Epps!! I’ve sewn my very first t-shirt! I can’t even believe it’s taken me this long to branch out into sewing with knit fabric. I mean, I’ve already had my sewing machine for almost two years now. Sheesh!
Why the long wait in tackling stretchy fabric? Like most who are new to sewing, I wasn’t sure that I’d have the skills to wrangle those pesky knits into the garments of my dreams. Knit fabrics sure seem like they’d be difficult to work with. I mean they’re stretchy, and shifty and have a mind of their own sometimes.
Anyways, I’m glad I decided give knits a try, because nothing compares to a great custom-made t-shirt for comfort and and style. And in the end, you know what??! Sewing with knits isn’t so bad after all.
Stretchy. fabric. fears. conquered. BAM! Bring it on! 😉
The pattern I used is Megan Nielsen’s Briar Tee. It was my first time using one of Megan’s patterns and I was pleased with her easy to follow directions and well designed pattern pieces.
This was a great first knit project for a beginner like myself. It came together quickly which was soooooo nice. Many of the projects I’ve tackled recently took months to finish (like, ahem, this dress), and while it can be fun to take on challenging projects, it is also easy to get burned out. In contrast, I’m loving how quick and easy it was to make this simple t-shirt. And if you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen that I’ve already got some plans for a few more of these in the works.
Project Details:
Pattern: Megan Neilsen’s Briar Tee
Size: Small, although next time I might try the extra small for a snugger fit.
Fabric: A cotton spandex blend from Girl Charlee. It’s a thicker knit fabric, and my top feels like a lightweight sweatshirt. I figured a thick knit would more stable to work with for my first knitwear project.
Time: Just a couple hours total, but I spread it out over several days. It won’t take you long, even if you’re a beginner!
Skills: Wrangling knits (getting the fabric laid out for cutting was the hardest part for me); using a double needle; the zig zag stitch
Sewing Needles: I used a ball point needle for the seams and a twin needle for the hems.
For future projects: I’d like to try stabilizing the shoulder seams.
Helpful Resources: I found this great YouTube video by Sew Etcetera on sewing with a double needle really helpful. I also love this how-to post by Tilly and the Buttons on sewing knits on a regular sewing machine. Thank goodness for internet resources to help us newbies out!
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I’m really excited that I’ve branched out into the world of sewing knits. It opens up a lot of possibilities for creating comfortable and wearable clothes. I can’t wait to see where this sewing-with-knits adventure takes me next. Coming up, I’ve got some stripes on my sewing table.
P.S. Thanks to my sister Ali for giving me this pattern. I LOVE it, girl!