How to pick the best needles for knits (knit sewing tips)

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If you've ever sewn with knits and gotten frustrated by skipped stitches, know that it's not you, it's probably your needle.

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Add to the frustration that woven fabrics you can usually sew without any problems at all. Sewing with stretchy fabrics doesn't have to be hard.

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Here's a couple rules of thumb to help you when you're sewing with knits:

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Use a universal or ballpoint needle for less stretchy knits.

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When you sew sweater knits, use a ballpoint needle.

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For knits with a lot of spandex, use a stretch needle. This kind of needle is the one to try if you're getting a lot of skipped stitches.

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Use a narrow zigzag with a stretch needle on ultra stretchy knits to avoid tunneling between the stitches.

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Use a double stretch needle and a narrow zigzag for hems for a nice finish with stitches that won't break.

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Don't be afraid to experiment. Use some knit scraps when you sew with knits and see what needle works best for that fabric.

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Click the link below to grab this handy printable knit needle chart to help demystify sewing with knits.

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elizabethmadethis.com

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Must know tips for sewing stretchy fabric

Must know tips for sewing stretchy fabric

If you've ever sewn with knits and gotten frustrated by skipped stitches, know that it's not you, it's probably your needle.

If you've ever sewn with knits and gotten frustrated by skipped stitches, know that it's not you, it's probably your needle.

Add to the frustration that woven fabrics you can usually sew without any problems at all. Sewing with stretchy fabrics doesn't have to be hard.

Add to the frustration that woven fabrics you can usually sew without any problems at all. Sewing with stretchy fabrics doesn't have to be hard.

Here's a couple rules of thumb to help you when you're sewing with knits:

Here's a couple rules of thumb to help you when you're sewing with knits:

Use a universal or ballpoint needle for less stretchy knits.

Use a universal or ballpoint needle for less stretchy knits.

When you sew sweater knits, use a ballpoint needle.

When you sew sweater knits, use a ballpoint needle.

For knits with a lot of spandex, use a stretch needle. This kind of needle is the one to try if you're getting a lot of skipped stitches.

For knits with a lot of spandex, use a stretch needle. This kind of needle is the one to try if you're getting a lot of skipped stitches.

Use a narrow zigzag with a stretch needle on ultra stretchy knits to avoid tunneling between the stitches.

Use a narrow zigzag with a stretch needle on ultra stretchy knits to avoid tunneling between the stitches.

Use a double stretch needle and a narrow zigzag for hems for a nice finish with stitches that won't break.

Use a double stretch needle and a narrow zigzag for hems for a nice finish with stitches that won't break.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Use some knit scraps when you sew with knits and see what needle works best for that fabric.

Click the link below to grab this handy printable knit needle chart to help demystify sewing with knits.

Click the link below to grab this handy printable knit needle chart to help demystify sewing with knits.