyingcloud9253]

Thank you for this tutorial!!! I learned a lot and I am going to think about using a knit fabric the next time I sew....

[@lxvly6232]

Thank you 🙏 I couldn’t get a stretchy fabric right for my life and I’m trying to start making cosplay so b l e s s

[@mynameisyasser]

Was so helpful & succinct I had to comment twice :) Thank you!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Aw thank you!

[@carlasurendran2367]

So informative. Very thorough. I learned so much. Thank you.

[@hammockmonk]

I’m deconstructing my favorite Everlast t-shirt to clone it and it’s sewn with that flatlock stitch. Thanks for explaining it-I’m hoping that it’s available on my sewing machine.

[@momzilla9491]

I learned how to repair quite a few problems with my machine by watching KZbin. The one thing that I have seen over and over again are comments from people who bought a cheap sewing machine and need it fixed. They complain, I only paid $100 for it, now it is going to cost $80 to fix? Unless you have money to through away, don't buy a cheap machine. Kijiji is full of great second hand machines. The older ones are always going to be the easiest to fix yourself. The simpler the mechanics, the better!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Yes, you definitely get what you pay for. Nothing wrong with starting out on an inexpensive machine to learn on especially since it's probably going to go through hell with a new sewer. I have a cheap Brother sewing machine that still works 10 years later, but I don't think that's the norm. There's a reason why industrial sewing machines only have one function. It's bc they're built to be workhorses! Start adding fancy functions or computer parts, and it's that much more that can go wrong. I also try to align myself with brands that make their products out of quality parts, have parts guarantees, and offer servicing/repairs.

[@momzilla9491]

@@TheAwlNighter1 Learning to sew wasn't easy and I often fought with my projects. Beginners should always set up so you don't have to fight with your sewing machine. Do the research and buy a good 2nd hand machine on Kijiji.

[@murielperrier1443]

Thank you so much for your videos, very easy to understand the why and very helpful. thanks again

[@JaiShirelle]

This was such a helpful video. I learned a lot about stitches that I never use on my machine.

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Thank you! I'm glad you found it useful!

[@sphwell8050]

Excelente video ❤

[@Allaboutpinup]

Loving your tutorials! Thank you! ❤️

[@athenaharris7328]

Thank you for your intelligent, well taught video! Would these stitches work on yoga pants Hem? Every pair of yoga pants i have are just too long on me. ❤

[@cann7669]

Such clear information! Thank You for your straight forward descriptions and examples. Love the lessons in 6-8 stitches at a time, gives me time to get familiar with them and do some trials. Sew much fun!

[@SANNAsewglam]

Well done!

[@julietmusonda4476]

This video is really helpful for me

[@HOODCLASSICTELEVISION]

I have industrial walking foot Machines now BUT, in 2017 I purchased the brother sq9185 from Walmart im Philadelphia for only $120. And it has 100 stitches, including the flatlock stitch. The cheap multi stitch machine has been around. Just have to be a savvy shopper. 😉

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Exactly. I had the first brother project runway model and it had tons of stitches as well. I think they run $200ish now but still a great price. I think alot of ppl go simpler for their first machine and quickly realize they should have done more research

[@Lory_D]

Such a great video...I learned so much in 16:48 minutes 😉👍...thanks...now I'm going to check your channel....thanks for this video.

[@Ferguson1965]

This is so helpful. Thank you!

[@MizzC625]

So beautifully explained!

[@nancymatthews6724]

Really informative and just what I needed! Thanks

[@dericflairmultiverse4952]

THANK YOU so much for the great tips!

[@pearsonfam6]

Loved your videos, you are a good teacher!

[@poetmaggie1]

Zig stitch available since the 1950’s for sure my mom trained her straight stitch in for one about the middle of the 1950’s. My machine is straight and zig zag bought in 1964.

[@SharonRaeRyan]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful!

[@douglasfagen9914]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@stephaniehacking1657]

What sewing machine are you using in this video? Great information and visuals!!

[@victormeldroo]

brilliant informative video thank you

[@schisandra]

Fantastic! Super informative with everything clearly demonstrated. Thank you!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@williamsdc5275]

Great video still. Thanks

[@annjannace6957]

the flat lock stitch ....could I use it to hem knit pant's ? I have an old Singer touchtronic Have many stitches & never understood what they were used for & yes I have a manual "BUT" your tutorial is so much better & thank's sew much

[@hnhgur]

Awesome tips!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Glad you like them!

[@seasons0123]

Thank you!

[@nyaaaselina]

So informative I really enjoyed it

[@dccd673]

Would have liked to see what the other side looks like for the flat lock stitch. Kept thinking please turn the fabric over 😂

[@polygonc]

Very useful, thank you

[@Mryaseen2001]

amazing explanation from start to finish thank you. i have tried in my sewing mashine Privilege it has some problem i cant have result like your. but i will try more wish will get what i want. thanks take care👐

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Try starting with thicker fabrics. When I first started working with knits, I used thin fabric and my machine ate it. You'll get it just keep trying!

[@pearlinejones9693]

Loved This! Thanks!

[@dianelong436]

So helpful thank you 😊

[@gopalakrishnanpremalatha7447]

Brilliant video...

[@CarolgTX]

Great video. Will watch others. What do you think is the best overlock (overcast) for woven seams? Thanks so much!

[@loubeylou3819]

Super helpful thank you

[@beckyb8929]

Finally - a video that really explains things! Thanks so much for all those details. And thanks for showing the needles up close - I probably mixed my needles up and now I can see if I have one that's OK for knits.

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Google "sewing needle color code". They're all color coded so you can quickly tell the size and style of needle!

[@roxannerachel]

For the stretch seam overcast, I’m having trouble finding the right tension and width #. I’m using stretchy fabric. What settings do you recommend?

[@natasha6867]

thanks so much for the video! for the last couple stitches, esp the flatlock stitch, i was wondering what it looked like on the other side and which side should be up when using those stitches? i just tried sewing hems on this super stretch fabric, and the edges kept curling up making it hard to be precise with my sewing. i wonder if the flatlock stitch would help in this situation? would you just do it all down the edge to stabilize and then fold over? i'm also thinking about trying out hem stabilizing tape.

[@TheArtisansStudio]

What sewing machine are you using? Looks like it does an amazing job!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Husqvarna Viking Epic! It's a combo sewing & embroidery machine so it's a beast

[@clothingalterations]

Great video

[@howardgoldstein867]

excellent video.....

[@valchis3922]

Very useful.

[@healinghealthnutritionwell852]

I have the correct needle, thread but the fabric gathers when the walking foot pushes it through the machine. Any advice will help? I adjusted tension but no luck

[@fromerop2823]

Very interesting. Where is the "no serger needed"?

[@lah1667]

Hi there, scuba seems to be a bit more stiff than stretch fabric. Would you still recommend using a specialist needle for scuba too? Thanks for uploading 😊

[@KellyfromtheDeli-Designer]

Thank you! Awesome!

[@mynameisyasser]

Thank you! ♥️

[@OdaMaria]

Such a good video! Thank you! Followed

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Thanks for the sub!

[@susankiewra250]

REALLY EXCELLENT VIDEO!!! so helpful -- CURIOUS - what machine are you using in this video?

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Husqvarna Viking Epic machine. It's a combination sewing/embroidery machine!

[@jillwauthy7795]

Thanks for this - super helpful! What machine are you sewing on in this video?? 😍I am getting ready for an upgrade...

[@TheAwlNighter1]

I'm using a combination sewing & embroidery machine, the Husqvarna Epic!

[@jillwauthy7795]

@@TheAwlNighter1 thank you!

[@faithuyaego394]

So happy i got to watch your video, it’s so helpful..I would love to know what kind of machine you’re using. I want to get one but I’m confused of which to go with

[@TheAwlNighter1]

I'm using husqvarna viking epic. It's a combination sewing and embroidery machine. Most intro machines are going to perform pretty similarly. I suggest getting one that has a decent number of stitches (at least 10) and an option to adjust the stitch width and stitch length. You can sew full ballgowns on a $100 machine. It just depends how many bells and whistles you want!

[@satsumamoon]

So why buy a HV epic?

[@kjkjkjjm8263]

May I ask which sewing machine were you using for this demonstration? thx!

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Husqvarna Viking Epic machine. It's a combination sewing/embroidery machine!

[@k.martin9596]

Love your video. Which machine are you using for this demonstration video?

[@TheAwlNighter1]

Hi, I'm using the Husqvarna Viking Epic machine. It's a dual sewing/embroidery machine.