struggles with knits

Jeanne · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Tampa, Fl

Hi Everyone

I just wanted to pass along something I just learned ( after 30+ years of sewing--never too late).

I like to make my own t-shirts and knit tops, but was about to give up because I could never avoid the wavy hem thing, and the stretching.
I recently purchased a pattern which was for a reversible t-shirt, which naturally meant using two layers instead of one. I didn't follow the directions which were to sew as you would a vest--and

then turning right side out. What I did was to sew the two layers as one like an underlining.
Also, I took a tip from the current Threads, and hemmed back and front
before I sewed the side seam. It worked great. The pattern, if anyone is interested was Christine Jonson # 1010
Jeanne Exclamation

LizGo · Joined: 15 Jun 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Canada

Hi Jeanne, I have that pattern but never thought of doing what you did. What a great idea! I never intended to wear the top as a reversable anyway, so why go thru all the trouble of sewing it that way? So what you did was: Flat stitched the two fronts and two backs together and then just sewed the side seams as usual? How did you hem the front and back? I have one pattern, a Kwik Sew, I think that has the underlining cut an inch and a half shorter so you don't end up with a bulky hem.

Jeanne · Joined: 02 Oct 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Tampa, Fl

Hi Liz

I basted the layers together, and then just double stitched the front and back hems prior to doing side seams. It worked fine for me. I wouldn't have worn it reversible either, and sometimes all that turning right side out does nnot work out. The pattern is a good fit not to snug, but not boxy and shapeless either.

Jeanne Idea