To sew fabric to knitting, you typically attach a piece of fabric, often a lining, to the knitted item using a needle and thread or a sewing machine. This process involves carefully aligning the fabric edge with the desired area on the knitting and securing it with appropriate stitches.
Why Sew Fabric to Knitting?
Adding fabric to a knitted piece serves various purposes:
- Lining: Provides warmth, structure, or prevents stretching (common for hats, bags, or scarves).
- Adding Pockets or Details: Incorporating functional or decorative fabric elements.
- Stabilizing Edges: Creating a sturdy edge for items like button bands or hems.
Preparing Fabric for Sewing
Choosing the right fabric and preparing its edge is crucial when sewing to knitting, especially since knitting has stretch.
- Fabric Type: Consider using a non-fraying fabric type or utilizing the salvage edge if possible, as mentioned in some methods. This minimizes the need for hemming the fabric edge before attaching it to the knitting, which is particularly useful when the fabric edge will be visible or prone to friction.
- Cutting: Cut your fabric piece to the required size, accounting for seam allowances.
- Finishing Edges (if not using non-fraying/salvage): If your fabric frays, you may need to finish the edge with a serger, zig-zag stitch, or by folding a small hem before attaching it to the knitting.
Attaching Fabric to Knitting
The attachment method depends on the desired finish and the project.
Manual Sewing (Hand Stitching)
Hand sewing allows for greater control and flexibility, especially when working with stretchy knitting.
- Positioning: Place the fabric edge against the knitted item where you want to attach it. Pin or baste in place.
- Placement: Begin sewing across the edge of the fabric. For a clean attachment, you might place your stitches about a centimeter down from the end of the fabric edge, creating a small overlap or seam allowance onto the knitting. This can help distribute the stress and secure the fabric firmly.
- Stitches: Use a strong but flexible stitch.
- Running Stitch: Suitable for gathering or temporary holds, but not very secure for seams.
- Backstitch: A strong, durable stitch good for creating a secure seam.
- Slip Stitch: Ideal for an invisible finish, useful when attaching a folded fabric edge to the surface of the knitting.
- Thread and Needle: Use a thread that matches the fabric or is inconspicuous. A sharp needle designed for fabric will pass through the material easily.
Machine Sewing
Using a sewing machine can be faster for straight seams, but requires careful handling of the knitting's stretch.
- Preparation: Pin or baste the fabric to the knitting securely. Consider using a fusible interfacing on the fabric edge if extra stability is needed.
- Settings: Use a slightly longer stitch length than normal. A walking foot attachment can help feed the layers evenly and prevent stretching or puckering.
- Stitching: Sew slowly and guide the fabric and knitting layers carefully through the machine. Avoid stretching the knitting as you sew. Sewing on the fabric side, if possible, can be easier.
| Method | Pros | Cons | Ideal Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Sewn | Control, good for curves, invisible finishes | Slower, less durable for stressed seams | Linings, finishing edges, small pieces |
| Machine Sewn | Fast, durable for straight seams | Can stretch knitting, requires practice | Garments, bags, long straight edges |
Tips for Success
- Pin Extensively: Use plenty of pins to hold the fabric and knitting together and prevent shifting.
- Test Stitch: Practice on a swatch of your knitting and fabric to find the best stitch type and tension.
- Ease the Fabric/Knitting: If attaching a stable fabric to very stretchy knitting, you may need to slightly ease the knitting edge to fit the fabric edge without causing puckering or excessive stretching.
By selecting the right fabric, positioning it correctly (such as about a centimeter down from the end for attachment), and choosing an appropriate sewing method, you can successfully sew fabric to your knitted items for functional or decorative purposes. Using a non-fraying fabric or salvage can simplify the process significantly.
