Knit Fabrics for Tees and Tanks

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Spring is here, which means it’s time to take a look at our warmer-weather wardrobe to figure out what we’ll need for the seasons ahead. While we prefer to make clothes that can be worn season after season and year after year, our favorite basics like t-shirts and tank tops will eventually wear out and need replacing. Today we’re exploring our selection of knits and jerseys, planning the garments we’ll need for the seasons ahead!

Cotton/spandex knits are our go-to for knit basics like tees, tank tops, underwear, and leggings. With a traditional t-shirt weight, a soft, smooth hand, and the perfect amount of stretch, these fabrics are easy to sew into comfy garments we love wearing, season after season. Our collection of knits includes hundreds of bolts including solid colors, fun prints, and classic stripes—choose your favorite for patterns like the Rumi Tank, the Nico Raglan Tee, and the Lark Tee.

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Our Bamboo/Cotton/Spandex Terry has a looped back, giving it a luxuriously cozy feel. It is a little bit more substantial than a standard jersey knit, with a smooth hand and a bouncy stretch and recovery. If you’ve ever found store-bought t-shirts too thin or flimsy, you’re going to love this midweight fabric! It’s available in a beautiful range of colors, perfect for garments like the Caroline Raglan Tee, the Max Tee, and the Concord T-Shirt.

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Shirts like the Rio Ringer Tee and the Ben Tank Top come to life with contrasting rib knit neck and arm bands! In addition to visual interest, a rib knit binding adds soft structure and support for long-lasting wardrobe basics. Choose a soft, stretchy rib knit for a perfectly fitted Zoey Tank.

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New to sewing with knits? No serger? Not a problem! Most sewing machines have an overlock or elastic overlock stitch that will make stitching knit fabrics a breeze. Using a rotary cutter will help you cut knit fabrics accurately. You can sew knits with your favorite all-purpose thread. To ensure successful sewing, you’ll want to invest in some ball-point sewing machine needles specially designed for knit fabrics. And if you’d prefer to use a serger, we’ve got the needles and threads for that, too! For one-stop shopping, we also offer a Getting Started with Knits Notions Kit that includes our favorite essentials:

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If you’d like some help getting started sewing knits, mark your calendar for Sunday, May 3rd—Hello Stitch is running a Raglan T-Shirt class! Instructor (and Stonemountain sales associate) Noelle Clary will guide you through the process of making your own raglan t-shirt, including tips and tricks for sewing with knits, inserting a neckband, topstitching, and sewing a hem. This class will be held at Ace Makerspace in Oakland. Click the image below for more info!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sewing the pieces you wear the most. Tees and tanks may seem simple, but when they fit just right, feel good on your body, and are made from fabrics you love, they become the foundation of your wardrobe. These are the garments that get worn, washed, and worn again—true everyday favorites.

One of the best parts of sewing your own knit basics is the ability to fine-tune the fit and feel. Maybe you prefer a slightly longer sleeve, a higher neckline, or a softer fabric with just the right amount of stretch. Once you start making these adjustments, it’s hard to go back. You begin to build a collection of pieces that feel like they were made just for you—because they were.

This is also a wonderful place to build confidence in your sewing. Knit basics are approachable, rewarding, and endlessly useful. Each project teaches you something new, and before you know it, you have a wardrobe of handmade staples that truly reflect your style and how you want to feel in your clothes.

As you look ahead to the warmer months, this is the perfect time to refresh your basics and enjoy the process of making something simple, wearable, and lasting. We’re here with all the fabrics, tools, and inspiration you need—and we can’t wait to see what you make.

Thank you and Happy Sewing!