Card 13 · Start Sewing
Sewing fabric that stretches.
Stretchy fabric needs to be stitched and cut differently to non-stretchy fabric.
- Use zig-zag stitch. Straight stitch may snap when the garment stretches.
- No darts. Stretchy garments may not need them.
- No ease. Sleeve tops may not need gathering.
- No interfacing. It may rip when the garment stretches.
- No facing. Bias binding is often used instead.
Try it!
☐ Join two pieces of stretchy fabric with zig-zag stitch or an over-locker.
☐ Check the seam allowance is 0.5cm and reduce it if necessary.
☐ Stitch next to the fabric edge.
Top tip: Experiment with the width and length of the zig-zag stitch. A thinner, longer stitch can look better on hems and bias binding. For a professional finish, consider a cover stitch machine.
