I have to make leggings for my toddlers. I picked up this pattern.
It's been a while since I sewed stretchy knits, but the patterns used to have a gauge at the top or side with a something like: "the fabric much stretch form *here* to
*there*, usually something on the order of 6" stretching to 7" or 8". Does your pattern have that? If so, ask TSWLTH clerks where the "knits" are and test the fabrics against the gauge. In your case, it probably will have to have some spandex content, so that it stretches both widthwise and lengthwise.Do you have a serger? That would be really nice (necessary IMHO) in order to create fine, sturdy, *stretchable* seams in leggings.
Beverly
Yes, it does. It says 4 inch of fabric should stretch to 5.5 inches.
I don't have a serger. I however have a lot of time to spend on this project :) Is there anything I need to watch for since I only have a sewing machine? Thanks for your advice. I appreciate any tips. As I said, this is my first knit project.
For knits with Lycra/Spandex, use a STRETCH needle rather than merely a knit or jersey needle, though those will do in a pinch...
Sew with a small narrow zigzag stitch, and keep the fabric under some tension as you sew. That is, stretch the fabric a bit both in front and behind the needle, using both hands, but DO NOT pull the fabric through the machine: let the feed dog teeth do that bit! Then trim down top a
1/4" seam allowance and zz the seam allowances together with a bigger zz.
Two-way stretch knit is a basic knit fabric (think t-shirt and sweatshirt knits). That's really about as generic as it gets.
2 way stretch means that it stretches horizontally across the knit stitches, and then relaxes to the original measurement (more or less). 4-way stretch knits stretch horizontally and vertically (workout clothes, swimwear, etc). (Yes, there are non-stretch knits. Double knits stretch very little, if at all. Ponte knits stretch more than double knits, but probably not enough for toddler leggings.)For toddler leggings you'll probably want more cotton than poly in the knit. You probably won't need a knit with spandex.
The best way to find the fabric you want is to look for a sign saying "knits". Take the pattern with you, and check the stretchiness of the fabric against the stretch gauge on the pattern envelope. I'd probably stay away from the "fashion knits", as they seem to be lightweight polyester this season.
-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net
The best leggings I made my DGD were of a fine cotton rib knit that incorporated a small amount of lycra. The fabric had plenty of stretch both ways and the lycra helped it 'bounce back'. At the time, we were fortunate to have outlet stores in our area that sold bolt ends from local tee shirt manufacturers, and I found the rib knit in several colors. Alas, tee shirt production went overseas and the outlet stores are no more. But if you happen to find any of this knit, I suggest you snap it up.
Doreen in Alabama
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