I’m too afraid to sew with knits…!  It seems too difficult…! Don’t I need a Serger? 

If you haven’t yet sewn with knits, it’s likely you’ve spoken these words aloud, or at least thought them. But, sewing with knits doesn’t have to be scary, or hard!  And with our newly expanded selection of knit fabric, it seemed only fitting we share our best tips for working with knit fabric with y’all. Follow these steps to chase away any doubts and make sewing knits on your sewing machine more enjoyable.

1. Use the right kind of needle. There are two types for knit sewing: a stretch needle and a ballpoint needle. The ballpoint needle is your go to for knit fabrics, but if you are sewing on spandex or scuba, choose a stretch needle. A stretch needle has a smaller rounded tip. Both types of needles are also offered as a twin needle. These will help give your project a more professional and finished look.
2. Choose the right stitch for knit. The straight stitch will most likely result in popped seams and sad faces. My go to stitch is the “lightning bolt” stitch. It’s similar to the zig zag stitch but has an upward and downward motion to make the zig zag. The lightning bolt stitch will help to create a flat seam without the pulling, which creates a tunneling effect. Other stitches that are knit friendly are the triple straight stitch, zig zag, and 3-step zig zag stitches.
3. Try out a walking foot. A walking foot will help feed both your top layer and bottom fabric through your machine at a more even pace. This is called feed differential. If a walking foot is not in your budget, try placing a piece of tissue paper on the bottom side of your project and when finished sewing, just pull it right off! You can also use a washable hem tape like Wonder Tape. Just iron it on the underside of your fabric to use as a stabilizer; the best part, it will wash away! Easy clean up!

One of our most popular patterns for knit fabrics is the Romy top and Dress by Tilly and the buttons.  Use medium-weight low stretch knit fabrics such as jersey or interlock, or even a lightweight ponte for the cooler months to make it extra snuggly.

The Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline is a great top pattern for spring and fall.  

The best way to learn is to take the plunge! So what are you waiting for… come see us, we will get you set up with everything you need to start that knit project you've been contemplating! 

Remember to check out Monday’s, July 24’s sweet Diaper Bag patter  and check back for Monday July 31st for Baby Quilt by By Nidhi Wadhwa.

See you all next week.

I just know you are going to enjoy this fabulous recipe

An all-time family favorite!

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

To reduce the fat and sodium content, use low fat, low sodium soup.

Ingredients:

• 1 (6.4 oz.) Pouch or 2 (2.6 oz.) Pouches or 2 (5 oz.) Cans (if using cans, drained)- Chunk Light Tuna in Water
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1⁄2 cup milk
• 3⁄4 cup butter crackers, crushed
• 4 oz. (about 2-1⁄2 cups) egg noodles
• 1 can (10.75 oz.) cream of mushroom soup
• 1⁄4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1⁄4 tsp. dried thyme (optional)

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Cook noodles according to package instructions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking; drain in colander.
• In a separate bowl, mix together soup, milk and garlic powder. Stir in noodles, peas, tuna and thyme.
• Transfer to a 1-1⁄2 quart casserole. Bake 15 minutes; top with cracker crumbs. Continue baking 5 – 10 minutes or until heated through.