Our Favorite Sewing Patterns for Knit Fabrics

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Sewing with knit fabrics and patterns carries with it a bit of mystique. However, knits are very forgiving when it comes to sizing and sewing — once you get going, your only regret will be not starting sooner! Whether you’re using a serger or a simple stretch stitch on your conventional sewing machine, knit patterns can be very beginner-friendly and very cozy.

Grab some jersey, French terry, waffle knit or any other stretch fabric, and try a project from our list of top knit sewing patterns.

Meg’s Picks

Being a project-based sewist, not process-based, I love sewing with knits because they come together so quickly! If I have an idea for a new stretchy garment, it can sometimes be cut and made within an hour. It took some reflecting to decide which patterns were my favorite; I summed it up as best I could, in both quantity sewn and quality of love.

Palmer Pullover from Sew News

Even though I have only made the Palmer Pullover once, it has been one I have worn and worn again. My husband even wants one for himself in the same neon fabric. It’s a shame I used the rest of the coral fleece for our rabbit’s new bed; luckily this pattern can be used for so many different kinds of knit fabrics. The fit is perfectly comfy, unisex, and stylish with the side slits and half zip.

Palmer Pullover by Jil Cappuccio | Left sample by Kimberly Payne ; right sample by Meg Healy

In my version, I also hacked the hood to include a drawstring. This one is a favorite due to the fact that I’m so in love with just my first version, and I know there will be more and more to come. The step-by-step sew-along videos are now included as part of the Sew Daily TV subscription, if you’d like a closer look at the essential skills to make this pattern your own.

Nikko Top by True Bias

I am a huge turtleneck fan — like huge — I wear them all year round. This season I think I stitched up almost ten Nikko Tops by True Bias. Once with long sleeves, short sleeves, no sleeves, and some even without the collar since I love the fit of the body so much. This had to make it to my favorites list since it is probably my most sewn pattern of all time including all knits and wovens. In one day I remember cutting and sewing three!

It’s the perfect workhorse pattern everyone needs in their wardrobe — that is if you like turtlenecks. Did I mention there is a dress variation too? Lastly, it makes a fabulous layering piece under virtually anything!

Sherwood Top from Sew News Capsule Studio

Here we go again with a slight mock turtleneck. The Sherwood Top has a slightly raised neckline and also features a half-zip design with gathers. This one is my favorite not only based on the fact that it was designed by yours truly, but It is unique. I love the sporty nature of this top and the fact that it isn’t so skin-tight. Being an avid high-waisted pant wearer, the cropped hemline is absolutely perfect too.

Sherwood Top by Meg Healy ; sleeveless and half-sleeve versions

Fun fact is that the gathers in the front are not created by basting stitches, but by elastic! Once you see how the zipper is sewn with the gathers, you will never stitch gathers the same way in a knit fabric again.

Amanda’s Picks

One of my favorite ways to sew with knits is to use up all the scraps I’ve made. Most of my picks are excellent for scrap-busting (whethesmall-yardage patterns or easily hack-able for pieced scraps) with a heavy focus on comfy garments to wear around the house.

Scrappy Knickers from Sew Daily

The Scrappy Knickers pattern from our recent Sew & Tell Live is perfect for scrap-busting — it’s in the name! It’s still available free, and you can even still watch the recording of the live event.

Scrappy Knickers from Sew & Tell Live: Let’s Get Sew-Stainable

The undies do require fabric with a good bit of stretch, but with the panels, it’s possible to mix and match with some fabrics with less stretch, like stretch velvet, and create something truly special. Use scraps for the panels and fabric bands AND get a super comfy pair of me-made undies. Win, win — and more win! Check out more favorite undie patterns in our roundup.

Axis Tank by Sophine Hines

The Axis Tank by Sophie Hines was a pandemic pattern purchase for me — I suppose I leaned into the bralette/tank trend that’s so perfect for the work-from-home scenario! The Axis is great for lounge and sleep as well as under pinafores and overalls, which is a favorite way to wear it.

And you guessed it: the Axis is also a great stash-buster. And a quick and satisfying sew all around!

Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio

The first knit pattern I ever fell in love with was the Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline Studio. It’s a basic sweatshirt, yes, but there’s something so perfect about the proportions and the crop. I’ve used this beginner-friendly pattern to make so many sweatshirts — and hacked it many times over to create simple peplums and even a dress.

The Linden opened all the knit doors for me — and started me on a love affair that’s still going strong!

Want more? We’ve got a wonderful collection of sewing patterns for knits, each of which features a fun twist like cutouts, color paneling, or pockets. If you’d like to build you skills with knit fabrics, check out our upcoming interactive workshops — we’re usually offering something related to knits!

What’s your favorite sewing pattern for knit fabrics? Let us know in the comments!