I got an email last week from a customer asking how to tell the right side from the wrong side of a knit fabric. Well, here’s an easy answer! While a print is usually pretty obvious, many jerseys and double knits, especially solid colors, aren’t quite so easy to figure out.
Can you tell the right side by looking? I can’t, not always.
The good news is that there’s a simple “smoke test” for the right side. Simply stretch the knit on the cross-wise grain. The fabric will roll to the right side:
If you’re looking at the right side, it will curl towards you.
Whereas if the wrong side is facing toward you, it will curl away when you tug on it.
Wrong side facing you? The fabric will curl away
So if you are trying to find the “right side” of a knit, just tug on it. And of course, remember – the real right side is whichever one you prefer to be facing outward!
Happy sewing!
Cool! Very useful!
Thanks for the tip. I knew there was something about the roll, but which way? Sometimes I’ve resorted to just making sure I used the same side as “right side” for everything.
Aha!! Cool tip! Thanks for sharing that, Ann!!
That is incredibly helpful. I have several knits like that. : )
Thanks so much! Thats very helpful. Especially for a begginer like me.
Ann – I love to see what you sew using fabric I could buy right then. Is there a way you could do a post showing a few pairings of fabric from your store for pants and tops (I’m thinking I want a solid stretch woven capri pant with a knit top but hey! you’re the boss!)
I pick combinations that look well together. Then I sew it up and look like I’m either ready for the circus or wearing PJ’s that would work for a teacher of a kinder class on PJ day.
Spring is coming and I want to sew something colorful but wearable. I want to look sophisticated. Maybe I should skip the prints?
The other problem with spring is that the colors are usually – well spring! That works well for people who can wear warm corals, etc. but what about brunettes who wear cool tones? I want bright summer colors I guess.
Pingback: Pattern Review: Vogue 8742 Dress (OOP) | Gorgeous Fabrics' Blog
Pingback: V8742 | Gorgeous Fabrics' Blog