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Knits

By Debbie Colgrove, About.com

Close-up of knit and woven fabric.Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com
Definition: The term knits is used to describe fabric that is constructed with loops of thread rather than woven which is threads that intersect at ninety degree angles.

The amount of stretch in kit fabrics varies widely. A pattern will instruct you as to how much stretch a knit fabric choice should have.

Gain basic sewing skills by sewing with a woven fabric before a knit fabric. A knit definitely requires that you allow the sewing machine to feed the fabric to prevent stretching the fabric as you sew it. It may also require that you make adjustments to the amount of pressure that the machine is applying to the presser foot.
Examples:
I used woven fabric to sew a pattern that said, "Knits Only". I should have believed the directions because the woven fabric doesn't have stretch and I can't pull the pants over my hips.

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