How to Sew Knit Fabric
Creating with knit fabrics does not have to be more difficult or limiting than with cotton fabrics. You can use a regular sewing machine, just check your user manual to adjust the pressure for use with knit. Too much pressure on the presser foot can cause the fabric to stretch and you'll be left with puckered seams! Make sure to prewash your knit fabric if it is 100% cotton to be rid of the shrinkage. The knit fabric I use, our Batik Knit, is 100% cotton with a one way stretch.
When sewing a seam where you do not want stretch, like a shoulder, use a stabilizer, such as a lightweight interfacing. With knit you can use a universal (general purpose) needle to sew--it is that easy. And no need to finish your seams, knit doesn't ravel!
For knits with a wide width, you need to adjust the yardage you purchase for your project. Below is a great conversion chart for determining yardage amounts. Our Batik Knits are 72” wide, so you do not need to purchase as much yardage as you would using a smaller width knit fabric.
Here’s a simple way to determine the approximate amount of yardage you need when your pattern calls for one fabric width and your fabric width is different. Let’s say your pattern requires 2-½ yards of fabric with a 45” width. Locate the column on the chart below that reads “45 inches” and scroll down to 2-½.
Follow that row across the chart until you get to the column that reads nearest to the width of your fabric. For example, if your fabric is 72” wide, you’ll see that you need roughly 1-½ yards for your project.
Check out the new knit batik fabric in the shop from Indonesian Batiks!
AURIFIL COLOR BUILDERS CLUB
Month two of the Aurifil Color Builders brings us to Pompeii, Italy... Pompeii was a rich and thriving destination until the famed eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD. The volcano buried the ancient Roman city in a carpet of ash, forever changing the landscape and leaving ruins that would carry bits of history through the ages. Today, the city is still in renewal but has become a destination once again, for historians and curious travelers. The ruins are stunning, boasting rich reds in partner with ashen grey. Our Pompeii Color Builder features 3 bold shades of 50wt thread in 5002, 2250, and 1103... a tribute to a strong and bold Italian city.
Six spots remain in the club... What do you get for $39 you might ask? You receive: Three beautiful spools of 50wt Italian Cotton Thread. A FREE monthly BOM that includes fabric and the pattern to coordinate with the specific color of the month! This group will get together to work on the block on the fourth Thursday from 2-4pm.
Area Guild News... If you are a member of a local guild, I know there are several around...send me a paragraph of upcoming events and I will post your information in this newsletter. Its always fun to see what other groups are doing! For example...
The Priest River Group...Sew What? is currently asking their members to donate two cat or dog themed blocks due at the March 2nd meeting. The gals are working on putting together a quilt for the Priest River No-Kill animal shelter. This group meets every Monday from 10:30-2 at Cuppa Tea Quilting.
Fat Quarter Quilters in Deer Park just finished a display and sale at the Winterfest event at the Deer Park High School. This is where they first displayed their gorgeous raffle quilt that will be raffled off at the August 2020 quilt show. This group meets every Tuesday at the Lutheran Church in Deer Park.
Interested in a Murder Mystery BOM? Become a member of the Murder and Mayhem Murder Mystery Quilts community! Every chapter of the original murder mystery and each block of the quilt holds clues to the identity of the murderer. At the end of the BOM, you’ll have made new friends, read an original murder mystery and made a gorgeous quilt!
We just started this fun adventure in January...so you are not too far behind if you would like to join in on the fun. Just send an email to Teresa@cuppateaquilting.com and the info will be on its way to you. Our next sit and sew for Month Two will be on Wednesday, Feb. 19. This is an open sew format, so show up anytime between 11-3!
Upcoming classes and events... All classes are $20 plus supplies. Class supplies purchased are now 15% off!
Bonner's Ferry Gun Show...Feb. 7-9 I will be there with my tapestries and some finished quilts to sell! The shop will be open...go and visit Debbie and say you read the newsletter for a special 25% off one yard of fabric!
FEBRUARY classes:
CRAZY QUILT CLASS: $20...Thursday, Feb. 13: 11-4pm
Bring ten fat quarters or 14" squares of fabric. Great class to use up your scraps! Class includes free pattern and rental of the Accuquilt cutter. Bring your sewing machine and supplies!
LAZY ANGLE Club: Block Two: Saturday, Feb. 15: 2-4pm. This will be a monthly group meeting on the third Saturday of the Month that uses the Lazy Angle Ruler. Each meeting will be $5...the first one is free to use my ruler and see if you would like to purchase one and make some gorgeous blocks! Sample blocks are on display in the Tea Room.
KIDS FISH CLASS: $25...Saturday, Feb. 22: 2-4pm
A great class to get your kids/grandkids involved in quilting! This is a no-sew class...but bring some fabric scissors! All supplies included.
ASTERIA BLOCK 7: Monday, Feb. 24: 12-2pm
BEGINNING PAPER PIECING: $20...Wed. Feb. 26, : 3-5pm
Come and create a fabulous block to learn how to paper piece...great for scraps of fabric. Free pattern is included in the class fee.
OPEN WIDE BAG: $20...Friday, Feb. 28: 10am-3pm
Fun, easy bag made with two fabrics, a zipper, and some mesh lining! Opens wide (hence the clever name) for easy access to your goodies inside!
AURIFIL COLOR BUILDERS BOM: Thursday, Feb. 27: 2-4pm. This is a free BOM for the members of the thread club... we will meet every fourth Thursday of the month.
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I am working on a sample for a beginner class. I have had lots of interest in learning how to make a quilt from start to finish. I will send out a separate news announcement once it's completed with all the details. This will be a six part class with homework to be completed in-between classes!
Session one: selecting your fabrics and using the AccuQuilt cutter. Session two: assembling the nine patch blocks. Session three: assembling the sashing and cornerstone blocks. Session four: focus on learning how to assemble the entire quilt. Session five: quilting your beauty on one of the long arm machines! Session six: putting on the binding.
Once the class is complete, you will have created your own quilt from start to finish! Sign up now to add your name to the list of students!
WINTER SHOP HOURS: Monday, Wed, Thursday, & Friday: 10-4pm Tuesday: 1-4pm Saturday: 10-2pm
Come and visit us at: 5609 US Hwy 2, Priest River, ID 83856 509-589-1350 www.CuppaTeaQuilting.com
Thank you for supporting Cuppa Tea Quilting, Teresa
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