# Help with jersey fabrics please! **URL:** \ **Category:** Craft Talk\ **Created:** [20 April 2015 14:12 UTC](https://talk.folksy.com/t/help-with-jersey-fabrics-please/6323 "2015-04-20T14:12:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![plumporridge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/folksy/user_avatar/talk.folksy.com/plumporridge/32/859_2.png) [@plumporridge](https://talk.folksy.com/u/plumporridge)\ **Post date:** [20 April 2015 14:12 UTC](https://talk.folksy.com/t/help-with-jersey-fabrics-please/6323/1 "2015-04-20T14:12:15Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![GrimmExhibition](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/folksy/user_avatar/talk.folksy.com/grimmexhibition/32/4093_2.png) [@GrimmExhibition](https://talk.folksy.com/u/GrimmExhibition)\ **Post date:** [20 April 2015 15:44 UTC](https://talk.folksy.com/t/help-with-jersey-fabrics-please/6323/2 "2015-04-20T15:44:31Z")
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. ---
**Author:** ![songoftheseam](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/folksy/user_avatar/talk.folksy.com/songoftheseam/32/22431_2.png) [@songoftheseam](https://talk.folksy.com/u/songoftheseam)\ **Post date:** [20 April 2015 19:26 UTC](https://talk.folksy.com/t/help-with-jersey-fabrics-please/6323/3 "2015-04-20T19:26:57Z")
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. 😄 ---
**Author:** ![plumporridge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/folksy/user_avatar/talk.folksy.com/plumporridge/32/859_2.png) [@plumporridge](https://talk.folksy.com/u/plumporridge)\ **Post date:** [21 April 2015 09:02 UTC](https://talk.folksy.com/t/help-with-jersey-fabrics-please/6323/4 "2015-04-21T09:02:22Z")
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](https://www.facebook.com/454953721260161/photos/pcb.809004752521721/809003915855138/?type=1&theater) ---
**Author:** ![GrimmExhibition](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/folksy/user_avatar/talk.folksy.com/grimmexhibition/32/4093_2.png) [@GrimmExhibition](https://talk.folksy.com/u/GrimmExhibition)\ **Post date:** [21 April 2015 09:34 UTC](https://talk.folksy.com/t/help-with-jersey-fabrics-please/6323/5 "2015-04-21T09:34:27Z")
Swwweeeeeeeeeeeeet, looks fab. ---
**Author:** ![EileensCraftStudio](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/folksy/user_avatar/talk.folksy.com/eileenscraftstudio/32/339_2.png) [@EileensCraftStudio](https://talk.folksy.com/u/EileensCraftStudio)\ **Post date:** [21 April 2015 12:59 UTC](https://talk.folksy.com/t/help-with-jersey-fabrics-please/6323/6 "2015-04-21T12:59:43Z")
Not a bad job at all well done 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![plumporridge](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/folksy/user_avatar/talk.folksy.com/plumporridge/32/859_2.png) [@plumporridge](https://talk.folksy.com/u/plumporridge)\ **Post date:** [22 April 2015 08:56 UTC](https://talk.folksy.com/t/help-with-jersey-fabrics-please/6323/7 "2015-04-22T08:56:31Z")
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!