Anyone Have Experience Sewing Stretchy Fabric on a Regular Sewing Machine?

I am looking to make a shirt out of knit but I don't have a serger. I read somewhere that you can do a stretch stitch (basically a zigzag) or do twin needles. Anyone done either one of these before? Which do you think is the best method? Any other advice?

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
7 replies since 16th November 2016 • Last reply 16th November 2016

Reply #1:

I have sewn a few shirts in the past, as for tips I would highly recommend you check out this video! it really helped me https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNYHdmL_23w
hope this helps! Love

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #2:

@pineconeprincess Thanks! That's a great video. It confirms that zigzag works. Also showed how to do sleeves. Do you sew often?

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #3:

@cabibbo oh yes! I sew a lot. right now I am taking sewing classes to learn new techniques and just improve my overall skills Love

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #4:

I sewed knits for decade before I got my first serger. A walking foot is very helpful (that video in the previous answer was good.) I have even sewn knits on a Singer 201 Featherweight from the 50s. Used a funky zig zag attachment! Best tips are, make sure your needle and thread type are correct for the fabric type. Adjust your tension until you get it right for your machine and take your time! Millions of women sew on knits all the time without sergers ♥

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #5:

I have just got a walking foot and a rolling foot. Both of these, when I tested them, appeared to make things much easier although I have yet to try on garments. I have had some difficulty and produced messy results at times on a standard machine but most is down to experience.

I reguarly use a twin needle. I love the professional looking results it gives. I was amazed as I found it little more difficult to use than a single needle, even though the thread follows the same route through the machine at points.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #6:

I sew with knit all the time on a home sewing machine,
I use a foot you can buy for about 5.00 on Amazon.
it works better then a walking foot, making less waves..
it is call a knit/tricot foot. It has a long handle like peice, which goes behind your needle bar. And just attach it as you do any snap on foot.
I like it much better.
It will work for mist snap on feet sewing machines.. Brother, Kenmore, jonone and others.

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam
Reply #7:

Cooking

Edit Delete
Moderate: Hide this post Mark as Spam


Reply