Knit Fabrics Sewing Patterns

Sewing patterns designed for knit and stretch fabrics — jersey tops, dresses, loungewear and activewear — drafted with the negative ease and stretch allowance the material needs. A knit pattern is not simply a woven one in stretchy cloth; it is drawn smaller than the body so the fabric's stretch provides the fit.

Because these designs assume stretch, the shaping, seam placement and hems are all planned for a knit's behaviour. Match your fabric to the pattern's stretch requirement and the garment skims comfortably; use the wrong cloth and even perfect sewing cannot rescue the fit.

Each knit pattern specifies the kind of stretch it needs, and the block is drafted with matching negative ease. That is why a jersey tee hangs cleanly and leggings hold their shape — the draft, the fabric's stretch and its recovery are designed to work together.