woven vs knit

I have sewn for years. Does it make a huge difference to substitute woven
vs knits when making dresses for little girls age 4-6 ? I am a newbie
also,be kind

It depends on the pattern. If it specifically says "for stretch knits only"
or "for knits only" it more-than-likely just won't work with a woven fabric.
Some cute little sundresses and jumpers that are made for wovens will work
just fine with lightweight knits. Just be careful when sewing not to
stretch the fabric. If you have a specific pattern on hand or in mind, that
would help in telling you more definitely whether or not it would be a good
idea to substitute the fabrics....


"gail" wrote in message
...
I have sewn for years. Does it make a huge difference to substitute woven
vs knits when making dresses for little girls age 4-6 ? I am a newbie
also,be kind

On Fri, 15 Aug 2003 13:45:08 GMT, gail wrote:
I have sewn for years. Does it make a huge difference to substitute woven
vs knits when making dresses for little girls age 4-6 ? I am a newbie
also,be kind

Almost always, you can substitute one for the other EXCEPT when the
pattern says something about "stretch knits only". Those patterns
typically have "negative ease"... they're cut smaller than the body
they're meant to fit (like a swimming suit), and rely on the stretch
of the knit so the wearer can breathe and move.

However, if you're substituting a knit for a woven, the knit may feel
and look a bit loose... you may want to go down half a size grade
or even a full size grade. Likewise, if you substitute a woven in a
pattern calling for a stable knit, it may feel a bit tight.

Of the two substitutions, without examining the pattern to see if the
dart ease has been removed from the knit and turned into one of those
sneaky knit rounded underarm corners that work so well and are so comfortable,
I'd be more comfortable seeing you use a knit in a woven pattern
vs. a woven in a knit pattern. Also, in the midst of sewing, if the
knit-cut-by-woven-pattern starts looking too huge on the child, you can
always take it in. You have to be a lot more creative on how to add
ease if things are the other way around. g

Kay Lancaster

"Norma" wrote in message
. ..
To add another question to this, instead of a knit, could you use a woven
if
you were to do it in the diagonal, ?


I would be reluctant to do that, you can run into more problems than they
are worth. Lots of wavy seams and a tendency to stretch the fabric out of
shape. Depending on the pattern, you might be able to use a woven and add
seam allowances to include a zipper up the back. but again it depends on
the pattern.

Laura