How to sew JERSEY fabric

Published : 02/16/2023 - Categories : ABC-sewing

Do you want to sew jersey fabric? Don't be afraid! Here are all our explanations, tips and inspirations on this versatile material that will help you sew lots of successful JERSEY sewing projects.

coudre le tissu jersey ?

Jersey fabric, what is it ?

Jersey belongs to the family of knitted fabrics used to sew stretchy, flexible pieces. It's THE best fabric for T-shirts, but not the only that... Made up of interwoven stitches that give it a soft, elastic texture, this highly versatile fabric is also used for blouses, dresses, underwear and all kinds of accessories and comfortable garments.

The composition of jersey fabric

Jersey fabric can be made from a variety of raw materials. There are several types of jersey :

Cotton jersey is the most commonly used. It's soft, comfortable to wear and the easiest to sew. If you're just starting out, we recommend you start with this fabric. It's used to sew t-shirts, casual pants, children's clothing and accessories (headbands, for example).

As its name suggests, viscose jersey is made from viscose fiber. A smooth fabric, thiner than cotton, it is more difficult to work with. It's best suited to more experienced seamstresses, as it tends to slip. Viscose jersey is ideal for sewing lighter, more elegant pieces: dresses, tops, shorts...

Polyester jersey is made from synthetic fibers. Highly breathable and strong, it is ideal for sportswear and leggings, for example.

Wool jersey is thicker and less elastic than the others. Warm and soft, it's ideal for sewing winter garments.

Alongside these most common compositions, there are other specialized jersey fabrics such as quilted (baby accessories), Spandex (swimwear), silk (festive attire ) and Milano (knitwear).

How to sew jersey ?

Sewing jersey can be a daunting task for beginners in the sewing world. But don't panic... Here are a few simple tips to help you sew successfully:

Which needle should you use for sewing jersey?
Not essential, but essential for ease and precision: there are sewing needles specifically for jersey fabric. Both by hand and on your sewing machine, simply use a jersey needle or stretch needle. Unlike the universal needle, its rounded point allows it to glide between the fabric fibers without damaging them. Also consider the double jersey needle on your machine for impeccable hems and finishes.

Which sewing thread should I use for jersey fabric?
For sewing machines, we recommend Gütermann's Maraflex elastic thread: a high-tension thread for flexible seams. For the overlocker, do you know foam thread? Flexible and highly elastic, it is a special element designed for decorative seams in jersey.
Use the zigzag stitch, which stretches the fabric during sewing to prevent creasing and distortion.
Use plenty of pins to hold your pieces in place.
Practice and take your time! Test your jersey on fabric scraps before starting your project.

What can you sew with jersey fabric?

Lots of pretty things! Because of its soft and extensible features, jersey is suitable for sewing a wide variety of garments and accessories, generally light, comfortable pieces, but the possibilities are endless:

Light tops: jersey is perfect for sewing sleeveless tops, blouses and t-shirts with longer or shorter sleeves, depending on the season. It can also be used as a decorative touch (pleats, inserts, little bows, etc.) to make your pieces original.
Dresses, skirts and smooth jumpsuits. Choose colorful, jersey fabrics with patterns for spring/summer pieces.
Jogging pants and leggings can be sewn in jersey for relaxed days or sports sessions.
Soft and comfortable pyjamas
Accessories : think about jersey for headbands, socks, hats, snoods, etc.

Which pattern should I use?

Here are a few pattern suggestions in our store that you can use to sew in jersey fabric:

FOR WOMEN:

FOR CHILDREN:

Now you know (almost) everything ;-) All that's left for you is to put it all into practice and sew up some gorgeous jersey clothes. Don't hesitate to share your creations with us!