Bamboo knit fabric has gained popularity in recent years due to it’s exceptional softness, breathability, and eco-friendly properties. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewing enthusiast, learning how to sew with this versatile fabric can open up a world of creative possibilities. From crafting comfortable loungewear to designing sustainable activewear, the possibilities are endless. However, working with bamboo knit fabric requires some specific techniques to ensure successful and professional-looking results. In this guide, we will explore the essential steps, tips, and tricks to sew bamboo knit fabric, so you can confidently embark on your sewing projects and enjoy the luxurious comfort this fabric provides.
Is Bamboo Jersey Easy to Sew?
When it comes to sewing, bamboo jersey is a popular choice among crafters and fashion designers alike. This fabric is made from bamboo fibers, which are extracted or fabricated from natural bamboo. While there are different types of bamboo fibers, textiles labeled as bamboo jersey are typically made from synthetic rayon that’s derived from bamboo cellulose.
It’s known for it’s eco-friendliness, as bamboo is a sustainable and rapidly renewable resource. The fabric is also highly breathable, making it comfortable to wear in hot and humid weather. Plus, bamboo jersey has reputed microbial properties, which means it naturally resists the growth of bacteria and odors.
It’s softness, environmental benefits, and comfort make it a versatile and popular choice among sewing enthusiasts.
Tips for Sewing With Bamboo Jersey Fabric
- Pre-wash fabric before cutting
- Use a ballpoint or stretch needle
- Hold fabric taut while sewing
- Use a walking foot or stretch stitch
- Avoid excessive stretching or pulling
- Use a quality thread that matches fabric
- Take breaks to prevent fabric distortion
- Use a longer stitch length
- Test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing main project
- Iron with low heat and no steam
- Use a press cloth when pressing seams
- Finish raw edges with a serger or zigzag stitch
- Handle fabric with clean hands to prevent oil stains
- Store fabric flat or rolled to avoid stretching
- Follow garment care instructions for washing and drying
When it comes to embroidery on knits, a cut-away stabilizer like Soft ‘n Sheer or Cut-Away Plus is generally recommended. However, another option is to hoop Sulky 40 Wt. Rayon embroidery thread, which offers the same luster and softness as silk but at a more affordable price. Most embroidery designs are digitized specifically for Sulky 40 Wt. Rayon thread. For securing your fabric, you can use Sticky+ with a release sheet, which can be easily peeled off without distorting the fabric.
What Stabilizer Is Best for Embroidery on Knits?
When it comes to stabilizers for embroidery on knits, there are a few options to consider. One commonly recommended stabilizer is cut-away stabilizer, such as Soft n Sheer or Cut-Away Plus. These types of stabilizers provide excellent support and prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting during the embroidery process. They’re durable and keep the design in place even after repeated washings.
Another option is to hoop the fabric with a stabilizer called Sulky 40 Wt. Rayon thread. This thread is known for it’s luster and soft, natural look that resembles silk. It’s a smooth texture and is quite strong, making it suitable for embroidery on knits. Moreover, embroidery designs are often digitized specifically for Sulky 40 Wt.
In terms of application, Sticky+ is a popular stabilizer choice. It comes with a release sheet that can be scored with a pin, allowing for easy removal without distorting the fabric. All you need to do is peel off the release sheet and gently press your fabric onto the Sticky+ stabilizer. It provides a strong hold and is especially useful for knits, as it avoids any potential stretching or puckering of the fabric.
Source: What stabilizer do you recommend for machine embroidery on …
When it comes to sewing knits with a home sewing machine, it’s important to choose the right stitch length. You’ll want stitches that allow the fabric to stretch without popping. A straight stretch stitch with a stitch length of 2.5-3mm or a zig-zag stitch are great options. However, if your machine doesn’t have a straight stretch stitch, you can use a stitch length of 0.5 instead.
What Is the Best Stitch Length for Knits?
When it comes to sewing knits with a home sewing machine, choosing the right stitch length is crucial for achieving quality results. The goal is to select stitches that allow the fabric to stretch without popping or breaking the threads. One of the most commonly recommended stitches for sewing knits is the straight stretch stitch. This stitch offers both stretch and stability to the fabric.
To achieve optimal results, it’s recommended to set the stitch length between 2.5-3mm when using the straight stretch stitch. It prevents the stitches from pulling or breaking when the fabric is stretched.
However, if your machine doesn’t have a specific straight stretch stitch, another option is the zig-zag stitch. The zig-zag stitch allows for some stretch in the fabric and is suitable for sewing knits. When using the zig-zag stitch, it’s again advisable to set the stitch length between 2.5-3mm to ensure the stitches can stretch without causing any damage to the fabric.
In some instances, you may find that your machine doesn’t offer a suitable stitch length in the recommended range. In such cases, a stitch length of 0.5 can be used as an alternative. While this may not provide as much stretch, it still helps to secure the fabric and prevent it from unraveling or popping.
It’s always a good idea to test different stitch lengths on scrap fabric to determine which setting works best for your project. By experimenting and fine-tuning the stitch length, you can ensure that your knits are sewn securely and can stretch comfortably without compromising the integrity of the stitches.
Jersey knit fabric is known for it’s thin and stretchy nature, making it important to choose the right stabilizer for embroidery projects. Cutaway stabilizer is widely regarded as the best option for jersey knit fabric due to it’s ability to provide strong support during the embroidery process. It’s durability ensures that the fabric remains stable not only during the stitching but also through regular wear and washing. Let’s explore why cutaway stabilizer is the ideal choice for embroidering on jersey knit fabric.
What Is the Best Stabilizer for Jersey Knit Fabric?
When it comes to finding the best stabilizer for jersey knit fabric, one must consider the unique properties of this thin and stretchy material. Taking into account the embroidery process as well as the fabrics durability through repeated wearing and washing, cutaway stabilizer emerges as the top choice.
It’s sturdy composition significantly reduces the risk of puckering or distortion during the stitching process.
It’s extended coverage provides an added layer of reinforcement, mitigating any potential fabric sagging or stretching that might occur during prolonged wear. This helps maintain the garments shape and form, ensuring it looks as good as new for an extended period.
It delivers excellent support during the embroidery process, maintains the fabrics durability over time, accommodates a variety of designs, and prevents any potential distortion or puckering.
When it comes to interfacing for knit fabric, one of the most suitable options is knit interfacing. Unlike other types of interfacing, knit interfacing possesses some crosswise stretch and minimal lengthwise stretch. This unique property allows the interfacing to move in sync with the fabric, effectively preventing excessive stretching. While knit interfacing is primarily recommended for knits, it also works well with lightweight woven fabrics that boast a certain degree of stretch and drape, such as rayon.
What Kind of Interfacing Do You Use on Knit Fabric?
When it comes to interfacing on knit fabrics, there are a few options that work well to provide stability and structure without distorting the stretchy nature of the fabric. This type of interfacing offers some crosswise stretch to allow the fabric to move naturally, while still providing the necessary support to prevent excessive stretching.
It doesn’t create any unwanted stiffness or restrict the natural movement of the fabric. Instead, it works harmoniously to provide support where needed while allowing the fabric to maintain it’s original characteristics. This ensures that the final garment or project is both comfortable and visually appealing.
Whether youre working on a knit garment or incorporating knit elements into your projects, knit interfacing is a reliable tool to achieve a professional and polished finish.
When it comes to sewing stretchy fabrics, choosing the right thread is crucial for achieving strong and flexible seams. One of the most popular options is textured polyester or textured nylon thread, such as A&E’s Wildcat® Plus or Best Stretch®. These threads have excellent seam coverage and elasticity, making them perfect for overedge and coverstitch seams. Their ability to stretch with the fabric ensures that the seams won’t break or snap under pressure.
What Kind of Thread Do You Use for Stretchy Fabric?
When it comes to sewing stretchy fabrics, selecting the right thread is crucial. The most commonly recommended type of thread for working with stretch knit fabrics is textured polyester or textured nylon threads. These threads, like A&Es Wildcat® Plus or Best Stretch®, are specifically designed for stretchy fabrics and offer exceptional seam coverage and elasticity.
Textured threads are particularly ideal for creating overedge and coverstitch seams. Since stretch fabrics have a tendency to stretch and recover, regular threads may snap or break under the strain. However, textured threads have a unique characteristic that allows them to stretch and recover along with the fabric, ensuring a durable and flexible seam that won’t easily break.
These threads are available in a wide range of colors, making it easier to match the thread to the fabric for a cohesive look.
What Are the Best Brands of Textured Polyester or Textured Nylon Threads for Sewing Stretchy Fabrics?
When it comes to sewing stretchy fabrics, it’s important to choose the right brand of textured polyester or textured nylon threads. Some popular and reliable brands include Gutermann, Coats & Clark, Mettler, and Superior Threads. These threads are known for their high-quality construction and elasticity, allowing them to seamlessly stitch and withstand the stretch of various fabrics. It’s essential to opt for threads specifically designed for sewing stretchy materials to ensure durability and flexibility in your projects.
Conclusion
It’s important to choose the right needle, thread, and machine settings to prevent any damage to the fabric.