Top Tips for Sewing with Jersey Knit Fabrics on your normal sewing machine

[@juliepiper7058]

At first, I was thinking, oh, my, this is basically a lecture video without any hands-on learning, but I was patient and listened to your entire video, and I can’t tell you enough, just how valuable your video was, I don’t care to use Jersey knit much for the simple reason I wasn’t comfortable with it. I now have a new fabric that I feel comfortable with, and I am very appreciative for the time you took to make this video. Cheers.

[@hazelkinvig-paul8231]

I only tend to sew with jersey fabrics, because I'm a fairly new beginner and, as you said, the patterns are far simpler. I'm a bit frightened to try woven patterns as the patterns seem far more complicated! One tip I have found that helps with thin and slippery stretch fabric is to lay tissue paper underneath the fabric and on top of the feed dogs to stop the fabric from being chewed by the feed dogs. Then when I have finished sewing, I just tear the tissue paper away! Hope that help someone! Have a lovely break away and TFS xx

[@Sewisfaction]

Great tip! Thanks for watching and sharing x

[@byzari1265]

Thanks for sharing...

[@yvonnejennings1097]

Just saved my daughters bridesmaids dress thank you sooo much for the tissue paper tip xx

[@hissnobunny5855]

That was awesome. I think that was my problem. My anxiety just made me walk away, and then I found this video lol

[@Tina06019]

I think I will try that today.

[@Kittycats26]

I’ve been sewing for over 30 years and never understood jersey. This is a fantastic tutorial, thank you!

[@NikkiHubYoutube]

The Gutterman thread is the absolute best!!! Been seeing for 3 years now and just switching the thread made me a much better sewer! Thank you for the tips

[@cdnqgramma3373]

well, you popped up in my search, sewing tshirt material... and Im definitely subscribing... BRILLIANT LOVE!!!! I learned more in this vid, than i did my entire life of sewing... goodness. Thank you.

[@galois1712]

Thank you for the video it was great. Do i have to use zigzag stitch with the walking foot?

[@jezabelledb5556]

Thank you so so much for this. I've been a seamstress for years, but the one thing that always fills me with dread is when customers ask for something in stretch fabric! You've made everything so much clearer. Thank you again!

[@mommab8205]

I hope 5 years later you will see my thank you. I saved your video to my sewing playlist. My first attempt at alterations on my 12-year-old Wal-Mart Brother's quilting machine today was a shirt made with jersey material. The needle type, thread type, walking foot, and stitch type would have all been messed up, as I would have used an all-purpose thread with a straight stitch and standard foot. Jersey doesn't even seem complicated with your fantastic advice. Thank you! (PS...I now love my shirt with a more flattering hemline. I'm not fond of hemlines that start at the hip and curve down in the front and back. I chopped it off and sewed a straight hemline. I definitely see myself wearing the shirt in my regular rotation now.).

[@oldladyhen]

The best description and tips for sewing jersey on KZbin! Brilliant and easy to understand. For beginners to aged sewits! ! Thank you.

[@Sewisfaction]

Oh thank you so much, that is quite an honour! Xx

[@judithmonroe8602]

Extremely useful tips! Thank you very much! I have not sewn with knit fabric for about 40 years, so these up-to-date tips will help me a lot.

[@Annie-gl3qv]

I've been sewing since I was a teenager,; learning on the pedal Singer in 1964 from my grandmother. I'm so glad I picked your site to learn to sew with something other than wovens. I'm going to make my hubby a tee and I can't wait to try the walking foot.👍

[@barbarags1529]

Thank you for this very useful video- and a thank you to all the viewers who added their helpful tips. I have a rotary cutter but I cannot seem to master it. I can just about manage a straight(ish) line using a ruler but going around a curve accurately is beyond me. Purely selfishly I would love to see a video on tips and tricks for using the cutter.

[@Sewisfaction]

I’ll see if I can add this in to a video soon x

[@louisejamesalbiejohnstone1482]

Yay! So glad I’ve found this channel!

[@lynneparr5556]

Thank you Shona. This is very helpful

[@audreyphilson6773]

Thank you for taking the time to post another video. I have been sewing for a long time but there's always something new to learn. P.S. It amazes me that there are people who will make personal criticisms in their comment. It's so rude! You are to be commended for continuing to vlog in spite of your throat condition.

[@Sewisfaction]

Thank you so much Audrey xx

[@MadeleineHenderson]

@jane lam it's still nice to have support when rude and ungrateful people feel the need to leave negative comments. Your comment for example is juvenile and unnecessary!

[@DevonThreadTales]

Fab video thank you. I can't decide whether to get an overlocker or not, struggling with Jersey, but will give these things a go first. Thanks for spending the time to share your tips. A xxx

[@Sewisfaction]

You’re very welcome! See how you get on with your normal machine and maybe then think about investing in an Overlocker? Xx

[@DevonThreadTales]

Sewisfaction thank you. A x

[@lucylo-vel7597]

Thank you so much! Just watched this after chucking in "sewing with jersey" onto google. So pleased I've found you :) Feeling a little more inspired to try my first Jersey pattern :) Very engaging - I personally loved the talk! I'll be watching more!

[@janetephraim4034]

Just want to say a huge thank you! Your video was so helpful I've just finished a pair of jersey trousers with pockets and a fancy tie! First time I've ever sewn with stretch fabric! I didn't have a clue before I watched your video and they're gorgeous, my granddaughter's thrilled Thanks

[@susanhunt8594]

Thank you so much for this advice, I prefer to wear jersey as my top and bottom don’t fit a standard pattern and jersey fits better but I’ve been reluctant to sew with it. This video has encouraged me to start. I do have an overlocker but I’m terrified of it so a video on using overlockers would be great, also the pattern advice you spoke about would be good. Hopefully a whole new wardrobe of comfortable dresses will emerge! Look forward to the next video.

[@barbarapriestley9133]

This is brilliant! Taking up the hem on a jersey type dress, I've always had to use hand stitching before, but it's perfect with the tiny zig zag method. Thank you!

[@louiseangellart]

Lovely video, i did a dressmaking level 1 course 2 yrs ago and been mainly sewing quilts and small gifts, now im thinking of embarking on making clothes, found your video very helpful thankyou.

[@amylenkowsky8681]

Good video. How do you keep Jersey knits from curling at edges when trying to iron or sew?

[@lindapasquali2670]

I Try using a clapper after steam pressing the fabric ... it keeps those edges nice and flat

[@istaryn]

this is such a great video. I have some altering to do on knit shirts and have never really sewn knits and this fills me with confidence!

[@rebeccahogan5496]

Thanks Sheona. I’m much less scared now and ready to give jersey a go!

[@Sewisfaction]

And how brilliantly you did!!

[@lynnwells324]

Feared this blog would repeat others I've watched on sewing with knits but I very much appreciated the rationale you provided and background information. Plus I learned information that I didn't know. Thank you.

[@Sewisfaction]

Really glad you found it useful, thank you!

[@YumuraPax]

Needle and thread info 06:42

[@toffythewitch]

thx!

[@Estellamed]

Thank you for your video. Can I ask you one thing? What about the tension. Does it have to adjusted?

[@robynjury4403]

Really enjoyed your vlog. Would love to see a video on overlocker tips and favourite jersey patterns,

[@hanremarx2876]

Me to

[@sewcaroline4411]

Thank you for this video! I’m relatively new to sewing & I’ve only sewn woven fabrics to date, so I was really confused about why I couldn’t find any information about how to finish seams on jersey/stretch fabric if you don’t have an overlocker 😂🤦🏼‍♀️ now I know it’s because you don’t need to finish them! Very helpful tips 👍

[@themonkeypuzzle]

Thank you so much for the great info. I had no idea you didn't need to finish the seams - hooray! I've just booked a workshop on stretch fabrics so this will be good prep. I'm going to be such a girly swot and have a go using all your tips ahead of time. 😄

[@Sewisfaction]

You are so welcome! Happy Sewing and enjoy your course!

[@prettybear08]

I’m learning to sew with a machine and this video helped me so much! Thank you!

[@jillridley1041]

Have only recently started following you and I'm totally addicted, I find your vlogs really helpful and totally inspiring with all your lovely makes and fabric ideas 👍

[@MissLauraSquared]

10:56 🤦🏻‍♀️ I found this video because I’ve been having so much trouble with sewing the neckband onto the knit top I’ve been making. This makes so much sense as to why I’ve been having so many difficulties now. (I’m starting to see again for the first time since I was a teenager (in my early 30s now) and am having relearn all of the tricks I used to know.)

[@NubiSkye]

I really enjoyed your video. I’m hoping this is going to change my skipped stitches on my machine.

[@priscillamarchant4127]

Excellent and helpful! Only just found this having bought an overlocker which is worrying me! I would love to have more help like this with using it please. Thank you so much, ‘Scilla.

[@grahamgreenwood7794]

Does Cotton or Polyester threat work best for stretch/jersey fabric? Really helpful video

[@bella-bee]

I’ve just been battling my machine to sew some spandex jersey, quite thick, suitable for swim and leisure wear. 280gsm. Anyway, I couldn’t get a stitch to form and was sure I wasn’t doing anything wrong. Followed your advice! But what I thought was Gutermann’s was actually Moons. The fluffiness of the thread delays the needle’s ability to pierce the fabric just long enough to throw the timing out and skip the stitch. It’s ok turning by hand, but not when powered. So I checked the thread, changed it to ‘definitely Gutermann’ and it’s a lot better. Still missing some zigs and zags, but much better I’ve got a jersey needle in, and I’ve sent off for stretch, with the higher eye. Hoping that will pick off the last missed sts. Crazy, detail matters

[@MyDaisy66]

This is such a great help. I have a walking foot I bought for my Janome. Also I have those stitches on it that you mentioned on my machine, so lots of options. The garment I was making is a Ponte Roma and even though I used a zig zag Stitch, it still skipped stitches, so I will buy the gutermann thread and see if that helps. Great tips, thank you so much.

[@Sewisfaction]

You’re welcome, I hope you get to grips with your ponte. Needles & thread make a huge difference!

[@brandysmith2580]

New subbie. I ordered my walking foot after watching this video. Looking forward to sewing those knit fabrics. Thx so much!

[@jackiewardell205]

New to Jersey and sewing with it and found your video and yourself very informative thank you

[@lindahodges2236]

Just found your flog. Very interesting and good points made. Look forward to finding other vlogs from you..

[@Sewisfaction]

Thank you Linda!

[@sheiladavis1977]

Thank you for the tips. Im new to sewing and just wanted to ask. Can you use the walking foot whilst doing zig zag or lightning stitch?

[@christinewall8213]

Your tips are great, especially about the walking foot. Definitely makes a difference. I use a Pfaff machine which comes with the walking foot already built in. It's really handy because you just tap the little arm and it's in place. I recommend this if you do a lot of garment sewing. It's the main reason I bought the Pfaff.

[@carolthorne7452]

I’m a beginner and have just seen this video on sewing with jersey. I have subscribed and would love to learn more about understanding simple patterns as at the moment they might as well be written in Japanese! I would also love a lesson on how to use an overlocker. I haven’t got one yet as I haven’t got a clue about them. I have a basic Janome CXL301 machine and I’m still very much learning how to use it. I’m a complete novice and don’t know about different needles and foots. A beginners lesson would be fabulous! Thank you so much. 😊

[@jackiesimmons8249]

Learnt a lot from this video. Have ordered a walking foot for my machine and I am looking forward to working with the jersey fabric I’ve brought.

[@sharonmcharg8234]

Very useful vlog, thank you. Overlooker tips would really be appreciated, thinking of investing in one.

[@Sewisfaction]

Thank you, will do! Xx

[@GG-tj3xu]

Had to subscribe, your video is so informative. Thank you.

[@barbrabreeze2151]

X excellent video on sewing with jersey -as a first timer using this type of fabric it was so helpful and clear.

[@marlenecabada8731]

Hi, I just wanted to say I really liked your tips for sewing jersey and would like to see a tutorial for sewing on strecth fabrics. I have a babylock sewing machine and a brother serger.Is it easier to sew strech fabric with a serger? Ive never sewn on strech fabrics and would like to learn.I live in the US in Florida.I dont know if the sewing techniiques are different here.I am trying to find a pattern for a jersey skirt.Ive purchased the jersey needles and am going to read the settings for strech on my machine.Id really like your help on this. Thanks

[@lilolmecj]

marlene cabada it is 100% easier to sew knits on an over locker. The only time I sew knits on my regular machine is when I am sewing an in seam pocket, or toptsitching. And after trying to sew on a very dense ponte Roma today I am trying to figure out how to do the pockets on the overlocker.

[@Morris-lg3xo]

Really useful, thanks! I’ve been staying away from jersey but will be more keen to try.

[@nancyhuber9479]

What’s the best way to cut a pattern on jersey fabric when the edges roll? Seem to waste fabric because it doesn’t stay flat. Thanks so much

[@maryc4463]

Go to the supermarket and buy yourself some spray starch in the laundry section. You can spray it on the fabric before you cut or on the edges after you cut it and it will stiffen them up, then wash right out on the first wash ☺️

[@ruthlanwarne8978]

What about the needles just called Ballpoint as I get confused and use both those and stretch needles but have never realised they would be better on different types of jersey? I usually test them out on a piece of fabric to see if they work well. I also invested in a walking foot . The only thing is it doesn’t have seam guide I like to see if you see what I mean.This has been such an informative video. Btw I love your top and guessed it’s a Molly top which is such a lovely pattern. Thank you for my lovely order recently. Next time I’ll order that pretty rotary cutter. Mine is pink to match my mats but I don’t think it’s the best. I’d like to see a video on your favourite stretch patterns. 😘

[@Sewisfaction]

Thanks Ruth! Stretch & Jersey needle are all ballpoint needles, that’s the umbrella term for them but some manufacturers have refined them to be slightly different hence why you’ll get slightly different results. Always better to check on a test swatch as you say. So glad you loved your order xx

[@user-ff2sj5zv8v]

Stretch needles are not the same as ballpoint. They are less ballpoint and are designed for highly stretchy fabric such as swimsuit fabric. Ballpoints are for all other knit fabrics.

[@natasha-qn4ck]

Thank you for the indepth explanations.

[@philipcharman3488]

Brilliant video really helpful. Thanks.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Sheona, I really really enjoyed watching this. I’m going to try Jersey and this has been really really helpful and useful too. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@DrHWO]

Excellent video, Shona, thank you. A question. Which stitch has inherently the greatest stretch, triple or lightening, given the same setup for each?

[@Sewisfaction]

Thank you! It depends on the type of fabric but I’ve always found a lightening stitch more than adequate. I find the triple stitch takes a long time and uses a lot more thread!

[@autumnfoxandrabbitcrafts]

Thank you for this video :) I'm about to sew wih jersey fabric for the first time & this has really helped!!!

[@crissidoll]

Please explain how to identify "quality" thread. I have no idea how to differentiate it and your description was vague. Thanks.

[@Pollyanna012]

I mostly use Aurifil cotton thread and find that it’s a pleasure to sew with, and Schmetz is a good make of machine needles.

[@shopnabegum2583]

Can you please tell me which foot presser do I need to saw for Jersey material.

[@zsofiathompson7501]

Thanks for the video! Very useful! I have a big issue my machine skips some sticth! I have no idea why..I changed tention up and down no difference..any tip for me please?

[@barbarasews2799]

Your video is so informative. Thank you. It has been helpful. I've not sewn many k its. I've shyed away. I'm going to try it more

[@Sewisfaction]

So glad it’s helpful, happy Sewing!

[@joannasfeelingcrafty]

Great video! I have another trick up my sleeve that I use when sewing knits and that is using woolly nylon thread. Total game changer for me! I would love a video on your favourite jersey patterns! If you could pair it with fabric recommendations it’d be great. I’m only learning about fabric and even though you usually have suggestions in your pattern it’d be great to see the fabric. Ps: I really enjoy listening to your voice. You sound slightly ‘bad ass’ which is very attractive.

[@lisaemans9940]

Feeling Crafty Great idea, or even kits like you did with beginner patterns a while ago, that would be really useful!

[@Sewisfaction]

Thanks so much, and yes I’ll definitely do favourite patterns and fabrics. Love the bad ass comment too, that’s me! 😂 xx

[@rosettablake5703]

Thanks for sharing. It helped me out

[@MissLadyToYou]

could you share the pattern for your knit top you wore on the video? It is so cute!!! thank you for the tips

[@mr.miyagi3784]

Thank you so much! I'm a total beginner and my clothes are looking amazing, but, I have no idea what I'm really doing. This helps!

[@glynistaylor3957]

I lost a channel where they were showing making a quilt from a jellyroll or making a jelly roll and then use it to make a quilt from . It was to be a 40 minute quilt. If you could help me find it I'd appreciate it. I was watching it about 4:25 pm. Thank you!

[@mikelamarguerite3170]

Thank you! How is your throat now shona? One suggestion I'd like to make is that I sometimes use a twin needle to sew the hemline when using Jersey fabrics (which I love so much). Questions: how do you know if the needle in sewing machine is a ballpoint? Also, i sometimes forget to change the ballpoint needle to a regular one...is okay to sew non-stretchy fabric with it?

[@maryc4463]

Yes! I love using a twin needle on knit fabrics it's so much easier and neater!

[@Pollyanna012]

If you use Schmetz needles, they have a little dot of colour indicating the type of needle. Other makes of needles might have a similar system.

[@loriannpayne4483]

YES - do an overlocker/serger video and a Cover Stitch one as well (if you have one)! Hope you also take pictures of your trip to France! Woo hoo - what fun for you.

[@Sewisfaction]

Thank you! I shared some pics from France on my Instagram @sewisfaction x

[@beverlyjsteel8200]

Thank you. Just bought a Elna (Janome). Love it but I need instruction and your video was so helpful.

[@mckeon1960]

My machine hates me or the Jersey does, I have a singer brilliant 6180 using a ball needle for jersey and tried the 1st pattern stitch, but no joy, it puckers, thread snaps any tips would be great. Thank you

[@jolivelaughloveandcreate16]

Great vlog, very useful tips. I’m about to cut out my Kielo wrap dress, this is my first jersey make 🤞🏻 You did mention I think on instagram stories that you would do a vlog on how to do the bodice on the Tilly and the buttons Joni dress. I would find that useful as that will be my next make. Hope you’ve had a great break in France and are feeling refreshed. Thanks again x

[@Sewisfaction]

Thank you! And yes going to film that this week or next x

[@helenthompson9211]

Great video, thank you. I have just invested in an overlocker as my sewing machine, an Elna, was so old there is no compatible walking foot (I tried 4). The overlocker is a fantastic machine - it's a different dimension of sewing and I am now tackling knits. So YES PLEASE for your favourite jersey patterns. Yes please to Stevie pattern for next video and maybe some fabrics. Fabric selection is where I am making my worst mistakes - two write offs. Very frustrating. The fabrics which don't seem to work for me are polyesters which shred at the seems and are so slippy. 😒 choosing the right material

[@Sewisfaction]

Thanks so much for watching, I’ll definitely do those videos soon!

[@TheOnlyJennySutton]

I just bought a walking foot for my 23 year old Elna! Works well except the needle isn’t centred in the foot!

[@helenthompson9211]

TheOnlyJennySutton hello Jenny, Yes, that was the problem, the needle wasn't centred on the foot - and I gave up. Obviously you have had some success with this!

[@Kristina-gz2wu]

Hi Shoena, I just made a light knit wrap sweater and it sewed up pretty easy using my walking foot. The problem I had was actually cutting out the pattern. I feel like the rotary cutter doesn't provide me much precision and i don't think I'm good at using it, and scissors aren't very easy either as it doesn't feel like I can come up right against he edge. Any tips would be appreciated, thank you.

[@Sewisfaction]

I much prefer working with a rotary cutter and once you’ve mastered it it gives a much cleaner finish, but it does take practice! Practice getting the pressure right and cutting curves on scraps. With scissors always keep your fabric flat on the table and the bottom blade of the scissors too. You could also switch so your pattern is to the left or right of your scissors and see if you find one side easier. Hope that helps

[@iss8504]

Can you tell me, when do i use polyester vs cotton thread?

[@irieprendygal]

Thank you so much. This is heaven sent!!❤

[@mara1181]

Great vlog, as always! Really grateful for your useful tips ;) I'm a newbie of knits...so fingers crossed :) Cheers from Italy!

[@Sewisfaction]

You’re welcome! Enjoy!

[@kraftgirl8193]

Thank you for going through everything on the video.

[@sadiebelcreations]

About to sew a bunch of mittens in jersey and this was so helpful, thank you!!

[@DDavis-sl3om]

Very informative. Great presentation.

[@SairyFairy]

Thank you! Some actual helpful tips and funny video to boot

[@sualehamalik2]

Thanks a lot , it helped me👍

[@kittybrowning]

Hi great vid but one thing not mentioned is you can also use a knit foot which doesn't have to be screwed on so ur not changing your shank and is more easily interchanged to other feet it's basically a baby walking foot and cheaper than a walking foot

[@heideray7343]

Thank you for the sewing tips! Yes would love serger tips! Very nice video. Curious for settings for the triple stitch and lightning bolt???

[@julieexley5253]

Thankyou you made my day.😊

[@lornabaker6042]

Great explanations and very helpful. Thanks!

[@shopnabegum2583]

What foot presser is sweet able for Jersey material?

[@lizgriffinbrown3087]

Can you do zig zag stitches with a walking foot?

[@modestmidwestmomma9988]

Thank you for the great information, I'm an experienced Sewing but have always had issues with jerseys, I was wondering what tension is best when sewing with jersey? I'm trying to avoid the rippling effect that happens... thanks again

[@Sewisfaction]

Have you tried a walking foot? Most of the time that makes a bigger difference than fiddling with the tension

[@modestmidwestmomma9988]

Thank you I do have one for my other machine and I will give it a try. Thank you for the great video, it was very helpful!

[@melcameron8064]

I am thinking about buying an overlocker so the tips video would be very useful

[@Sewisfaction]

Will definitely do one soon!

[@jacquis-j9606]

Brilliant tips, thank you. Maybe a vlog on how to cut jersey with a rotary cutter as well as favourite jersey patterns would be great. Hope your throat feels better soon.

[@Sewisfaction]

Thank you! I’ll try and add that to a video soon.

[@merrylsearle881]

Thanks for the tip about using the triple stitch as a top stitching stitch as I can’t find top stitching thread where I am.

[@Sewisfaction]

No worries! I always do this or use two reels of normal thread on separate spool pins if I don’t have top stitch thread 😁

[@felicityhearnden9414]

Great video! Great tips! I'd never tried my triple stitch, had always used my lightening stitch. I think this will be great for simple hemming.

[@Sooz3112]

Excellent advice, thank you x

[@dawnmc3101]

My new machine hates Gutermann thread. The bobbins won’t wind properly. As soon as I use an inexpensive thread, like Coats and Clark, I have no trouble with my bobbin or my sewing.

[@lindaparker3330]

Thank you so much xx a very helpful vlog

[@Sewisfaction]

You are most welcome! Xx

[@katiekins9241]

Very useful Sheona. For your next vlog perhaps combine the two and do a review of Stevie plus fabric suggestions from your shop for sewing Stevie up in, looks like you can use a variety of fabric types...

[@Sewisfaction]

Thanks Katie, hope you’re really well c

[@JoannePetitFrere]

Great tips, thank you so much

[@bettydickey3990]

Love in U.S. How do I buy your patterns. Love the t-shirts

[@beckybaumann7544]

Thanks so much. Great and helpful info!

[@shelleythomas4251]

I love sewing on Jersey. I have bit of problem with ITY knit. It's kind of slippery. I tend to stay away.. if u have ideas on how to sew on it. .. I would appreciate

[@coreybuckman2279]

If you want to finish the seams on the inside, what stitch would you recommend on a regular sewing machine?