In the month of January, I rediscovered the book Sewing Stretch that was lying in my bookshelf. I had bought it after attending an overlocker workshop (tee-shirt and sweatshirt) and planned to sew some clothes in jersey. Time passed, other projects came along, and I forgot that I had bought it. While searching for a tee-shirt pattern in my library, I came across it again. I then began to devour it like a thrilling bedside book because this book is a goldmine whether you are just starting to sew jersey or are more experienced.

Why, you may ask?
First of all, because Marie explains in a professional and instructive way the whole concept of knit fabrics and teaches us to better know and recognize them.
She details:
- the history of knits: their birth, their evolution... but also the iconic pieces everyone has heard of like Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Breton shirt or the Lacoste polo shirt,
- the fibres that make up stretch fabrics and how to define the elasticity of a fabric,
- the different types of knit fabrics: lycra, interlock, milano... will hold no secrets for you after reading this work.
After this extremely thorough introduction comes, of course, the technique.
We review:
- the equipment and tools needed but also the typical supplies useful for sewing stretch fabrics like laminette or lastin,
- cutting and assembling techniques,
- the use of the twin needle,
- the different types of necklines and hems, finishing bands.
After reviewing the theory, we move on to practice with 8 basic patterns that can be adapted into many versions.
For my part, I chose the Lucette pattern which I worked as a dress length with 3/4 sleeves.

Here are the offered patterns:
- the basic tee-shirt Briac available in 8 necklines, 3 sleeve lengths and 4 lengths, making 96 tee-shirt versions
- the tee-shirt Erell with kimono sleeves available in 9 necklines and 4 lengths, making 36 versions
- the Gabriel tank top available like Erell in 36 versions
- the Yvonne strap top available in 12 versions by varying the strap positions and offered in 4 lengths
- the sweatshirt and the Jeannette Breton shirt available in 96 versions like Briac
- the raglan sleeve sweatshirt Maëlle available in 24 versions with 2 necklines, 2 sleeve lengths and 2 different hem options
- the wrap Lucette available in 36 versions with 3 different peplum shapes
- the Elouen backless top available in 24 possibilities
This makes 360 different patterns gathered in one book sold for around 25 euros; which would be 7 cents per pattern.
My words... Thank you, Marie 😉

For tracing the pattern, no problem. Despite the many patterns available, the pattern sheets are very easy to read. I encountered no difficulty in assembly.
I chose to finish the hem of the dress with a simple double-needle stitch.
I hemmed the sleeve ends and the front middles with an elastic bias.
I find that it elegantly highlights the bust.

The fabric and the bias come from Veritas.
Next steps: sewing tee-shirts which was the original goal... old habits die hard 😉
I have some lovely jerseys waiting from Lulu la Luciole. I adore them and will show you that a little later... now all that’s left is to...