Learn to Sew Knits + T-Shirts | Online Sewing Class

A complete foundation in sewing knits, no serger required!

Sewing Classes

Learn to Sew Knits + T-Shirts | Online Sewing Class

Name: Learn to Sew Knits + T-Shirts | Online Sewing Class
Brand: Closet Core Patterns
SKU: CLASS-KNITS-1
Price: 69.0 USD
Availability: InStock

from $69.00 USD

Learn to Sew Knits + T-Shirts | Online Sewing Class

$69.00 USD

Knits aren't harder to sew. They're just different — and we're going to teach you why.
This class teaches you the insider fabric knowledge, precise techniques, and sewing machine setup that makes sewing knits a breeze, no serger required.

This class starts with the fundamentals: how knit fabric is actually constructed (and why knits behave differently from wovens, and from each other), how to set up your machine for success, and exactly which technquies to reach for and when. Then we'll sew a complete t-shirt together from start to finish, and you'll learn how to choose the right stitch for the right fabric, and how to nail three neckline finishes: a bound crew, a banded scoop, and a V-neck band, for flawless results every time. You'll walk away with t-shirts you'll want to wear every day, and skills you can apply to future projects.

Best of all? You don't need a serger! Every technique in this class works on a regular sewing machine, and we’ll show you where a serger genuinely helps if you already have one.

With over a decade of teaching sewing to thousands of students online and in sold-out workshops across North America and Europe, Heather Lou has watched exactly where knit sewing goes wrong for home sewists and built this class to save you time and frustration. You'll get her fail-safe methods delivered with the same humor and grounded practicality that runs through all of our classes.

Our teaching philosophy is simple: test before you sew, and focus on progress over perfection. You'll finish this class with a t-shirt you're proud to wear, and the skills and know-how to approach future knit projects with enthusiasm and confidence.

PATTERN INCLUDED

Enrollment includes the Amelie T-Shirt pattern

UNIVERSAL SKILLS

Every technique works on a regular machine

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Bound crew, banded scoop, or V-neck, and 3 sleeve options

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

How to Understand Knit Fabric

You'll learn how to scope a knit before you buy it, including:

How the four fabric factors - structure, fibre, stretch, and weight - combine to determine how a knit will behave, drape, and sew
The difference between single knits, double knits, and ribbing, and what each is actually good for
How to test stretch percentage and find the Direction of Greatest Stretch (who let the DOGS out)
The needle, thread, and presser foot setup for best results
What types of knits are the easiest to work with
What causes pilling, and how to spot a knit that will hold up over time

SEW KNITS LIKE A PRO — SERGER OPTIONAL

Master the Stitches That Actually Work

You'll learn how to set up your machine and choose the right stitch for every job, including:

How to match a stitch to the task, from seams and hems to topstitching
Zigzag, lightning stitch, and twin needle settings for a domestic machine, and when to use each one
How to feed knit fabric evenly so it doesn't pucker, tunnel, or wave
Serger fundamentals for pro results
Why testing and troubleshooting is the single most important skill you can learn

BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

Construct & Finish Your Amelie T-Shirt

Following along step-by-step, you'll construct a complete t-shirt from start to finish, including:

How to stabilize tricky fabrics
Sewing shoulder seams so they don't stretch out over time
Three complete neckline finishes: a bound crew neck, a banded scoop neck, and a V-neck band
How to cut and sew a knit neckband that lies flat instead of gaping or puckering
A clean, enclosed back-neck finish for a high-end result
Tricks for seaming and setting in sleeves
Hemming a knit without stretching, tunneling, or wavy edges

Preview the Class

Lifetime access ~ Watch anytime ~ Revisit techniques forever

Amelie T-Shirt (XXS-6X)

Designed to Help You Succeed:

Supportive community

24/7 unlimited access

closed captions

transferrable skills

help from our team

Class Curriculum

Section One — Knit Basics
Intro (4 min) - Welcome to the class and an overview of what you'll learn
Lesson 1: Understanding Knit Fabrics (66 min) - Weave structure, fibre composition, stretch, weight, and how to choose the right knit for your project
Lesson 2: Machine + Supplies (33 min) - Needles, thread, presser feet, stabilizers, and what a serger/coverstitch adds if you have one
Lesson 3: Sewing Knits with a Domestic Machine (39 min) - Stitch selection, tension, and feeding technique for professional results without a serger
Lesson 4: Sewing Knits on a Serger + Coverstitch (21 min) - Differential feed, seam allowances, and attaching clear elastic
Lesson 5: Prepping & Cutting (32 min) - Prewashing, pressing, grain, and cutting with the direction of greatest stretch
Section Two — Sewing the Amelie T-Shirt
Intro: Project Overview & View Selection (19 min) - Choosing your view, fabric, and size for the fit you want
Lesson 1: Shoulder Seams (14 min) - Stabilizing and sewing shoulders that hold their shape
Lesson 2: Bound Neckline (Crew Neck) (32 min) - View A construction, start to finish
Lesson 3: Band Neckline (Scoop Neck) (24 min) - View B, including the ratio system for a flat, professional band
Lesson 4: V-Neckline Band (23 min) - View C, shaping and sewing a clean V point
Lesson 5: Finishing the Back Neck (18 min) - A ready-to-wear enclosed finish for all views
Lesson 6: Sleeves, Side Seams (18 min) - Setting in sleeves and sewing continuous side seams
Lesson 7: Hem Finishes (21 min) - Even, professional hems without stretching or tunneling

Total course length: 6 hours, 5 minutes

Meet Your Instructor

Heather Lou is the force behind Closet Core Patterns and Core Fabrics. As a pattern designer and sewing educator, she has been writing and teaching about sewing for over a decade, and has taught thousands of people to sew, both online and in sold-out sewing workshops across North America & Europe. Her work has been featured in Threads, Sew News, Seamwork, Love Sewing and Sewing World magazine.

With her contagiously positive attitude, Heather’s teaching style is fun, approachable, and filled with helpful tips and techniques to help you transform the outfits in your imagination into a self-made wardrobe you love — not one you’re limited to buying off the rack.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm ready to finally get knits right! How do I get started?

Click enroll and you'll be automatically enrolled after checkout. Your login link will be sent by email - check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox. Our classes are hosted on a platform called Mighty Networks; you'll need to create a profile there to access your class.

When does this class start and finish?

The class includes on-demand video lessons you can watch anytime, at your own pace. You’ll have lifetime access so you can revisit techniques whenever you need them.

Do I need a serger to take this class?

No. Every technique is taught on a regular sewing machine first. Very basic serger instructions are included as a bonus lesson for anyone who has one or is considering adding one.

If you're new to using a serger, we recommend pairing this class with our Serger + Coverstitch Basics class, which will teach you everything you need to actually use it.

What fabric do I need for this class?

A light to mid-weight knit with at least 30% crosswise stretch. The class teaches you how to evaluate any knit before you buy it, so you're not stuck guessing. Our top picks for knit beginners are 100% cotton jersey, or a cotton spandex blend.

What supplies do I need to get started?

A complete supply list is included in the class. At minimum, you'll need a sewing machine capable of a zigzag stitch, needles designed for knit fabrics, and high-quality thread. We also recommend a walking foot for your domestic machine.

A serger and coverstitch machine are optional, not required.

Can I choose which neckline and sleeve length to sew?

Yes - the Amelie pattern includes three neckline finishes (bound crew, banded scoop, V-neck) and three sleeve lengths (cap, short, long), and the class walks through all of them so you can pick what suits you, or make more than one.

How long does the class take to complete?

It’s completely up to you. The full class includes just over 8 hours of video across 12 lessons, but you don’t need to watch every lesson start to finish. You’re welcome to dip in and out, focusing on the techniques and sections that are most useful to you.

Binge-watch in a weekend, take it slowly over time, or return to specific lessons whenever you need them — there’s no time limit and you can revisit the class as often as you like.

How do I get my pattern? Is it PDF only?

The Amelie T-Shirt pattern is available in PDF format only. It's downloadable immediately after checkout; the file is also saved to your customer account for future downloads.

We offer PDF patterns in the following formats: print-at-home, copy shop, and projector files. Our print-at-home letter/A4 files are "no trim" making them fast and easy to assemble!

Can I use this class with any t-shirt pattern — not just Closet Core?

Absolutely. While your enrollment includes our Amelie tee, all of the techniques you learn apply to any t-shirt pattern you choose — including patterns from other designers.

How long can I access the class?

All day, every day — but yes, for real, this class includes lifetime access. Once you enroll, the class is yours to revisit as often as you like, on any device, with no expiration.

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Ecovero Viscose

Pretty fabric but I had issue with very visible white snags happening after simple seam ripping. I will not be wearing the garment I made because of this issue. Only buy it if you won’t make any mistakes!

the fabric is gorgeous. I thought I had decided on a pattern, now im undecided.

Soft and Warm

I recently purchased this Wool suiting deadstock to make a Chanel-style jacket. It was wonderful to work with!
I wasn't sure if I would be able to detect the 35% polyamide, or how it would react to steaming in the dryer or ironing at a wool setting.
I am happy to tell you that I couldn't tell it wasn't 100% wool. It came out of the dryer from steam treatment fine and ironed up well at high heat. It's a lovely soft material. I could wear it against your skin without discomfort

Superb

This 10oz twill behaved so nicely. It sewed, serged, and ironed like a dream. Perfect for the jean skirt I made, has body but also drape. Cherry on top was a brass jeans button from Core Fabrics.

Soft

Very nice soft fabric, I loved working with it and it's quality

Very fun guy to work with

I love this mushroom print. I used it for a gathered sleeve Cielo top. The linen fabric is so nice to work with and the seams press beautifully. It has a nice structure for the gathered sleeve. The picture on the website seem true to color.

Custom Labels!