Asked • 11/01/20

Can I use a regular sewing machine to sew stretch knits?

Yes, but you will want to use the zig zag stitch, as it allows your garment to stretch to put it on and as you move during wear. If you use your regular straight stitch setting, the stitches might break, as there is little flexibility.

Francesca P.

Here are some tips to using a home machine to sew knits. Use a ballpoint needle: The tip of the needle is rounded off and without getting too technical, you will get a better result than using a regular sharp needle. The ballpoint needles are labeled ballpoint or stretch needles. Use the size needle appropriate for the weight of your fabric. If it is thin, use a smaller ballpoint, like a 9, use 11-14 is for medium weight fabrics, and 14 and up are for heavyweight and thicker fabrics. It’s possible to use a sharp needle for knits in a pinch but some fabrics and machines just won’t give you the best result. Using a straight stitch setting: Stretch the fabric: Start sewing a few stitches and then start pulling the fabric toward you & behind the needle, using both hands, one hand behind the machine and one in front. Not a ton of pulling, start with about 30% stretch. With your left hand, hold the fabric behind the machine to control the stretch & help feed it smoothly from the back of the needle. This will take a bit of practice. If you overstretch the fabric, it will get wonky like a piece of lettuce and stretch too much, sometimes you can correct this “lettuce” effect if you use an iron to steam it out and relax it under the heat. If you under stretch as you sew the fabric, the stitches will pop when the fabric is stretched. If two hands are confusing to start just gently pull from the front until you feel more comfortable controlling the fabric with two hands. Stitch length: Use a medium length, about a 2.5-3.5. If the stitches are too short, there won’t be any give. Using a stretch stitch: Some machines have a stretch stitch programmed in the machine. The icon looks like 3 parallel lines but this just means the stich goes back and forth, wrapping the thread in a loop. I recommend not using this feature until you are comfortable with the normal straight stitch setting. This feature is a permanent stitch intended for darning holes. Its difficult to undo this stitch. Happy sewing! Feel free to ask me questions or post here!
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11/17/20

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Sandra J. answered • 11/20/20

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It would be best to use a ballpoint needle that will flow easily through your stretch knit. Additionally you can use a double needle to go through certain types of knits to create a double seam that will hold the material flat for wearing. It is best to press all seams once you are finished with your sewing.

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