Master knit sewing techniques in this online sewing class featuring the Greer Dress pattern. Learn essential skills for working with stretch fabrics while creating a figure-hugging mock neck dress. This course teaches you professional methods for constructing trumpet skirts, flared sleeves, and stable necklines. Perfect for sewists ready to work with knits. Create a comfortable, stylish dress that celebrates your curves and showcases your sewing expertise.
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Welcome to the Greer dress sewalong! In this first lesson, Erica will introduce you to our sewalongs and give you some helpful tips. And in the next lesson, she’ll show you how to pick a size and prep your pattern and fabric.
If you’re feeling confident about getting started, you can go ahead and skip to lesson 3 and you’ll learn some helpful fitting techniques for the pattern.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this sewalong:
Here is everything you need to know about the Greer dress before you start sewing!
Greer is a timeless, figure-hugging knit dress with an ankle-skimming length that keeps you feeling comfortable and effortlessly chic. With its trumpet skirt and subtly flared sleeves, Greer offers a unique silhouette that adds a touch of drama while still being incredibly wearable.
The neckline features a relaxed mock neck for a modern, polished look, while the fitted shape through the bust, waist, and hips celebrates your curves.
Choosing a knit fabric with the right amount and stretch and good recovery is really important for Greer. Look for medium-weight knit fabrics with 4-way stretch and at least 50% stretch, such as cotton jersey, bamboo jersey, rib knits, and ITY knits.
Fabric qualities to look for: When you are shopping for fabric pay most attention to the stretch and drape of the fabric. This pattern requires 50% stretch as it is very fitted to your body.
If you prefer a more structured, stable knit, look for one with less drape, and make sure it has good recovery. Cotton jersey is a good option as long as it has at least 5% spandex and good recovery.
If you prefer more of a swinging silhouette, choose a fabric with more drape. Look for blends that include rayon, bamboo, or viscose, or opt for a sweater knit that has some spandex.
Many fabric shops will list a stretch percentage for a fabric. This percentage tells you how much the fabric can stretch beyond its original length.
For example, if a fabric has 50% stretch, it means that a 10-inch piece of fabric can stretch an additional 5 inches.
How to Determine Stretch Percentage in Fabric Unsure if your fabric has the right amount of stretch? In this quick video, you’ll learn a formula for calculating your fabric’s stretch percentage, so you’ll know if it’s right for your next knit garment.
Spandex—sometimes called elastane—is an important fiber for your knit fabric because it provides the elasticity needed for stretch and recovery.
Recovery means that the fabric will not only stretch to fit your shape but will also bounce back to its original form without sagging.
An ideal spandex percentage for good recovery in a knit fabric is typically between 3% and 8%. You’ll have enough elasticity for the fabric to stretch comfortably while ensuring it snaps back into shape.
Here’s what you’ll need for this project:
Here are some additional resources to help you make the most of this sewalong:
Introducing the Greer Dress: Fabric, fitting, and styling tips to help you sew this pattern.
Projector Sewing: There’s a group of makers who no longer have to print, tape, and cut paper patterns.
Understanding Ease: Learn everything you need to know about ease in a sewing pattern.
Find the Grainline: Tips for making sure you cut your fabric on the grainline.
Fit Journal: Download our free fitting journal.
How to blend between sizes: Watch this video to learn how to blend between sizes.
Seamwork Help Site: Get answers to your most frequently asked questions about Seamwork.
Learn to Sew Clothing: For Absolute Beginners: In this course, we teach you how to sew, from the very beginning. By the end you’ll have made a jacket and a dress!
The Ultimate Guide to Fitting Techniques from Seamwork: A list of our most helpful fitting resources.
How to Fit With Confidence: Learn how to fit your clothes to your body. This class is free for Seamwork members!
How to Raise, Lower, or Change the Neckline on a Pattern: Learn how to adjust and hack the neckline on a pattern. This class is free for Seamwork members!
Helpful Downloads:Use these worksheets, downloads, and planners to take your sewing to the next level.
Seamwork Member Fabric Discounts:Get exclusive discounts from fabric shops worldwide. With the money you’ll save with these discounts, it’s like getting your Seamwork membership for free!
Work alongside other sewists by participating in the Seamwork community. Ask and answer questions, share your progress, get inspired by real-life sewists, and post your finished projects.
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