I just purchased some lovely cotton knit fabric at a thrift store, only to discover when I got home that it is one long tube, no seams. Does anyone know what this was intended for? Any special way to cut it when I lay out a dress? Grain problems? It’s a puzzle….
Suzy
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Replies
cutting from lace fabric
I would cut each piece out individually. when I did this with plaid, I cut out one piece, I lay that cut piece on top of the fabric to make sure the plaid lines matches with the other side. so I cut out each piece one at a time. you can do the same technique with your lace fabric, besure to consider if there is a nap or a one way pattern so some of your pieces wont end up with an upside down pattern/motif. I knit as well so I really think the tube is just a technique that doesnt really have any baring on any specific project you want to make other than if you want e something that is seamless like say if you were to shorten it enough and make a skirt and add elastic to the top. other than that its okay to cut it. depending on how tightly knitted your fabric is because you dont want any threads unravelling, you might want to seal the cut edges by zigzagging or serging to prevent the pieces from unraveling. or cutting out the pieces en bloc and then sealing the edges and cutting out the pieces as you work with them. sorry i hope this makes sense. im kinda wordy.
Tube Knits
Suzy, knits used to be produced in a tube fashion for home sewers. There might be, probably will be, permanent lines from where it has been folded. Refold and put those lines in the center and you will not end up with a crease down the center of the front and back of your garment. Just treat it as you would any knit you would buy today. Be sure to wash it so that it is preshrunk.
Oddly shaped cotton knit
One comment I would like to add is that make sure the ribs are straight up and down and use that as a grainline. I liked the other two comments and agree completely with their anwers. I once cut a tube knit slightly off the knit rib and it was a disaster. Now I always go by the rib versus the selvages or folds. Knits can be tricky, but once done correctly are so comfortable. Good luck and show us the finished garment.
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