When considering your summer wardrobe, don’t forget about knits! Simple to sew and easy to wear, knits are a great fabric choice to keep you feeling comfortable and looking great all summer long. We have a huge collection of knits at the shop, so we’re highlighting a selection of knits inspired by the colors of the season that we can’t wait to sew and wear this summer!
We love pastel knits for summer, with soft colors that remind us of delicate blooms and seashells. There are so many pretty things you can make with knits! For warm summer days, we’re thinking of an elegant, simple top like Zoey, super-soft pants like Tula, and a sweet, ballet-inspired Pearl Cardigan.
At the other end of the color spectrum, bold and bright colors make us think of candy, carnivals, and summer fun. A rayon/spandex jersey with a lovely drape is a nice choice for flowy dresses like Rumi and the Appleton Dress, while a cotton/spandex has a bit of body that’s perfect for a structured polo dress like Jocelyne. The Nikko Top pattern is a great fit for either knit fiber blend, with slightly different results.
If you’re headed to a festival this summer and haven’t planned your outfit yet, do not miss this crocheted ruffle knit! It’s a unique textile with lots of texture and stretch, so it would be great for a short knit skirt pair of stretchy pants (and a colorful wide rib knit is perfect for a waistband!). This fabric would also be fun to use as a ruffly accent on a solid-colored garment.
We shared a pretty great round-up of swimwear patterns and knits last month; if you missed it and you’re curious about sewing your own custom swimwear, we have archived all of that excellent info in our blog.
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 or try our new favorite, Mettler’s Seraflex stretch thread. To ensure successful sewing, choose sewing machine needles specially designed for knit fabrics. Now double-check your pattern’s seam allowances, test your stitching on a scrap of fabric, and you’re ready to sew!
Thank you to our customers for voting us Best Fabric Store in the East Bay Express’ Best of the East Bay 2023 readers’ poll! We are so grateful for your support and are honored to be recognized. It is our joy to bring fabrics of the world to our community of sewists in Berkeley, the East Bay, and beyond!Â