I decided to make a few long sleeved t-shirts since all of my RTW tees have shrunk nearly up to my belly button! I used my Kwik Sew 3740 and cut the neckline about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 higher at center front. I found this dark gray cotton blend knit in my stash which, at first, I thought was pretty ugly. Why did I buy that? I offered to make my daughter something out of it but she wasn't interested. Determined to use the piece, I cut out a long sleeve t-shirt. I had to add a center back seam since I only had 1 1/4 yards. I cut self-fabric neck "ribbing" about 1 1/2 inches wide and folded in half.
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Once I got past fighting with the curled edges and got the thing seamed up, I couldn't stop stitching on it. I used my coverstitch to topstitch the neckline and the sleeve seams.
I decided to add one of those little decorative V's in the center front just because I see them on all things casual and sporty. I discovered that stitch 309 on my Bernina looks very similar to what I see in RTW. I drew a V with my chalk marker, added stabilizer underneath, and updated my plain, gray t-shirt.
I convinced hubby to help me with the pics. He is actually pretty good! This is the Plain Jan(e) version.
A little sporty with a touch of Burberry plaid.
Brightened up with a red fleece vest.
I showed my daughter my trendy V in the front and she replied, "Ooooooh". I'll bet she wishes she had taken me up on the offer to make her one!
A few of my Sewing with Knits Tips.
- Prewash the fabric in the manner that you plan to wash the finished garment, especially if it is cotton or a cotton blend.
- If you are sure of your sleeve length, hem the sleeve before sewing the sleeve seam, especially if hemming with a coverstitch.
- Sew one shoulder seam, add the neck ribbing, and then sew the remaining shoulder seam. Press the shoulder seam towards the back and stitch it in place at the ribbing/neck edge so that it lays flat.
- Sew the sleeve in before sewing the sleeve seam and the side seam which can then be sewn in one continuous seam.
- I usually hem the sleeve just a smidgen longer than I think I want it to be. It always works up a bit with wear and elbow bending.
- When hemming with a coverstitch from the right side, I sometimes draw a line on the right side with my Chakoner marker. If I press up 1 1/4" for a hem, I draw a line about 1 1/8" from the folded edge. I can then "straddle" the chalk line with the presser foot.
- If the knit is especially stretchy, I secure the hems with 3/8" double sided fusible before hemming with the coverstitch. This also prevents the hem from "tunneling" and the stitches from becoming buried in the fabric.
Oooh, I bet she does wish she'd taken you up on that fabric! This is such a great basic piece that you could wear with so many things. I love that V detail!
ReplyDeleteI've got plans (and the fabric) to make Jude some pants. It's hard to find store-bought pants that fit right because he has short little legs and a big cloth-diapered bottom. I'm excited to make him some custom pants!
I can't wait to see them! What pattern have you chosen? I ran across the Big Butt Baby Pants pattern recently. So cute!
DeleteI like your top, Jan, the color is a good neutral. Long sleeve tees are my go-to tops for casual days. Your tips are all great.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea! What started out as a project to get rid of one more piece of fabric actually turned out okay.
DeleteWell, I must disagree with you on one point - that telling us about those other projects would be boring! LOL! While I know regular ol' clothing might not be "exciting" - the fact is the the majority of us don't go around in fancy dresses, we go around in everyday clothes. Your pieces look like RTW - in a GOOD way, not an insult - and learning about your little tricks and tips to achieve such beautifully stitched clothing..... well, I think you could post a long time before it was boring. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have the same equipment as you - a Bernina and a coverstitch - but I know that my skills aren't as finely honed as yours. It is those little touches that make the difference, hats off to you!
CONGRATULATIONS JAN!!! YOU DESERVE THE WIN!! I am so happy for you, the dress is so beautiful. I knew my vote went to the best contestant!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela! I'm pretty excited. My daughter is too! So excited that she picked out another pattern today for another dress. At least, I already have fabric in my stash for it!
DeleteHow exciting to see that your daughter's dress won after I voted for you!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that I agree with Angela. I appreciate the tips. Your knit top is nicer than ready to wear. Did you do anything special to get such a straight coverstitch around the seams? I find it difficult to know where I should be looking to stay straight. I try to watch the lines on my presser foot, but I am not getting it as straight as I would like it.
Thanks for the vote, Anna! I was having problems seeing where to stitch with the foot that came with my Janome coverstitch so I ordered a clear foot with center guide. I ended up taking off the center guide and just leaving the clear foot on my coverstitch all the time. I concentrate on a reference point and stitch slowly. I still have to pull it out sometimes if my stitching doesn't align, but at least it pulls out easily! I believe you can also buy just a clear foot without the center guide.
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