VIDEO Sewalong - How to Sew the Lou Box Top in Knit Fabric

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Today I have our very first sewalong video. In the past, I’ve done sewalongs using photos and text but now that I’m getting more familiar with making videos and have a real YouTube channel, I thought it would be fun to do a video. This video goes step by step through the sewing process of making the Lou Box Top pattern. This pattern comes with instructions for sewing it in woven and in knit fabric. There is an existing sewalong for the Lou Box Top right here and it mostly covers sewing the top with woven fabric. So I thought it could be helpful for this video to be all about sewing with knit fabric. 

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE LOU BOX TOP PATTERN

I have a couple of other videos about sewing with knits that may be helpful to you. The first is tips for sewing with knits and the second is how to use a twin needle. In the video I use both a conventional sewing machine and a serger. If you don’t have a serger you can use only a conventional machine. Just make sure to use a stitch that stretch for your seams. You can use a narrow zig zag stitch or a lightning stitch. 

One more note, these instructions favor sewing things flat instead of in the round because I think that’s little easier for beginners. (Specifically the neckline and sleeves are sewn flat.) But, it’s totally personal preference. I will be doing another video soon about sewing a neck band in the round so stay tuned for that. You can follow me on YouTube to be notified when new videos are released. And if you haven’t gotten your paws on the Lou Box Top pattern yet, you can get it right here. Happy sewing!

P.S. One more note! :) The top I make and wear in the video has a lower and wider scoop neck than the final pattern. This was one of my tester versions and after sewing it and getting tester feedback, I realized that it was too deep. The final pattern is much closer to the original pattern release.

Tips for How to Use a Twin Needle - VIDEO TUTORIAL

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One of the best ways to finish off your knit projects is to use a twin needle to stitch the hem. The great thing about a twin needle is that it can be used on any conventional sewing machine (as long as the needle plate can accommodate the width of the two needles) but sometimes it can be challenging to use.

In today’s video, I’ll give you some tips that you can use to trouble shoot your twin needle stitching.

1) Use wooly nylon thread

2) Use wash away adhesive sewing tape

3) Adjust the bobbin tension (I’m a little reluctant to recommend this and have never actually done it so PROCEED WITH CAUTION. I suspect it could work because a lot of the issues around twin needles is that the bobbin thread is too tight. But, it could be challenging to change the tension back. So, research it. On my Brother CS6000i, the only way to get it to work with elastic thread in the bobbin is to adjust the bobbin tension and it was recommended to buy a second bobbin case expressly for that purpose.)

4) If your machine has it, use the twin needle setting. (I’m using a Janome Memory Craft in this example and it makes a noticeable difference when I use the twin needle setting.)

5) Thread the machine according to your machine’s manual. (And thread each thread separately, not both at the same time.)

6) If you’re still having problems, do a google search for your specific machine. Other people might have posted about it.

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this video. I have a whole series of YouTube videos planned focused on tips and tutorials for sewing with knits. In case you missed it, make sure to check out last week’s video “How to Adjust Serger Tension". And if you haven’t done so already, I’d be so grateful if you subscribe to my channel on YouTube.