MAKING CLOTHES WITH KNIT FABRICS
Course Information

COURSE LENGTH

2 day weekend workshop + 1 prep session

TOPICS COVERED

Choosing knit fabric; cutting patterns; using your home sewing machine to sew knits - tips and techniques, using stabilisers and interfacings for knits; basic seams; setting in sleeves; hems and cuffs; and using a twin needle.

OUTCOMES

A finished Bettine dress made in a knit fabric. An understanding of how to cut, stabilise and sew garments in knit fabrics, using a home sewing machine. 

 

What Do I Need to Bring?

For this weekend workshop you will need to bring:

  • A basic sewing kit (see below)
  • Fabric - Because this is a weekend course, we're asking students to bring fabric to class on the Saturday. It is your choice whether or not you bring it to the prep session. Detailed fabric requirements given below. 
  • Thread - To match your main fabric (we sell Guterman Polyester at our studio).
  • Elastic - 9-12mm / 1/2" wide (available to buy at studio)
  • Buttons (Optional) - 2 x 1.5-2cm (5/8 - 3/4 ")

Do I Need To Bring a Sewing Machine?

No, but you are welcome to if you wish. We have a Janome CXL301 sewing machine available for each student to use. We also sell a range of Janome machines, and offer discounts on these to our students.

The Janome CXL301 - We have 10 of these in our studio for student use. 

The Janome CXL301 - We have 10 of these in our studio for student use. 

How Do I Pay My Balance?

If you booked your place with a deposit, you're balance is due no less than 14 days before your course begins. For instructions on how to pay please visit our balance payments page.

If you're thinking of cancelling your booking, for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list. And also please have a look at our Cancellations & Refunds Policy on the FAQs page before doing this. Thanks.

The Basic Sewing Kit

For this course you'll need a basic sewing kit.

If you're purchasing kit items separately, we've listed some essentials for this course below. All of these items are available to purchase at The Stitchery (cash and all major credit/debit cards accepted):

  • Fabric scissors
  • Dressmaking pins
  • Sewing gauge
  • Tape measure (not the kind that Plumbers use!)
  • Temporary marker pens
  • Snips or small thread scissors
 

Fabric

Because this is a weekend course, we're asking you to bring your cut fabric pieces to the first session on the Saturday. That way you can get crackin' on making your garment. 

We'll be covering fabric choice and cutting techniques during the Prep Session the previous week. Whether you choose your fabric prior to this session is up to you. 

If you're unsure about your fabric choice, then you can always purchase a 10cm sample and arrange to bring it in to the studio for us to have a look at.
 

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

Your fabric requirements will depend on your measurements and fabric width. You can refer to the fabric size chart on The Bettine Product Page or follow these general guidelines:

  • 150cm (60") wide fabric - 2 metres 
  • 115cm (45") wide fabric - 3 metres

FABRIC TYPES

The following fabric types will be suitable for your Bettine

  • Cotton jersey - avoid anything too lightweight and slippery. Medium cotton jerseys with some stretch will work well - check out the Bettine Knit page on the Splendid Stitch site.
  • Ponte di Roma - a more weighty option
  • Interlock - also more weighty
  • Double knit - also a heavier option
     

THREAD

For most sewing projects we recommend Gutermann Polyester Sew-all thread or an equivalent product. We sell this at our studio in a variety of colours.

Your thread should generally be a colour that matches your main fabric. If you cannot find a match, then always look for a shade darker rather than a shade lighter.

Once you're a little more experienced you may wish to use contrasting thread colours. These are ones that purposely stand out against your main fabric, thereby becoming decorative. 

 

Knitwear fabrics.

SHOPPING FOR KNIT FABRICS

Students are free to purchase their fabric from wherever they like. And there are a small handful of local fabric shops in Glasgow, such as Mandors, Remnant Kings and the John Lewis Fabric Department. 

If you're looking for a little help with suitable fabrics, we happily recommend The Splendid Stitch;  a fabulous online store based here in the city. We have our own dedicated section on their site, with a handy course-by-course guide on what fabrics are suitable for each pattern. 

Access this by going to the sewing schools section and entering THESTITCHERY (capitalised and no space) in the box; then click 'Go'.

Note that Stitchery students can receive 10% off their first purchase at The Splendid Stitch by simply entering THESTITCHERY again in the discount code box at the checkout.

If you're unsure about your fabric choice, then you can always purchase a sample and arrange to bring it in to the studio for a quick chat.