Making Ribbing

Jan,

From one of my most-often-consulted books, The Stretch & Sew Guide to Sewing on Knits:

"Using Knit Fabric Instead of Ribbing

Some fabrics, like interlock, can be used in place of ribbing at the neck edge, cuffs, and lower edge. The fabric must have at least

50-percent stretch AND excellent recovery. That means the fabric must bounce right back to its original shape after being stretched.

You apply knit fabric like ribbing. The only difference is you'll need a little longer piece. Use a 3:4 ratio for knit fabric. So, for every

4" (10.2 cm) of neckline, you'll cut 3" (7.6 cm) of trim. Remember to add 1/2" (1.3 cm) for seam allowances."

If your knit fabric doesn't have the recommended stretch and recovery properties, you might consider the possibility of making the cuffs a little bigger than you want their finished measurement, then inserting elastic.

Doreen in Alabama

I have frequently used the same knit fabric for necks and cuffs using the formula Doreen has given. I have used the stretch and Sew book as my bible for sewing with knits. I just wish I could get their cotton interlocks, they were so good. As to your question can does anyone make knit fabric look and act like ribbing, ribbing is knitted differently than interlock or jersey knit. Just look at the body and cuffs of a sweater. Sew baby carries a large seection of knit ribbing for necks and cuffs. I have frequently ordered from them when I want ribbing. I usually order more than I need and get several different colors so I have a supply when i need it. The URL is

A happy customer. Juno