With spring and summer just around the corner, I wanted to introduce you to other types of fabrics that are perfect for the warm season in the shop. So today, I invite you to discover a material we have offered since the beginning at c'est du Joly: pointelle knit! Let’s get started with the discovery!

What is pointelle knit?

Pointelle knit, as its name suggests, is a knitted fabric, so it is a knit fabric like jersey, french terry... Like all knit fabrics, due to its knitting, pointelle knit is comfortable and has some stretch. Additionally, it is light, airy, and breathable thanks to its 100% cotton composition. It is therefore a very pleasant fabric to wear in spring and summer, just like double gauze. Finally, this knit features a delicate pattern that gives it a soft and romantic touch, suitable for women's, children's, and baby clothing.

The special feature of pointelle is that its knit includes openwork stitches forming a repetitive pattern; often chevrons, diamonds, squares... Its origin dates back to the 1950s, and its name likely derives from "pointe" because it was defined as "lace" made using a point (instead of bobbins...). Then the suffix "elle" was added, hence the name pointelle.

What to sew with pointelle knit?

Because of its openwork knit, pointelle is ideal for sewing:
- lightweight cardigans that you'll be happy to wear on summer evenings
- spaghetti strap tops, t-shirts...
- light dresses with thin straps or short sleeves
- nightwear, pajamas, nightgowns...
- lingerie: bralettes, panties, tank tops, bodysuits...
- rompers, bloomers, ...
- baby and toddler wardrobe ....

By the way, if you pay attention, you’ll see that pointelle knit is making a big comeback in clothing stores... It’s increasingly seen on store racks, and luxury and trendy brands like Lacoste, Sézane, Eric Bompard... are adopting it, just like that!

Which patterns to use?

All knit patterns are compatible with pointelle knit. I have selected several models to make it easier for you 😊

Tops and t-shirts:
- The honey girl by paradise pattern which was specifically designed for pointelle knit
- the Marion t-shirt by Atelier des premières which I made in a terracotta pointelle
- the Niki top by Atelier Bernie
- the pack of My girl t-shirt by Sewing Soon
- top and dress Mésange by Instinct Couture
- the Sasha top by Cha Coud
- the t-shirt Poppy by Clématisse Pattern

Cardigans:
- the honey girl extension pack by paradise pattern
- the Niki top by Atelier Bernie
- the Carlotta cardigan by Juliana Martejevs
- wrap cardigan knit wrap top by Isa in stitches

Dresses
- Honey girl dress by paradise pattern

Pyjamas/lingerie
- the Honey girl lounge set pack by paradise pattern including a top and multiversion pajama bottoms
- the Arthur pyjama by Atelier Guillemette

You will find in our shop 10 trendy colors of pointelle knits with a diamond pattern to make all these models also available on the website. All our pointelles are 100% cotton, Oeko-tex certified, and come in a nice width of 140cm.

What sewing level is it for?

Pointelle knit is accessible to anyone who has already sewn knit fabric like a t-shirt... After mastering jersey, pointelle can easily be your next sewing project 😊

How to sew it: techniques and necessary tools?

You can sew pointelle knit with a sewing machine but also with a serger.
To sew this type of fabric, you will need a jersey or stretch needle.

A needle size 80 will be perfect for this fabric.

You can also get a straight grain stabilizer roll for jersey, very useful for stabilizing necklines, armholes...

I hope this article has taught you a bit more about this trendy and so comfortable knit.

Find pointelle knits here and in our Woluwe store.
Get your needles ready!