Learn to Sew Your Clothes: Sewing with Knits
Make the Limestone Leggings and Top
Reap the benefits of wearing custom-made, ultra-comfy clothes! In our premiere online course, Learn to Sew with Knits, you’ll learn everything you need to know to confidently sew with knit fabrics while making the Limestone Leggings and Top – a wardrobe workhorse activewear set that takes you from workout to campsite to a night out with friends.
If you’re afraid of sewing with knits or if you have experienced weepy moments while your machine eats your soft jersey and you can’t figure out why, this class is for you! Leave the tears behind and embrace the comfort and ease of sewing (and wearing) knits!
After learning all about knit fabrics and deciding if you need to make any adjustments to your pattern (we cover those, too!) the course guides you through cutting out and sewing your Limestone Top and Leggings.
We’ll walk you through every step, teaching you professional techniques and behind-the-scenes tips, all with a healthy dose of encouragement and humor.
In this in-depth yet supportive and fun online course – designed to feel like a multi-week in-person class – you will make an exceptionally versatile Limestone Leggings and Top activewear set from the comfort of your own home.
Watch (and re-watch) the 11 hours of instructional video any time – your course access never expires.
In class, you’ll be using the Limestone Leggings and Top PDF pattern, which comes in sizes 0-34 and is included in your enrollment. The printed pattern sheets are included and shipped to your door! The Limestone Leggings set is the ultimate multi-functional wardrobe basic.
You don’t need a serger or coverstitch machine for this class. Your expert instructor, Shaerie, will help you learn the stitch settings that are strong enough for stretchy fabrics (no wardrobe malfunctions here!) and show you how to sew straight seams even on squishy knits.
In this course, you’ll learn:
- How to choose the right fabric for your project
- How to fit garments with negative ease
- Cutting tips and tricks for knits
- Fitting modifications for busts of all sizes
- Machine settings for working with knit fabrics – no matter your machine
- Recommended stitches for strong seams
- Troubleshooting guidelines
- Professional hemming and finishing techniques
- The ideal, ultra-comfortable method for adding wide elastic to a sports bra
- How to work with narrow elastic and insert it in necklines, armscyes, and waistbands for increased durability and better fit
Who is it for?
This course is perfect for confident beginner and intermediate sewists who want to expand their skillset to include working with knit fabrics. It is also for those who have sewn a few knit garments but would like to improve on their skills and fill in gaps that will allow them to sew knitwear that fits well, lasts, and has a polished, professional look. If you are new or lack confidence sewing with knits, this course is for you!
If you are an absolute beginner sewist, you’ll want to start at the beginning of our Learn to Sew Your Clothes pathway. Take our placement quiz to find the perfect course for you!
This course is part of our Learn to Sew Your Clothes learning path, a series designed to accompany you as you level up your sewing skills.
Hear what our Learn to Sew students are saying:
Which Learn to Sew course is right for you?
We have courses for sewists of all levels, from complete beginner to advanced.
Unsure about where to begin? Our simple quiz will find your perfect starting point on Sew Liberated’s Learn to Sew Your Clothes pathway.
Your instructor,
Shaerie Mead
Teaching people how to sew their own clothes is Shaerie Mead’s jam, and she’s been doing it for decades.
In addition to being a patternmaker and designer of her clothing line, Iona, she owned the much-loved Sew LA, a workshop space where she taught hundreds and hundreds of folks how to sew.
Shaerie’s clear, detailed, and approachable teaching style will put you at ease and deliver so many “ah-ha!” moments. She really gets how beginners learn, and she’s got your back.
“Shaerie is one of the best teachers I have come across, and I have taken A LOT OF CLASSES!” – Karen
Your other instructor,
Meg McElwee
There’s little Meg loves more than bringing mindfulness and a little bit of humor to the practice of sewing.
She brings her background as a progressive educator to the design and back end of the Learn to Sew Your Clothes series, and can’t wait to pop in to the lessons here and there to inject her expertise in sewing and creative styling.
Your fellow student,
Sophia Kiser
You won’t be alone on your journey! You’ll learn by watching upbeat and intrepid Sophia learn to sew.
She’ll ask all the important beginner questions that are on your mind. Thanks to Sophia’s candid learning curve, you’ll realize that everyone makes little mistakes, and it’s ok! Mistakes are simply the way we hone new skills.
You’ll be delighted to observe Sophia blossom as a sewist as the lessons progress, right alongside you.
“I’ve spent hours and hours with Shaerie and Sophia (I have taken every single class!) Sophia has grace, enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of humor.” – Lisa
learn to sew with friends
Join over 1500 students who have experienced the warmth and connection of Sew Liberated’s online course communities.
Your course includes membership in our online support group, hosted on our own website. No Facebook necessary!
You’ll love the ability to get answers to all of your questions and post project photos while making new friends who totally get your passion!
FAQs
Will my course materials expire? Do I get lifetime access?
Your course access never expires! With your purchase you get lifetime access to the course videos, other materials, and membership in the private Learn to Sew support group. You also get lifetime access to the downloadable PDF Studio Tunic sewing pattern.
What level of sewist should take this course?
This course, Sewing with Knits, is designed for confident beginner to intermediate sewists. The videos take you through the foundational skills of sewing with knits as well as every step of sewing the Limestone Leggings and Top. Our course community provides support and feedback as you go.
I haven’t taken the previous courses in the Learn to Sew Your Clothes series. Can I take this one?
Yes! This course is accessible to confident beginner and intermediate sewists. If you are fairly confident sewing with woven fabrics and know how to use a sewing machine, you should be just fine.
If you are brand new to sewing we recommend you start with Intro to Sewing or Sewing Basics 1. Take our helpful placement quiz to find out the best starting place for you!
When can I start, and how much does it cost?
You can start right away! The cost is $129, which includes the Limestone Leggings and Top PDF sewing pattern as well as printed pattern pieces shipped to you (there may be an extra shipping fee for those outside the US). The overall price is similar to what you might pay for a comparable in-person class.
How do I get my pattern sheets?
When you sign up for Sewing with Knits, your printed pattern sheets are included in your course purchase. We will mail your pattern sheets to your door, and you will be able to access your PDF pattern (which includes your instructions) from your My Account page on Sew Liberated’s website. Downloads do not expire.
How do I know if the patterns will fit me?
We pride ourselves on having an inclusive size range. All of the patterns on the Learn to Sew Your Clothes learning path fit bust measurements up to 58.5” (147 cm), waist measurements up to 52.5” (133 cm) and hip measurements up to 61” (155 cm). We draft for a dressmaker’s C-cup (that’s a 3″ difference between your high bust measurement and your full bust measurement) and a height of 5’5″ (165 cm). The class includes instructions for fitting diverse bust sizes as well as simple fitting tips for leggings.
Can I make any view of the Limestone Leggings and Top?
Instructions are provided for both views of the top and the cuff and regular hem options of the leggings. With this information, you’ll easily be able to use the included PDF instructions to make bike shorts or shorties if you so desire!