Sewing and Pressing

Since knit fabric tends to stretch easily, it is important to be mindful of both sewing techniques and how you apply the iron. Until you become comfortable with knit sewing, please keep the following points in mind.

1. Basic Sewing

  • When sewing fabric pieces together, align the finished seam lines, not just the fabric edges. (Particularly for curved sections, simply aligning the fabric edges may result in mismatched lengths.)
  • To prevent the fabric from shifting, secure the area to be sewn with pins. If sewing from the right side, place the pins from the right side as well. (For fabrics that cannot be pinned, use clips instead.)
  • Since dog clothes often consist of small pieces, it is recommended to baste near the finished seam line before sewing with the machine, especially for curved sections.
  • If sewing with a 1 cm(3/8 inch) seam allowance feels difficult, try transferring the finished seam line from the pattern onto the wrong side of the fabric and sew along that line.
  • At the beginning and end of each stitch, secure the seam with a backstitch.
  • Where the instructions mention "topstitching," sew approximately 1–2 mm(1/32–1/16 inch) from the seam line or fabric edge.
  • Press seam allowances toward the Front body for areas such as the shoulders and sides. (Pressing them toward the Back body may cause pet fur to get caught.)
  • When pressing seam allowances open, fold them along the stitch line and firmly press them flat with the iron.
  • If finishing the raw edges with a household sewing machine, sew a zigzag stitch close to the straight stitch, then trim off the excess seam allowance.

2. Tips for Clean Stitching

  • Before starting, do a "test stitch" to check if the needle and thread size, as well as the thread tension, are appropriate. If the needle size is incorrect, it may create holes in the fabric.
  • For fabrics with poor glide, using a "Teflon presser foot" can help the fabric move smoothly.
  • Follow the natural flow of the machine, and avoid pushing or pulling the fabric—just guide it gently with your hands as you sew.
  • For thick fabrics or layers, pressing the seams with an iron will help them settle neatly.

3. Points to Consider When Sewing Knit Fabrics

  • To prevent the thread from breaking when the fabric stretches, keep the thread tension slightly loose for both the upper and lower threads.
  • For fabrics that stretch easily, reducing the presser foot pressure can help minimize excessive stretching.
  • If the fabric has stretched out, applying a steam iron can help it return to its original shape to some extent.

4. Precautions When Pressing with an Iron

  • Some fabrics may lose their texture when pressed, so always do a "test press" beforehand to check the appropriate temperature and whether the fabric can be ironed at all.
  • To prevent the fabric from stretching, press the iron straight down rather than sliding it side to side.
  • Be careful not to move the iron sideways while pressing.
  • When setting a shape, press down for about five seconds or use steam to help hold the shape in place.

For beginners sewing