With the Twirly Skirt Sew-Along starting in just a few days (you can get all the details) I here thought it would be helpful to offer a few tips on laying out and cutting knit fabric that helps save yardage. As I explain in the video below when I figure out the yardage requirements for a pattern, there are many reasons that I have to err on the side of overestimating fabric. But by utilizing a few of these tips, you can get your next sewing project out of that great piece of fabric in your stash or cut down on the amount you need to purchase. I explain everything in the video, but you can read as well.
Establish the Grain line by cutting the fabric with a rotary cutter and wide ruler.
2. Place the pieces next to each other with no gaps between the pieces. This is possible since you established the straight grain line.
3. Ignore the pattern layout and fit the smaller pieces in where ever you can.
4. Fold the selvedges to the middle to create two folded edges for pieces cut out on the fold. Fit additional pieces in between.
By following these tips, it's possible to get up to a size 7 Twirly Skirt out of 1 yard of 55 inch wide fabric and up to a size 12 out of a yard and a half. I hope these tips have helped and I would love to have you join us for the Sew-Along getting started on Februrary 10, 2021. Happy Sewing!