I have sewn countless garments over the years, but although I’ve become somewhat adept at handling chiffon and charmeuse, knit fabrics always seemed to be some scary area in the Nethersphere that I would never attempt to venture into. I would walk past the knit section at the fabric store and ignore any talk of sewing with knits. “Oh, sewing with knits is not for me” I’d whisper as numerous jerseys stared at me from their bolts. “I’ll just stay with my cotton voile, thank you.” But then Miss Moneta came along and my previous misconceptions were altered forever.
My many Monetas
Aside from t-shirts, knits themselves never seemed like they were made for me. Knit dresses I would try on at department stores would cling to my wobbly bits and look less than flattering on my curvy figure. I avoided them like the plague. It wasn’t until I had the chance to try out the Colette Moneta as part of the Curvy Sewing Collective that I found out how lovely a knit dress could be. Sure, it’s a basic design that resembles a t-shirt with a gathered skirt — but it’s an ingenious and complimentary silhouette. This simple pattern is a canvas for beautiful prints and you can dress it up or dress it down and add your own personal flair. Plus, it’s a quick make and can be sewn in just a few hours.
I think of the Moneta as my gateway to sewing with knits. I was less than a knit novice when the Moneta arrived in my mailbox. I had sewn two cardigans with sweater knits, made a pair of panties and a lesser flattering Cake Tiramisu and that was it. Knits seemed like some inferior form of fabric and I somewhat looked down upon them with an arrogant attitude. I’d say that my perception of knit sewing was due to my thinking that stretchy fabrics were a sewing nightmare and were meant only for tees, activewear and the like. I had no idea how to navigate the different weights of knits nor that there was a difference between ponte and jersey. It was this entire branch of sewing that dwelled forgotten in the basement for me and was one that I never visited.
Since then I’ve found out nice it can be to sew with knits. There are no darts or zippers to contend with. The fitting issues are minimal. They can be sewn up quickly and easily. And they are so SO comfy. While I might feel a bit constricted by a tailored woven dress, I never feel that way in a knit dress. They are great wardrobe builders and separates that can be mixed and matched and they’re easy to care for. It’s no wonder that many sewists prefer sewing with knits.
It was a bit of a learning curve educating myself about the differences between fiber contents and weights and choosing the best type of knit for each garment. I have had some ups and downs with that, which mostly had to do with ordering knits online and varying quality. Beautiful knit prints seem to be hard to find and being able to feel them in person is even harder, so I’m often perusing fabric sites looking for prints and colors that I want to add to my closet. I’ve found that my favorites are knits with bamboo, viscose and cotton. I also love a nice wool jersey. I tend to skip polyester, but I’m not much of a poly fan in wovens either. As a lover of woven silk fabrics, I thought I would love silk jersey, but found that I don’t really like the feel of it. I swoon over linen and cashmere blends. Who would have thought that knits could be so lux?
Now, I have a sewing queue of knit patterns and a pile of pontes and jerseys waiting to be made into glorious, comfortable garments. A year ago I would have never thought that I’d even be thinking of sewing knit wrap dresses, tees or leggings and yet they’re all lingering in my sewing room waiting to come to fruition. And I owe it all to Miss Moneta.
I feel like I am addicted to this pattern as well…when I have a few only a few hours in my weekend to sew this is the pattern I pick up immediately. I think I can complete it in less than two hours now! I do the entire thing on my serger (except for hems), and it is so easy. I think I have a problem though and need to branch out! Your versions have been an inspiration- I especially love yours belted- I need to try that.
I feel like I need a hundred Monetas!! 🙂 I kind of stagger them out now, though, and make them between other things. 🙂
I have said it before and will say it again. I just love you in that dress, all the fabric choices and colors.
Thank you, Colleen! There will definitely be more to come as I’m in awe of this pattern and it’s a mainstay for me. 🙂
I too need to overcome my fear of knits. I have the pattern, and I have the book…. Why oh why can’t I do it!
I love your Monetas by the way… Gorgeous.
I feel ya, Stephanie! The great thing about the Colette patterns is that they help you learn as you sew and it doesn’t feel as frightening. I haven’t read the book yet though, but I guess I should!
Love all your versions of this dress. Sometimes I think making our own clothing gives us more body confidence. You feel proud of your accomplishment and it shows.
Thanks, Mimi! Making your own clothing truly gives body confidence as you can get the clothing to fit your body and use whatever fabrics/colors/prints that you want. It sure is freeing and it shows, doesn’t it?
Hello Tanya. Thanks for such a great post on knits and you look lovely in this frock pattern that you’ve shown!
Can you please tell us more about how you deal with knits, do you line them? As I (and I’m sure some of your readers) would love to know. A
Thanks!!! 🙂 The only one that I’ve lined is that aubergine sleeveless Moneta. That’s lined with a thin tissue jersey. I haven’t lined anything else as most don’t need it and the others that do, I just wear a slip with. It’s odd, but I line about 90% of my woven dresses and yet I’m too lazy to do it with knits! LOL! The other things I’ve been doing are using my sewing machine to sew my knits and then finishing them with my serger. I know others just do it all on their serger, but I haven’t done that yet. It seems more precise to do it first on my sewing machine. I also just started using knit stay tape and that is definitely a great thing to have for hem and necklines. It keeps them straight and they don’t stretch. I also use on the pockets. 🙂
Thanks love. Appreciate you taking the time you give me such a lovely and detailed reply. Really helpful, I’ll aim to work with knits in future.
All the best,
J
I have the pattern. I have the fabric. I need to get cracking. Your dresses, (and I mean every single one I’ve ever seen online), are beautiful on you. You are so talented!
Thank you so much!!! I know how difficult it is sometimes to get to a project even when you have all the materials. I’ve had all of the materials to make bras for a year and a half or so and still haven’t done it!
Bra-making is something I want to do that scares me in the same way knits scared you! I saw the post the other day though and thought “well, maybe I could do that.”
Ronda – I also took the craftsy bra class and it really helped me to understand the process more. I’ve read tutorials and such, but seeing it done in person is very helpful.
You know you’re gonna have to follow this post with your favorite knit source list, right? ;-))
Good post. I haven’t been much of a knit girl myself, but you’re making me rethink that.
Ramona
Thanks, Ramona! I like buying knits from fabric.com, Harts Fabrics, Mood and Britex Fabrics. I don’t really consider myself an expert at knit buying, so maybe a group post in the future. 🙂
I love EmmaOneSock too – they’re fabrics that are actually being used by designers for clothes sold in stores, so the quality is almost always great.
They are all beautiful and compliment you well. I’ve always liked that style of dress.
Thanks, Robin! Obviously a fave of mine as well as it looks good on everyone I’ve seen wear it!