Sew Knit Ribbing

How to Sew Ribbing on knit fabrics, sweatshirts, t-shirts | tutorial from MADE Everyday with Dana

Don’t you just love colorful piles of fabric??  They’re one of my favorite things to photograph.
And this pile of knit Ribbing?  I just want to reach out and stretch every fabric in the stack…and then show you how to sew with it of course.

How to Sew Ribbing on knit fabrics, sweatshirts, t-shirts | tutorial from MADE Everyday with Dana

Ribbing is the fabric used to finish the opening on the Everyday Sweatshirt, the Basic Tee, Muscle Shirts! And many necklines on knit garments.
You might be thinking, “Huh? How’d they do that?”

How to Sew Ribbing on knit fabrics, sweatshirts, t-shirts | tutorial from MADE Everyday with Dana

…but soon you’ll be going, “Yay I get it! Happy dance!”

How to Sew Ribbing on knit fabrics, sweatshirts, t-shirts | tutorial from MADE Everyday with Dana

This is one of those things where pictures can help, but seeing it in action is so much better. So here you go!

How to Sew Ribbing on knit fabrics, sweatshirts, t-shirts | tutorial from MADE Everyday with Dana

Just click the play button below and enjoy (or you can WATCH THE VIDEO HERE):

And if you’re new around here,  MADE EVERYDAY with Dana is a fresh and fun sewing show, where we create everyday items you will love and use.

To watch other episodes:
• Click to the VIDEO page OR
• Subscribe to my Youtube channel so you’re updated as soon as the episode goes live.


Put those ribbing skills to good use! The Everyday Sweatshirt and the Flip Vest both have ribbing, and are good for layering year ’round.

How to Sew Ribbing on knit fabrics, sweatshirts, t-shirts | tutorial from MADE Everyday with Dana

  1. 1) T

    Ummmmmm, how is that possibly Owen?!?!?!?! He looks so grown up!!!!

    • 2) Dana

      hahaha. I know! It’s really crazy. He’s actually the same size as Lucy now! 🙂

    • 3) hotdish

      I was just about to write the same thing!! Dana, I’ve been following you since just before you got pregnant with Clara and though I have kids similar in age to yours, I don’t think I’m ready to see yours grow up so much, yet!

  2. 4) Maureen

    I like the fact that knit fabric doesn’t fray and you don’t need to finish the seams. Thanks for the pattern and tutorial.

  3. 5) Melissa

    It took me years to realize that knit ribbing was a separate type of fabric. When I was new I thought it was some special technique people were doing. Haha. In my defense, though, I’m self taught…Great video. Maybe I will be brave enough to try knit ribbing soon…

    • 6) Dana

      You’re not alone! I always thought it was a trim you bought pre-cut in little packages…since every time I saw it on something it was folded in half, about a 1/2 inch wide 🙂
      Have fun with your new adventure!
      – Dana

  4. 7) Lydia

    I LOVE wearing knits, and I would also love to know more about sewing them! Look forward to learning lots more!!

  5. 8) Chary

    Where do you buy knits? I like to sew with them but my local Joanne’s has a limited supply. Any good on-line sources? Same goes for knit ribbing.

    • 9) Dana

      Joann is a good place to start. Hobby Lobby actually carries some too, but yes, it’s limited.

      Most designer fabric companies carry knits as well—such as Art Gallery Fabrics (the company I work with). You can find them on sites like fabric.com. Just search for “art gallery knit” on fabric.com (or even on Amazon) and you’ll find tons of option.

      And then check out Girl Charlee. The entire shop is knit fabrics!
      http://www.girlcharlee.com/

  6. 11) BeATRICE

    Do you have any idea how much I’m supposed to cut off on my corners for a twin fitted sheet? Or how did you figure 8 x 8 on the crib or toddler bed fitted sheet? HELP ????

  7. 12) Jan Buckley

    Hi Dana, thank you so much that’s exactly the tutorial I need.
    I have been so lucky and have won a free pattern in your giveaway and I chose the Everyday Sweatshirt ???? My grandsons are going to look so smart! x

  8. 13) Danelle

    I absolutely love you! I have always wanted to sew and your tutorials are easy to follow for a beginner like me who wishes to be a good sewer ???? Thank you!

    • 14) Dana

      Aww thanks Danielle! That makes me happy to hear 🙂
      Welcome to the world of sewing!

  9. 15) Gina

    I was just wondering, do you not have a removable part of the sewing machine for doing arm holes etc? It might make it a lot easier for doing the neck line!

    • 16) Dana

      Yes! I do have one of those! I should have remembered to pull the table off for this 🙂

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