Relax with style! Our lounge pants feature a wide leg designed for knits and a flat elastic waistband. Cozy, but stylish, these pants make for an easy sewing project suitable to beginners. Enjoy th…
Readers, I have a new fabric crush: double knits. I finished my Background Dress in a deep purple double knit, and promptly sewed the Christina Hendricks-inspired cutout sheath dress in a lovely black double knit. (I'm wearing it to an event tonight - pictures to come soon!) And then, to top it all off, I spent yesterday's lunch break shopping for a red double knit for some summer basics. I'm obsessed! There's just something so perfect about this fabric: it has the flattering drape and comfort of a knit but the stability to act like a woven. I've definitely found double knits to be a very good choice for vintage looks. Plus they're easy to sew and they don't require any seam finishing. What could be better? Come along and join me in my fabric crush! The Basics First off, what is a double knit? According to Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide, double knits were an innovation of Italian knit makers. They're stable, knits with little to no crosswise stretch. They're double-faced so they can be used for reversible garments. They're made of wool or synthetics. I personally like the synthetic blends of rayon and polyester, especially for the warmer months. When can you use a doubleknit? Here's Claire Scaeffer's excellent advice: For medium and heavy-weight double knits, choose a pattern that suggests a crisp fabric, and if the fabric suggestions do not include double knit, look for suggested wovens, such as linen, wool flannel, and corduroy. For lightweight double knits, choose a pattern that suggests a soft fabric, stable jerseys, or crepe. It is frequently better to avoid designs with hard, sharp creases and obvious gathers. Also, double knits cannot be used for patterns labeled "knits only." Double Knits for Vintage Patterns Have you ever noticed that vintage patterns often list jersey as a fabric option alongside wovens like chambray and shantung? This is because jerseys of the past - typically wool - were fairly stable, allowing them to be sewn just like wovens. Double knits are similar in body and drape to these vintage fabrics, making them a good fit for a vintage pattern that lists jersey as an option. A single knit or slinky jersey generally won't work well for these patterns because they lack body. Technique You don't need a serger to sew with double knits. Sew them just as you would a woven - with a medium length straight stitch. However, it's important to use a ball point (stretch) needle to avoid skipped stitches. Double knits don't fray so no need to finish the seams - hurrah! Be sure to use a silk organza press cloth when pressing because pressing often leaves unsightly shiny spots. It's recommended to use a twill stay tape to stabilize shoulder and waistline seams. (I didn't do this on my Background Dress, hopefully it will be okay without.) I have used sew-in interfacings with good results. Another good choice is a fusible tricot knit interfacing. Cutting double knits is a dream with a rotary cutter. You don't need to line double knits. Bound buttonholes work very nicely. Fitting One of the best things about double knits is that they skim the body in such a flattering way yet can still have the curve-hugging sexiness of a knit. I found it very difficult to try to fit a garment in muslin that was meant to be made in double knit - the properties of the fabric are just too different. On my current double knit project, I opted instead to cut the pattern with extra-wide seam allowances and then do a basted fitting. This worked well since double knits are a bit more forgiving than a very firm woven. Buying Double Knits Gorgeous Fabrics has a nice online selection of double knits (check out this fab hot pink!) I have bought all of my double knits at Rosen and Chadick here in New York. Paron's has a nice selection of wool doubleknits. You can contact any of these sellers for swatches and buying tips. Hope this info helps you delve into the wonderful world of double knits. As always, let me know if you have any questions!
Swoon! These ’40s style trousers are so elegant, they’ll have you feeling like a Hollywood icon. With a beautiful pleated front, a generously cut cuffed leg, and roomy pockets, these Lucille Trousers are both functional and flattering.
You can’t go wrong with this jumpsuit! It features a beautiful tied back, comfy wide legs, and a cropped length. Also, a concealed side zipper and pockets are added for full functionality. Dr…
Check out this fun and easy DIY drink holder carrier tutorial. This coffee cup carrier is a great gift to sew for the holidays.
This long, breezy dress with short sleeves is designed for jersey fabrics, making it an easy and enjoyable sewing project. Download the free PDF sewing pattern and get started
Just getting started with sewing? You'll love this roundup of easy sewing projects for beginners including pillows, blankets, a dress, and more.
Easy sewing project for the kitchen that you can do in under an hour to make a DIY fabric bowl cozy from quilting cotton fabric.
Looking for the Honeybear Lane giveaway? Scroll down or click here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Okay, it’s not really a skirt made out of a paper bag. But it’s called a “paper bag” style skirt. (high-waisted, cinched …
Ich habe tatsächlich schon die ersten Schneeglöckchen draußen entdeckt, letzten Sonntag beim Walken. In den Kübeln auf unserem Balkon brauchen sie wohl noch ein paar Tage. So gefiel mir die Idee Sc…
A simple tutorial to make fruit & vegetable stamped flour sack tea towels. Create thoughtful, useful handmade gifts with this family-friendly craft project!
Use your scrap fabric to make this free quilted sleep mask! Step by step instructions for a beginner-friendly tutorial.
Learn how easy it is for kids to weave bracelets, necklaces and headbands with 3 drinking straws and some yarn (with video).
Easy to make cool applique heart denim pocket gift pouches. Use them for Valentine's or Mother's Day gift-giving or just for fun storage.
Reusable bowl covers are very easy to sew and you can make them exactly fit all those bowls and jars you use the most.
The cutest Halloween sewing projects! Awesome list including free halloween sewing patterns, Halloween sewing patterns for dolls, clothes, and more.
Looking for fun and eco-friendly crafts? Check out these 35 amazing project ideas using old egg cartons. Let's get crafting!
Get kids involved in the community with these simple service projects ideas for teens. Learn how to make a fleece blanket with a step-by-step tutorial.
Create your own DIY home decor! These brilliant easy sewing projects will make it easy. These creative DIY projects are perfect for creative teens or adults of any age to have fun with and get creative. Find beginners sewing crafts and start your sewing journey today.
The tutorial is for those standard size composition books we all know and love. I wanted to be sure to tell you about a great Primary Journal version
Learn how to make an apron with this simple, DIY apron tutorial for women; its an awesome beginner sewing project that anyone can do! Please note: This post may contain affiliate links, for our full disclosure click HERE. Aprons are the perfect, homemaker accessory! Learn how to make your own in this simple project for beginners.
Beginner Sewing Projects - here are some really easy things that even a novice sewist can start when learning to sew. Simple tutorials.
How to sew insulated mason jar cozies in two sizes! A PDF pattern and video tutorial.
Easy DIY Car Trash Bag Want to learn how to make a fabric car trash bag? I have a very small car and was in desperate need of someplace
Make this 10 minutes pocket tissue holder from fat quarter cotton fabric perfect for traveling, back to school craft or DIY gift ideas.
Finding the perfect DIY gifts for your loved ones can be much easier when you sew your own with this great list of amazing sewing gifts. Use these DIY gift ideas and enjoy watching your loved ones open these cute sewing gifts. Great for the holiday season or birthdays.
This sewing pattern for a drawstring pouch would teach you how to sew a make up pouch that closes to look like a flower
More than 20 easy sewing projects for kids, to keep them entertained and learning. If your kids want to learn how to sew, have a look at these ideas!
Learn how to make a hoop organizer in minutes with this DIY tutorial. These organizers are perfect to tuck away your little things neatly and in style.
21 Beginner Sewing Projects. Easy sewing projects to get you started. Fun craft ideas for the kids. Makes great gifts. 21 Beginner sewing projects.
Create your own DIY home decor! These brilliant easy sewing projects will make it easy. These creative DIY projects are perfect for creative teens or adults of any age to have fun with and get creative. Find beginners sewing crafts and start your sewing journey today.
Beginner Sewing Projects - here are some really easy things that even a novice sewist can start when learning to sew. Simple tutorials.
35 cool and easy things to sew for kids. I love sewing for my kids and I’m always in search of inspiration to sew cute little things for them.
Attach this DIY washable handle cover to your shopping cart as one more line of defense when you venture out to stock up on essential groceries.
How to make a Double Pot Holder with Hand Pockets | via makeit-loveit.com
Keep plastic grocery bags tidy and ready to reuse with an easy to sew plastic bag dispenser. This tutorial has thorough instructions and photos, perfect for beginners!
Looking to take a break from the needle and thread? These DIY no sew projects are perfect for crafters looking to step away from sewing while keeping creative. You'll find ideas for no-sew pillows, no-sew shirts, and more.
Sewing Projects That You Can Sell - make money from what you sew with this massive list of DIY items and fabric craft ideas to make and sell
Learn how to make your own sewing pattern weights with this easy tutorial. Free SVG included! lose the hand cramping pins and just use pattern weights.
