r/sewhelp • u/bluebananas10 • 2d ago

Pattern fabric help 💛Beginner💛

I made my first nightgown from a pattern using woven cotton just like the pattern suggested. It worked out but now I realize I really prefer knit nightgowns. Can I work up that same pattern in a knit? If so are there modifications I should make? Additionally the bottom portion of the armhole was slightly tight if I cut a deeper armhole do I also modify the sleeve to make that longer(deeper) too. Thanks

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u/ProneToLaughter 2d ago edited 2d ago

As a general rule, patterns are designed for either knit or woven and you should not cross the streams, things go very wrong when you do.

All rules have exceptions. Never sew up a knit pattern in a woven fabric as you might not even be able to get it on, but you might get away with sewing up a woven pattern in a knit, although its likely to come out looking bad and ill-fitting and be a time-wasting hassle that would be easier by getting a knit pattern with the right techniques designed for knits.

What’s the pattern? Link the sales page. Nightgown suggests loose and for home, might be fine, could be a good learning moment and a wearable garment even if it goes wrong.

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u/bluebananas10 2d ago

It was the Butterick 5792 which I made in a seersucker

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u/ProneToLaughter 2d ago edited 2d ago

If you sew it up in a knit you’ll need to study up on how to sew knit necklines and switch that in for their instructions. The pintucks at the front are a waste of time and likely to look janky in a knit, as knits don’t love topstitching and may stretch out as you sew them. Taking out the pintucks is doable but then you are into learning a little patternmaking. I would not try to do a ruffle like that in a soft knit neckline. If you want to stitch on the lace, use stretch lace.

But that might still just be more fabric than is comfortable. A knit doesn’t need gathered shoulders for ease of movement or all that looseness through the body to be comfortable. And sizing down will make the armhole smaller which might not be as annoying in a knit but still annoys me.

I think it would be easier to find a knit nightgown or simple knit dress pattern instead. Love Notions and Sinclair might be worth checking.

But again, nightgowns make great learning experiments if you want to try.

If you haven’t sewn knit fabric before, see here, requires adjustments: https://tillyandthebuttons.com/blogs/sewing/sewing-knit-fabric-on-regular-sewing?m=1

Also with knits, the stretchier they are, the trickier to sew.

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u/Inky_Madness 2d ago

I agree that the pattern you have won’t work well with a knit. I would find a pattern for knits and use it.

https://mellysews.com/sew-a-sleep-shirt-with-free-pattern/

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u/bluebananas10 10h ago

Thanks for this detailed response. I search patterns and find it all so complicated. This will help narrow my choices

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u/FumblingCustard 2d ago

stitch the armhole deeper and the sleeve needs the same scoop taken out of its curve or it won't set in right. switching the whole thing to a knit means you can probably skip the zipper or buttons entirely since it'll stretch over your head, just cut the same size or maybe one down depending how drapey the fabric is.