How to Sew Cuffs on a Knit Material Shirt
Knit fabrics are used to make a variety of clothing, from sweatshirts to velour dresses to casual blouses. They are typically easy to sew and care for, but for novice sewers, attaching cuffs or sleeves to a knit shirt may be challenging. Depending on the fabric type, knit materials stretch a certain amount, ranging from 20 to 25 percent for single and jersey knit fabrics, 25 to 35 percent for stretch velvet, and 75 percent for spandex.
Instructions
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Knits can shrink in the wash, so purchase a little more fabric than the pattern calls for. Prior to sewing, wash the fabric to preshrink it and remove the surface finish.
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DenverFabrics.com notes that when cutting the fabric, knits should be cut in one direction, with the greatest degree of stretch going around the body.
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Measure your wrist and add 1 inch. Cut the ribbing 6 inches plus the wrist measurement. Pin the sides together, as well as the seam allowances on the cuff, according to the pattern instructions. Some knit-only patterns call for a 1/4-inch seam allowance, but if not indicated, pin a 5/8-inch seam allowance.
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Stretch the fabric a bit as you sew the cuff seam by using a small zigzag stitch. This allows the garment to give a little when you move. According to LovetoSew.com, straight stitches do not allow for any stretching, which will cause the seam to break. Once the cuff is sewn, fold up the ribbing with the stitching on the inside to form the cuff.
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Quarter the sleeve by dividing the hem in four parts and placing a pin at the opposite end of the seam. Then fold the sleeve hem in half. Quarter the cuff the same way by dividing the cuff into four parts and folding.
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Put the cuff over the sleeve and line up the pins on each piece of fabric, then pin them together.
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Stretch the fabric as much as possible by placing the sleeve and cuff over the arm of the machine, continuing to tug on the fabric as you sew. Turn out the cuff once complete.
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