What should you sew if you’re new to jersey?
Are you afraid to start making jersey tops or dresses?
We’ve selected some easy-to-assemble models to help you get to grips with this type of stretch fabric.
Jersey is a finely knitted fabric with varying degrees of stretch. It’s very easy to recognize: it’s made up of small Vs, just like hand-knitted sweaters. It is usually used to sew T-shirts, but also dresses – tight-fitting or not – pants or sportswear.
When you’re used to sewing “warp and weft” fabrics, jersey or knitwear can be frightening. But there’s no need to worry: you don’t need a serger to make it.
All you need to do is fit your sewing machine witha jersey needle and use an elastic stitch, specified in your machine manual. When sewing, remember not to pull on the fabric – which can be tempting with stretch fabrics – and let it take its natural shape.
You’ll see that jersey has many advantages, including the fact that it doesn’t fray!
A tank top
If you’d like to start sewinga jersey coupon, you can begin by making a tank top. It’s the perfect project for this type of stretch fabric. And it avoids the technical step of assembling sleeves. This will enable you to get to grips with the settings on your machine with a straight shape.
You can use the Pineapple pattern from Klafoutis, which includes versions for adults and children.
There’s no need for ribbing, as the collar and armhole trims are sewn into the main fabric.
A loose-fitting top
If you have a fairly soft jersey coupon and prefer loose shapes, Atelier Adriette’s Vanou pattern is for you! A detailed tutorial accompanies it to show you the particularities of the stitch.
You’ll learn how to sew a simple neckline, which is an easier step with stretch fabric than with warp and weft. And a waistband at the bottom to tighten it all up. Jersey allows you to play with elasticity, with some parts of the garment loose-fitting and others more fitted.
Leggings for kids
Jersey can also be used to sew sports pants or leggings, which are particularly well suited to its elasticity.
You can use thicker fleece for winter. Or a thinner, lighter jersey for spring or summer. In all cases, check that the fabric is not too transparent when worn.
Our legging pattern is accessible to beginners and is a good project for taming jersey. The shape is very simple: all you need to do is attach an elastic band at the waist for a snug fit.
A comfortable dress
With the Givre pattern from Deer and Doe, you can make a close-fitting dress that’s easy to sew and very comfortable. Its simple shape gives you the opportunity to learn how to make beautiful, clean seams. The pattern’s special feature is a contrasting yoke, allowing you to play with stripes and colors.
You can also choose to sew it with a single color to make things easier and less complicated for yourself.
An easy-to-assemble sweater
Like the t-shirt, the sweater is a must-have for sewing with jersey.
For this project, you’ll need to opt for a thicker jersey, which you can find under the name fleece. If you want to sew your sweatshirt for winter, fleece-lined sweatshirt fabrics are available.
For adults, the Miss Cactus pattern lets you sew a classic pattern. It also teaches you how to apply ribbing to the sleeves and collar.
For children, you can follow our Livarot pattern, which includes a video if you’re more familiar with the technical details of assembly.
What about you? Do you like to sew jersey? What projects do you like to make with this type of fabric?
