A knit dress can be indispensable to any wardrobe. Slip it on with sandals to wear to the grocery store or dress it up with accessories and wear it out to dinner. Try these tips when stitching this fashion essential.
- Think simple when making a knit dress. Select a simple neckline and sturdy fabric.
- Knit fabric selection requires some research. Stretch the knit while it's still on the bolt. If the knit draws back to its original shape, it will make a good dress fabric. Fabrics such as wool double knit, slinky knit and stretch velour all usually have good resiliency.
- The fabric direction with the greatest stretch grain should be horizontal on the body when making a knit dress.
- To make certain the pattern allows enough room for your body, measure the pattern at the bust and tummy area. Make the pattern 2-1/2 inch larger than your measurement at the bust and 4 inches larger at the tummy.
- Cut out pattern. Stitch an ease line around each armhole for a more contoured fit. Stabilize the fabric at the neckline and armholes of the fabric by pinning and stitching in a length of twill tape at each area. Serge fabric edges around the neck and armhole, skipping the shoulder.
- Try serging the shoulder seams together to create a neat finish.
- Twin needle stitching at the neckline, armholes and hem make a terrific finish. Be sure to use twin needle made for stretch fabrics. This needle generally is marked with a blue band. Use general purpose thread on top and wooly nylon thread in the bobbin.
