Chevron Maxi Dress 1/2 OFF Coupon Code

It is out!!  The Chevron Maxi Dress Pattern is out!!  The testers all did such an awesome job!  And I loved working with them.

Thanks again Jamie and Marisa.  Here are pictures of how their dresses turned out.

 

I am offering a coupon code for this pattern until July 3rd.  Go my Etsy Shop and after adding the pattern to your shopping cart enter coupon code CHEVRON12 to get 1/2 off the pattern price.

Sewing With Knit Fabrics, How To

Sewing knits can be very frustrating for a beginner seamstress.  Some people are so scared to sew on a knit fabric.  One of the scariest things with a knit fabric is how far they can stretch while sewing.  And sometimes they will stretch in all 4 directions!

Before you want to start your project on knit fabric, make sure you remember is to pre wash your fabric!!  Most knits will shrink, and it would be so sad to have it shrink after you have made your maxi skirt or what ever it is you are sewing.

Then check the needle on your sewing machine.  The needle should only be used for 8-10 hours of sewing.  After that it will not give you the quality that you deserve.  Needle also come in different sizes, so make sure to use a ball point needle.  To get specific, the reason why is a ball point needle slides off the fabric threads instead of piercing through them  If you use a sharper needle you may have snags or a run in your fabric.

The best stitch to use on your knits is a serged edge.  The reason why is because a seger gives a slight stretch in the way it sews.  Don't worry if you don't own a serger, most people don't.  Here are 2 suggestions for stitch choices on your sewing machine.  By using either of these stitches you will keep thread from breaking while stretching when worn.

Every sewing machine comes with a zig zag stitch wich will work great.

Some sewing machines offer a stitch for sewing on knits, that are even more wonderful.

            Zig Zag stitch looks like this 

            Knit stitch looks like this 

There is not much of a difference between the two.  The difference is that the knit stitch takes a stitch backwards to help for the stretching fabric.  Both will work just great.

Keep in mind when sewing with the zig zag stitch, stretch the fabric slightly while sewing.  Just a little pull towards you as you are feeding the fabric through your sewing machine.  If you pull to much, the fabric may start to gather and look awkward.  So remember to just pull slightly.  Below is a picture of me pulling on my machine with a zig zag stitch.

I actually love sewing on knits, and I love even more to wear them.  Once you find the confidence to sew on knit fabrics, you will love them.  There are so many different knits out there and right now I am loving how many cute ones I can find!!  I will post a few simple projects for you to give a try soon.  An infinity scarf if a perfect start and very simple to do, and also a maxi skirt.  If you are ever sewing with a knit and are frustrated send me an email.  Lets figure it out together!!

Chevron Dress Winner's

And the winner's are - 

Jamie Little

and

Marisa Corrigan

I am so excited!  That was the best turn out that I have ever had for a pattern tester!  I am so giddy! Both ladies have the pattern and will have it tested within a week.  Then the pattern will be out for sale!  I will post later today a few helps with sewing with knits.

Chevron Maxi Dress Pattern Tester and Free Pattern ~ Closed

Last summer I had my really good friend help me make a pattern for the cutest quilt ever.  I am so addicted to chevrons, they are so fun!!  As soon as I figure out all of our chicken scratched notes I will share with you the instructions on how we made this quilt.

We made my baby a quilt before he was born, and once that was done I wanted to sew something else with a chevron in it.  Another love of mine are basic maxi skirts.  They are so comfortable and versatile for most occasions.  So with these two things as inspiration, I set out to make this fun new sewing pattern for girls.  It is such a fun dress with a short cap sleeve and scoop neckline.  Made with a jersey knit fabric, and a fun chevron print in the skirt.  I couldn't resist it.  After I made one for my daughter, I made one for my niece to match.  And I have had plenty more requests for this fun dress.
Patterns will come in sizes 2-12 for girls.

Well, I have the pattern ready to share with you!!  I am looking for 2 people to test this pattern for me.  If you would like to test this please follow the giveaway instructions below.  Here's the deal for you. You get the pattern for free. I only ask that you are able to sew the dress within a week of me emailing it to you, and give me any comments or suggestions you may have.  If you have any reason that you think you may not be able to get it sewn in time, please do not enter the raffle.  As soon as you have tested the sewing pattern as a thank you to you for your help, I will send you another free sewing pattern of your choice from my shop.  Here is a link to my shop to check it out - www.etsy.com/shop/mytaylormade.  

Contest will last 1 week starting tonight at midnight and ending at midnight, on Tuesday, June 18th.

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