Written By Sarah Wadey
Have you have tried working with jersey fabric but found the cut edge rolls and feels hard to control? Don’t worry we have some top tips to help you regain control of those rolly edges!
Why does jersey fabric roll?
Single knit jersey can roll up quite a bit at the edges. This happens because of the way it is knitted. It has one flat side (look for little ‘V’s) and one piled side.
For the knitters out there, it is like stocking stitch with the knit stitch on the face side and a purl stitch on the reverse side. Single jersey fabric can be very stretchy and are usually lightweight.
Double knitted jerseys (interlock jersey, Ponti Roma) have the knit stitch on both sides. For the knitters out there, it’s like garter stitch. Generally, they have less stretch and may only have significant stretch in one direction. Double knit fabrics will lay flat and don’t roll. They are heavier weight so they are ideal for newbies to knit fabrics, and ideal for the Cosy Jersey Dress or Tunic!
How do I tame rolly jersey?
Fortunately, there are few ways to tame the rolly cut edges of your single jersey fabrics.
1. Dampen the fabric
Use a spray bottle to lightly dampen the fabric before pressing it flat
2. Use spray starch
Spray starch can be used in the same way. take care not to use too much as the fabric may become stiff and uncomfortable. Spray starch should wash out in the first wash.
3. Overlock the edge with a wide stitch
One way to tame any rolly or very fraying edges is to overlock them. Use a wide stitch to hold them firmly in place. It is a good idea to do this for fabrics which fray a lot before pre-washing them.
