I have 3 little girls t-shirts which I want to make into dresses by adding a gathered fabric skirt. I have never sewn knitted, jersey, stretchy fabrics before and wondered if anyone has any tips? Such as the stitch length, or how to feed it under machine foot. I have an overlocker, would that be easier to use than my sewing machine? Thanks all.
I would say yes to the overlocker as its a machine that allows fabric to stretch. Id use a stretchy fabric for the skirt too so the garment is easy to put on.
The most important things are to use a proper stretch needle (a normal needle will put ladders in your fabric) and to use a zig-zag stitch on parts that are likely to have any stress put on them … straight stitch will just break, zig-zag stitch has more stretch.
Using an overlocker will work well too. Just make sure you have the right needles in it.
Thank you ladies for setting me off on the right road! I used my overlocker in the end and I’m fairly happy with how it’s come out. It’s made me think though that I must learn how to use my overlocker properly, there’s so much more I could be doing with it. Here’s the dress if you want to take a look! https://www.facebook.com/454953721260161/photos/pcb.809004752521721/809003915855138/?type=1&theater
Swwweeeeeeeeeeeeet, looks fab.
Not a bad job at all well done 
Thank you both. I did two more yesterday and messed the second one up when I caught a bit of the t-shirt in the overlocker! I saved it by running it round on the sewing machine, however I don’t think the seam looks as good, so went back to the overlocker for number three. I feel like I learned a lot yesterday!