Sewing with Knits: Classic, Stylish Garments from Swimsuits to Eveningwear [Paperback]

Connie Long (Author)

Book Description

Series: Focus on Fabric | Publication Date: March 2000

Knit fabrics have never been more fashionable, but the prospect of creating them can be daunting even to those experienced with the needle. Because of the "stretch factor, " knits can be tricky to sew without specific information about what techniques work for which fabrics. Sewing with Knits gives that information and more in an easy-to-follow, step-by-step format.

Author Connie Long shows both novice and pro how to create an array of garments, from slinky knit evening dresses to spandex-fitted athletic wear. In straightforward style, she demonstrates how to work with both classic styles and fabrics, and the many newer knits, including the matte rayon jersey so popular with high fashion designers. Included is information on how to adapt a pattern meant for woven fabrics, how to copy a favorite T-shirt, and how to sew with the intimidating sweaterknit. Expert advice on choosing the best patterns and using just the right techniques rounds out this practical guide.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The very characteristic that makes knits so comfortable to wear--the stretch--often frightens the home sewer. Connie Long's Sewing with Knits does away with the intimidation by demystifying all aspects of knitwear construction: layout and cutting, sewing smooth seams, edge finishing, inserting zippers, making buttonholes, and more. Long also teaches readers to achieve creative looks with fabric piecing and color blocking, and a chapter devoted to specialty knits explains how to work with swimsuit fabrics, stretch velvets and other napped knits, synthetic fleece, and novelty stretch. A very helpful chart shows at a glance exactly what techniques to use for seams, hems, and necklines for 15 different kinds of knit fabrics. Sewers already comfortable with the basics of working with wovens will find expert guidance on moving into the knitwear realm. --Amy Handy

From Library Journal

Sewing with knits can be tricky owing to the varying degrees of stretch inherent in the wide variety of stretch fabrics available today. Long, a frequent contributor to Threads magazine, covers techniques for working with a variety of stretch fabrics such as swimwear knits, Raschel knits, stretch velvet, and synthetic fleece. Full-color illustrations, line drawings, and a resource list nicely complement the text. The third in Taunton's "Focus on Fabric" series, this book is an excellent choice for public library sewing collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583111
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583119
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #426,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

103 of 104 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive text for today's knits., April 2, 2000

By 

Joya Kabel-Grosporean (Honolulu, Hawaii) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sewing with Knits: Classic, Stylish Garments from Swimsuits to Eveningwear (Paperback)

This is the one! Connie Long has given both novice and seasoned sewists a comprehensive, yet eminently readable text on knit fabrics. She's unlocked the mystery of sewing with these desirable fabrics by starting at the beginning -- clear explanations of what's what when it comes to the different types of knit fabrics. And I'm not just talking about grandma's poly double knits, either! Matte Jerseys, slinkys, lace and sweater knits are all discussed. Then she takes the reader through every step of garment construction -- from pattern and fabric selection, layout and cutting, seaming, and finishing -- all with clear, concise instructions relevant to the unique characteristics of this fabric. At the end of the journey for the sewist are high-style fashions, with finishes and details that are often better than off-the-rack garments. Deserving special mention are the abundance of color photographs -- the next best thing to having the author at your side while you sew, I think! Highly recommended.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great reference book!, November 25, 2001

By 

Just Me "countrygirl" (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sewing with Knits: Classic, Stylish Garments from Swimsuits to Eveningwear (Paperback)

This book is a wonderful resource to have. After years of struggling while sewing knit fabrics, this book has provided me with the solutions I needed. I read it cover to cover when I first bought it and now use it as a reference. The photos that demonstrate techniques are very helpful. The only thing I did not care for were all of the photos of the models in ballet costumes. I would have preferred to see everyday people wearing classic knit clothing. Most of us don't spend our days 'on pointe'!! I would recommend this book.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars authoritative, August 23, 2004

By 

Miriam (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sewing with Knits: Classic, Stylish Garments from Swimsuits to Eveningwear (Paperback)

this is the definitive book on knits. i bought it because it was pretty much the only one, but now i know why. everything is covered from needles to the different types of knits and how they are formed, which helps to understand how they behave. i also didn't care for all of the ballet and oversized knits. everyday people with well fitting knit clothing would've been more inspirational. the only thing i wish there was more of was troubleshooting - i found the solution to my problem in a sidebar. wish there was a chart on that or something.
i do recommend this book highly.