Pattern: Deer & Doe Plantain T-Shirt
Fabric: rayon jersey
Cost: $5
Sure the Plantain T-Shirt is a great basic, and is no doubt the reason it's popping up all over the blogosphere this month. But sewing one up can also be a great chance to learn and practice some new skills. Here's three new techniques I tried out:
New hem technique: In my serger class a few years ago, I had learned how to do a flat lock stitch, and how it can be used to do a serged hem without a cover stitch machine. My previous attempts had always been a bit off, so this time I took the time to research the technique and sew various scrap samples. While I had thought I needed a different foot for this technique, it turns out that I didn't at all. The final hem, while not quite perfect, turned out well enough, and was the perfect stitch for a knit this stretchy and slippery.
Experiment with the details: For this project, I was eager to try out a new collar technique: the v-neck. Using a tutorial from The Sewing Rabbit, I gave it a couple goes and finally came out of it with something ok. I think it would probably work even better on a less slippery fabric.
The shirt itself also offers a lot of opportunity to play with the elbow patches or other added on details, which could be a ton of fun.
So, that's one simple shirt for me, but three new skills! And, the benefit of a simple shirt is that it goes well with my other handmades - including my flower pants and Minoru jacket.
Fabric: rayon jersey
Cost: $5
Sure the Plantain T-Shirt is a great basic, and is no doubt the reason it's popping up all over the blogosphere this month. But sewing one up can also be a great chance to learn and practice some new skills. Here's three new techniques I tried out:
Sewing with knits: While I have gotten quite comfortable with my serger in our 3+ years together, I still had one lingering problem with sewing knits: durability. For some reason, a few seams start to unravel after multiple washings, and my zig-zag hems often do not hold up. On this project I payed special attention to this challenge, and carefully knitted each serger chain. We'll see how this one turns up.
New hem technique: In my serger class a few years ago, I had learned how to do a flat lock stitch, and how it can be used to do a serged hem without a cover stitch machine. My previous attempts had always been a bit off, so this time I took the time to research the technique and sew various scrap samples. While I had thought I needed a different foot for this technique, it turns out that I didn't at all. The final hem, while not quite perfect, turned out well enough, and was the perfect stitch for a knit this stretchy and slippery.
Experiment with the details: For this project, I was eager to try out a new collar technique: the v-neck. Using a tutorial from The Sewing Rabbit, I gave it a couple goes and finally came out of it with something ok. I think it would probably work even better on a less slippery fabric.
The shirt itself also offers a lot of opportunity to play with the elbow patches or other added on details, which could be a ton of fun.
So, that's one simple shirt for me, but three new skills! And, the benefit of a simple shirt is that it goes well with my other handmades - including my flower pants and Minoru jacket.
Great idea to use a simple pattern to build your skills. You reminded me I want to give flatlock hemming a go.
ReplyDeleteSo you did the flat lock stitch with your serger?
ReplyDeleteI may have to try that out on mine.
Great basic tee, and the hem looks fabulous! Hope it holds up!
ReplyDeleteNice and basic looking Tee. I cut my plantain already but also raised the neckline by almost 4 cm, I found it very low cut. I may have to take an overlocker course as I don't know how to do any kind of stitches on mine, except for 3 thread and 4 thread. It did not come with a manual, was gifted to me, and I can't find one online. I like that flat lock stitch, looks great.
ReplyDelete