making school pinafores

[Sandytoes]

My new sewing machine has arrived and it has stretch stitches on it!

The first project I have in mind is some nice soft jersey pinafores for T for school next year. Is this the right kind of fabric for it? http://www.tissufabrics.co.uk/index.php ... 72-ny.html

I'll probably just copy a pattern from an existing dress and make it a bit longer, but is there anything else I need to know about sewing knits? And should I line them or just finish off the armholes with binding (in which case what kind of binding?)

TIA!

[SparklePetal]

You need toothfairy!

[ToothFairy]

Here I am

You need to use ballpoint needles to sew knit fabrics. I use a double ballpoint needle to hem my knits, it gives a lovely finish.

This is a great guide to sewing knits.

I'm not sure how heavy weight that fabric is. Will they send out samples?

For the armholes you could do a band like you'd find on a tshirt. Cut a length of fabric slightly shorter than the armhole, fold it in half lengthways and stretch to fit round the armhole. Stitch round, then top stitch on the dress. This gives a lovely finish.

[Sandytoes]

Thanks TF, I knew you'd know the answer!

I will ask if they send samples. Meanwhile I have some very cute butterfly cotton knit that was going cheap in our local fabric shop. Couldn't resist it! Going to do some practising