VIEW B

The full-length version is perfect for all year round

We used

Higgs & Higgs organic cotton jersey in Rust, £13.99 per metre www.higgsandhiggs.com

It has pockets!

VIEW A

Relax in style with the shorter-length playsuit

We used

Ophelia jersey, £9.25 per half metre www.secondstarfabric.co.uk

Michelle says…

How about a stretch velvet version for a glamorous but comfortable evening outfit?

MASTERCLASS STRETCH STITCHES

A handy guide to machine stitches for knit fabric

LIGHTNING BOLT STITCH (NO. 6 ON ABOVE IMAGE)

This clever variation on a zigzag is a neater alternative. It reduces puckering on lightweight or very stretchy knit fabric and bias seams while permitting the seam to be pressed completely flat. It’s called this due to its lightning shape and has a narrow width of 2.0 and a length of 2.5. Be wary that this stitch can be extremely hard to unpick!

OVEREDGE OR OVERCAST FOOT AND STITCH (NO. 9 ON ABOVE IMAGE)

If you don’t have an overlocker at home, you can replicate the robust stitch it creates with a special foot and stitch setting. The guide on the foot runs along the side of the fabric and a little brush spreads out the thread as you sew to cover the raw edge. You can also adjust the width you need, choosing a wider stitch for thicker fabric. It is quite a slow process as the needle must stitch multiple times before moving on, so patience is key with this finish.

TRIPLE STRAIGHT STITCH (NO.5 ON ABOVE IMAGE)

This tough stitch is formed when the machine’s feed dogs move the fabric forward and then backward while the machine sews a straight stitch. The forwardbackward movement gives stretch, but the multiple lines of stitching provide the durability. Use this stitch at points of stress, such as armholes, for a long-lasting finish. This process isn’t ideal for lightweight knits that may ripple or pucker but the results are great for durable knit garments that will have a lot of wear.

TWIN NEEDLE

Using two spools of thread and a regular straight stitch, you can create a stretchy topstitch that mimics the effect of a CoverPro machine. Your bobbin thread will zigzag behind the two stitched lines on the RS, creating a polished look inside and out.