Whitney, I hope you know how much we appreciate the videos you produce highlighting various fabric substrates (actually, we appreciate all of your videos!) Even those of us who are seasoned sewists need a refresher course once in awhile especially since there are so few brick and mortar fabric stores remaining where we can go and touch fabrics before making our purchase. We rely on your expertise to inform us of a particular fabric, what it can and cannot do, and after you’ve sewn with it, how it performs at the machine and as a final garment. Thank you, for bringing us these types of content! Several years ago, I learned that, as you said, “Not all ponte is the same!” It’s confusing, but, my preference, too, is a 66% Rayon, 30% Nylon, 4% Spandex ponte. I’m just happy that we don’t call it “double knit” anymore! Thanks again!
Excellent! Thank you. Love the discussion of the fabric. At 74, my formal education ended before the onslaught of double knits. In fact, the final exam in a college clothing construction class was making a lined two piece woven cotton bathing suit with a zippered bottom (circa 1968). I’ve used ponte over the years but never really understood it. 😂
Whitney, thank you so much for providing the fabric sources. I am an experienced sewist and know a lot about fabrics - but that doesn't always help me to find the right fabric online. I recently found you on TH-cam and I love that you introduce patterns and good fabrics to work with the pattern. I've been taking notes of all the wonderful fabric sources.
Whenever I think of "double-knit" I picture "the bell" dress and/or pants that "keep their crease" because the fabric "moves" like claymation. (Funny story: For a summer job, I had to wear this uniform dress in double knit. Literally, about every other day and sometimes more often, a man would come up to me and say, "You're a really cute girl but that is the ugliest dress I've ever seen." It always looked perfectly pressed and didn't have any indication that a human being was in it or ever wore it. So, from that time forward I called dresses made from double knits, "bell dresses.") I have been steering clear of anything described as a "stable knit" or double knit even though I know, like you said that they have come a long way. I love the LN-Tessa and the Itch2StTustin dresses that you've made in knits. I have been taken back by how graceful they look. If you hadn't talked about the fabric you used, I would have thought "wool." So I think you've got me wanting to try . . . I thought maybe an Itch2St-Brisbane type dress (I have Simplicity S9644 - which is similar) would also be lovely in a Ponte. And then I have so many patterns that call for stretch woven . . . Your explanations and the examples that you paired the fabric with are really helpful. Thank you for opening the door.
Thank you so much! I always have a hard time picking the right fabric and I love ponte knit. Wish I could make it to see you on the 29th, but I’m in New York and just can’t swing it this time. Would love to see you come to NY in the future. Love your videos and always look forward to watching what you bring to the sewing community.
Thank you Whitney!!! I've learned so much about fabric and their uses from you. Not to mention that I learned all about fit from your class last fall. I no longer hesitate when deciding what size to cut, how to alter the pattern to get the beat fit. I love that you advocate for a wearable muslin rather than making things from a different fabric and then altering that before you make the final garment. ❤❤
This was so useful. I don’t think I’ve ever sewn with ponte and I would never have considered it as an option for the Wanderlust dress which was just lovely. The Metra blazer is on my list for this year, so ponte is now another option. Thank you Whitney.
Califabrics and Vogue fabrics has some wonderful ponte knits at reasonably priced. I made the sage pants from Stylearc. Works great for the ponte. I had made a dress and found the weight pulled it down. It was fine with a belt.
I made a coco top with ponte roma. Was really pleased. Rushed back to the shop bought same fabric, different colour. Made it up exactly the same. Too tight!!! So frustrating never could work out why. Thankyou great series, very helpful as I shy away from buying on line
Thank you Whitney! Like a lot of others I’ve stayed away from Ponte, I just didn’t realise that they were called by different names too. Llol! I love watching this channel, you have great tips and hints for fabric and sewing. 💐
I made the Parker Ponte trousers with your help - 1st attempt at making trousers and using ponte. Perfect fit! So this video is very helpful to exploring more ponte makes plus more ponte trouser makes! Thank you again Whitney - super informative 😊Chrissy
Thank you for introducing me to the Tustin Dress - that's a new one to me but I've saved it for a future make. I love Ponte to sew with and I've made the Cashmerette Rivermont several times in it and love them all. Thank you for your recommendations 🥰🥰
I so agree about the JoAnn ponte being scarce these days. The good stuff has just mostly disappeared from their shelves. My conclusion is that designers are making more ready to wear clothes out of ponte because it sells like hotcakes (easy wear and care while also looking put together) and they’re sucking up all of the product….maybe???? Fortunately, I have a decent stockpile of it.
So enjoyed your video on the quilting cotton pattern pairings and found it so helpful. I have used Ponte a couple of times as I have just started into knits and love it. Just received my Ponte for the metra blazer from Minerva. So excited ( and a little nervous… it’s my first jacket 😱🤞🤞)
I'm with you on the knit blazers! I wear mine all the time. I do favor the rayon / nylon ponte fabrics too. I also bought that McCalls skirt set with the crop top too.
Really enjoyed this video and all the useful tips and tricks for using ponte. I recently purchased some ponte to make a LN Lenox Dress. After watching your video I decided I better check the stretch percentage of the fabric I purchased and I am so glad I did. I don't think it is going to work for the dress as the pattern calls for 4 way stretch. The ponte I purchased has good stretch across the grain but only mechanical stretch on grain. So I think I will be making leggings or something else with this fabric.
This is so very helpful. I now want to get some ponte fabric & start sewing. I have to say woah ! right now though. Super busy right now getting ready for our trip to Florida. We leave this coming Sunday. Trying to get a couple of tops cut out to sew and I’ve got few things left to do on 2 shift dresses. Before I come back to Virginia I’ll be ordering some Ponte to be waiting on me. !
I wonder if the Itch to Stitch Sovana dress would work in a ponte. I was thinking of making the LN Tidal Dress and the Pattern Emporium Wanderlust in ponte (so I''m glad you tried that one). I have pontes from Minerva and Mood.
Mood’s premium Ponte in that acid green color is fantastic and I think in your color house. My next Ponte dress will be the Jasmine dress from Designer Stitch.
Thanks for giving me the ideas on to use this double knit. I have that skirt pattern and couldn’t figure out what fabric to use. Especially didn’t want it clinging.
Thanks, Whitney! This was a great reminder of patterns in my stash that would work with the ponte I have in my stash :) Have a great day, and thanks for sharing!
Whitney I just loved this video, one of your best in my opinion. I loved the whole vibe of you just sitting and having a chat. So much great information included here. Please consider doing more of these for different types of fabric. Could you also make this it’s own play list as well with the quilting cotton one? You are just so good at what you do. 😊💕
I made the Mc Calls overalls that are for a denim and I made them out of ponte. Until I found out I shouldn’t wear black I wore them allll the time. I also just made that know Me pattern skirt with the Ponte twill from surge and I love it! If they told me I could only have one fabric it would be Ponte! Great video Whitney!
Love this video . I bought a bunch of Ponte from Minerva at there last sale. It is great and I’m making some metra blazers and cardigans from it. This is definitely not my mothers double knit which I have fond memories of. Do use lighter weight Ponte for dresses?
I love these videos on patterns/fabric. The best ponte I bought was from Amazon for a high school girl that was extremely heavy and needing an FFA skirt in black. The ponte was perfect and it fit her beautifully. I keep trying to reorder the fabric but always sold out. I’ll be trying some of your links.
Enjoyed your fitting class last spring. Still finding knits a problem. Thanks for these videos which help. I have just purchased the noon top and would love to have your guidance on a fabric from style makers, i know you shop there and it is one of the online stores I am familiar with, and find the mailing to Canada acceptable.
I would look at Stylemaker's cotton modal jersey. It comes in a ton of different colors and would be great for that pattern: stylemakerfabrics.com/products/cotton-modal-jersey-knit-solid-vanilla
Oo super. I love the meetmilk ponte which has tencel in it. I made a marlo cardigan which I've worn sooo much! Oh also style arc have 25 % off pants /trouser patterns atm !
I love Style Arc Parker Ponte pants! I’ve made three with a couple more planned for this fall. I only need to add some to the length and the fit is perfect. I also plan to make the Love Notions Metra blazer and maybe a Cashmerette dress. You always inspire me. This is a great idea to go over fabrics. ❤
I am so glad that I found you. I have always wanted to make something with this Ponte knit fabric, I would love to make a swing jacket. What do you think about this fabric for a swing jacket?, thank you.
Hint: I am guilty because sometimes I forget to match rayon fabric to cotton thread, I forget to match silk fabric with silk or polyester thread, and I forget to match cotton fabric with cotton thread. Think about comparisons of strengthen. For instance, silk thread and polyester thread is too strong for cotton fabric and can cut the cotton fabric at the seam. Gentle washing can help to save the seams but eventually the stronger threads will weaken the seams. For sewing rayon, I would choose cotton thread simply because the strengthens are similar. Yes, I am guilty of using polyester thread for all fabrics however you can imagine compatibility of strengthens matter. Thank you, Whitney. Always, you're a great teacher. ~ L
Very informative video as usual, Whitney. I would love to find some ponte prints but almost all of the pontes I see are solids. Do any of the sources you mention carry ponte prints?
You are correct that I mostly see Ponte solids as well. I've been able to find a few at Minerva, though most of those have a polyester component. Sometimes StyleMaker Fabrics will carry some printed Ponte as well!
Great video! I love ponte knit for winter pants. I have a whole collection of LL Bean pants in ponte. They last many many years and are comfortable, professional looking, and long lasting. I have a bit of a challenge. I am doing family pictures and we have 5 grown children, their spouses, and 10 grands, 5 great grands. I have my color range picked out and would like to make a tiered dress such as the Winder Gown by Friday Pattern Co. I dont like the neck line but I can figure that out. I would like to make it in double cotton gauze, even in November it can be 90 degrees here in GA. I would appreciate your advice ( or anyone else on this thread) on a plus size tiered dress pattern with no collar as well as fabric suggestions. Thanks for all you do!
Any reason you don't want to use the Wilder gown? It comes in their full size range (up to a size 32). Were you wanting a solid gauze or something with a print? Minerva has some wonderful solid double gauze that I've used for quite a few things and StyleMaker carries the beautiful Nani Iro double cotton gauze prints!
@@TomKatStitchery I dont like the neckline of the Wilder Gown. I just want a simple neckline with no collar or fru fru like ties. LOL. I need a solid gauze for the family photos. I guess I could make it and leave off the ties. I need short sleeves also, it's hot in GA
@@mhcpa0628 what about the French Poetry Pleiades Dress (1 or 2). It comes in up to size 34, has the tiers and options for short sleeves. I haven’t made it, but have heard great things about it! As far as fabric, I would look at Minerva’s core range textured cotton double gauze!
This was really interesting. I would love to hear you compare/contrast ponte and scuba fabric. Or is scuba just a very synthetic , heavy version of ponte?
Scuba is a heavy polyester double knit. So the construction of the fabric is same as Ponte but fiber is very different. Ponte should have a “dry” feel to it, where scuba feels a bit more “sticky”
The weight can be a bit deceiving as fabric with more rayon content will be heavier, but not necessarily more stable. My recommendation is just to find fabric stores that you know have good quality and then buy from them. I listed quite a few in the description box that I have found to be really good quality!
This hasn't anything to do with sewing or videos but I came across this quote and thought of you and Jenni: "I'm a get-a-dress-at-the-thrift-shop-but-open-a-bottle-of-champagne kind of person." Helen Mirren
Really useful Whitney. Thanks. What size and type of machine needle would you use? I'm currently sewing a ponte skirt but it doesn't like any needle or stitch I've tried - ballpoint, jersey, universal. So far I've managed to get a half decent stitch with a ballpoint and lightening stitch but don't know what to use for hemming as it doesn't need to stretch. Any advice would be great thanks.
I would use a size 12 - 14 stretch needle. I like the Schmetz Stretch needles much better than their ball point ones. It likes fabric with spandex in it much better. I think the lightening stitch is great for the seams, but if your hem doesn't need to stretch, then I would just use a plain old stretch stitch!
Just looked at this for sewing my travel capsule, it would be appreciated if you could pin a comment of when the pattern review begins. I think you do chapters now, but you have gold is your archive of videos. Thanks!
If you're shipping to a Canadian address, avoid Surge Fabrics as they use UPS to deliver and UPS does an additional C.O.D. which ends up costing half the cost of your fabrics - not worth it.
I just made the Metra in a rose colored ponte - made a muslin first. After adjusting the pattern, I cut my ponte. The fit is TERRIBLE. It looks like I put the sleeves in backwards (I didn’t ). I’m putting that project in time out and will come back to it in a week or so.
If you choose a Ponte with a high rayon percentage, you should be fine. Rayon is breathable. Some of my favorite summer t-shirt dresses are in Ponte and they all have a larger rayon percentage. Anything with polyester is going to be warm to wear.
Whitney, I hope you know how much we appreciate the videos you produce highlighting various fabric substrates (actually, we appreciate all of your videos!) Even those of us who are seasoned sewists need a refresher course once in awhile especially since there are so few brick and mortar fabric stores remaining where we can go and touch fabrics before making our purchase. We rely on your expertise to inform us of a particular fabric, what it can and cannot do, and after you’ve sewn with it, how it performs at the machine and as a final garment. Thank you, for bringing us these types of content! Several years ago, I learned that, as you said, “Not all ponte is the same!” It’s confusing, but, my preference, too, is a 66% Rayon, 30% Nylon, 4% Spandex ponte. I’m just happy that we don’t call it “double knit” anymore! Thanks again!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this video!
Excellent! Thank you. Love the discussion of the fabric. At 74, my formal education ended before the onslaught of double knits. In fact, the final exam in a college clothing construction class was making a lined two piece woven cotton bathing suit with a zippered bottom (circa 1968). I’ve used ponte over the years but never really understood it. 😂
Wow! That' couldn't have been great to swim in! Glad you keep learning and evolving your skills!
My favorite ponte make was a pair of Ginger Jeans. Skinny ones worked great with boots and were so comfortable. Wore them out during the pandemic.
That would be a great use for Ponte!
Another very informative and inspiring video Whitney! I have been sewing for a long time, but you have opened new doors for me. Love your channel.
Thank you for the info. Great video.❤
I'm so glad!
I wouldn't have thought of ponte for the Tustin Dress. so, thanks for that. I love working with and wearing ponte for ease and comfort.
It's lovely in a Ponte!
Whitney, thank you so much for providing the fabric sources. I am an experienced sewist and know a lot about fabrics - but that doesn't always help me to find the right fabric online. I recently found you on TH-cam and I love that you introduce patterns and good fabrics to work with the pattern. I've been taking notes of all the wonderful fabric sources.
I'm so glad! Thanks for subscribing!
Whitney,
It is just such a joy to watch your videos. Thank you for sharing.
Also, God Bless your Mom. I think of her often.
J
Thank you so much!
Thank you for all the great information about Ponte. So helpful!!
Glad you enjoyed!
Whenever I think of "double-knit" I picture "the bell" dress and/or pants that "keep their crease" because the fabric "moves" like claymation. (Funny story: For a summer job, I had to wear this uniform dress in double knit. Literally, about every other day and sometimes more often, a man would come up to me and say, "You're a really cute girl but that is the ugliest dress I've ever seen." It always looked perfectly pressed and didn't have any indication that a human being was in it or ever wore it. So, from that time forward I called dresses made from double knits, "bell dresses.") I have been steering clear of anything described as a "stable knit" or double knit even though I know, like you said that they have come a long way. I love the LN-Tessa and the Itch2StTustin dresses that you've made in knits. I have been taken back by how graceful they look. If you hadn't talked about the fabric you used, I would have thought "wool." So I think you've got me wanting to try . . . I thought maybe an Itch2St-Brisbane type dress (I have Simplicity S9644 - which is similar) would also be lovely in a Ponte. And then I have so many patterns that call for stretch woven . . . Your explanations and the examples that you paired the fabric with are really helpful. Thank you for opening the door.
Ponte is a long way off of the double knit of the past. Give it a try! Good luck!
Informative and enjoyable video! Thank you for all the tips! You have such a nice variety of topics on your channel!
I always appreciate your suggestions for patterns and fabric!
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! I always have a hard time picking the right fabric and I love ponte knit. Wish I could make it to see you on the 29th, but I’m in New York and just can’t swing it this time. Would love to see you come to NY in the future. Love your videos and always look forward to watching what you bring to the sewing community.
Thank you! It's my dream to make a "tour" of fabric stores to meet a lot of you !
Thank you Whitney!!! I've learned so much about fabric and their uses from you. Not to mention that I learned all about fit from your class last fall. I no longer hesitate when deciding what size to cut, how to alter the pattern to get the beat fit. I love that you advocate for a wearable muslin rather than making things from a different fabric and then altering that before you make the final garment. ❤❤
That just warms my heart to hear that! Congratulations!
As always, super informative! Thank you.
❤️❤️❤️
This was so useful. I don’t think I’ve ever sewn with ponte and I would never have considered it as an option for the Wanderlust dress which was just lovely. The Metra blazer is on my list for this year, so ponte is now another option. Thank you Whitney.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for all the helpful tips.
You are so welcome!
Califabrics and Vogue fabrics has some wonderful ponte knits at reasonably priced. I made the sage pants from Stylearc. Works great for the ponte. I had made a dress and found the weight pulled it down. It was fine with a belt.
Great tips. I'll have to check out Califabrics!
I made a coco top with ponte roma. Was really pleased. Rushed back to the shop bought same fabric, different colour. Made it up exactly the same. Too tight!!! So frustrating never could work out why. Thankyou great series, very helpful as I shy away from buying on line
I hope it helps!
I prefer navy blue or brown to black. Sometimes black works in an outfit. But there are so many flattering navy and brown colors out there.
I agree! I hardly ever wear black.
Thank you Whitney! Like a lot of others I’ve stayed away from Ponte, I just didn’t realise that they were called by different names too. Llol! I love watching this channel, you have great tips and hints for fabric and sewing. 💐
You are so welcome!
I made the Parker Ponte trousers with your help - 1st attempt at making trousers and using ponte. Perfect fit! So this video is very helpful to exploring more ponte makes plus more ponte trouser makes! Thank you again Whitney - super informative 😊Chrissy
I'm so glad to read this!
Thank you for introducing me to the Tustin Dress - that's a new one to me but I've saved it for a future make. I love Ponte to sew with and I've made the Cashmerette Rivermont several times in it and love them all. Thank you for your recommendations 🥰🥰
You are so welcome!
This is right on time because I have been planning to buy some ponte for upcoming projects.
Wonderful!! Glad I could help!
I so agree about the JoAnn ponte being scarce these days. The good stuff has just mostly disappeared from their shelves. My conclusion is that designers are making more ready to wear clothes out of ponte because it sells like hotcakes (easy wear and care while also looking put together) and they’re sucking up all of the product….maybe???? Fortunately, I have a decent stockpile of it.
And there are a lot of good online sources for Ponte too!
So enjoyed your video on the quilting cotton pattern pairings and found it so helpful. I have used Ponte a couple of times as I have just started into knits and love it. Just received my Ponte for the metra blazer from Minerva. So excited ( and a little nervous… it’s my first jacket 😱🤞🤞)
You can do it!
I'm with you on the knit blazers! I wear mine all the time. I do favor the rayon / nylon ponte fabrics too. I also bought that McCalls skirt set with the crop top too.
Wonderful!
Really enjoyed this video and all the useful tips and tricks for using ponte. I recently purchased some ponte to make a LN Lenox Dress. After watching your video I decided I better check the stretch percentage of the fabric I purchased and I am so glad I did. I don't think it is going to work for the dress as the pattern calls for 4 way stretch. The ponte I purchased has good stretch across the grain but only mechanical stretch on grain. So I think I will be making leggings or something else with this fabric.
I'm glad you checked before starting your dress!
Great video! Just watched your quilting cotton video yesterday. These are so helpful when I buy fabric online. THANK YOU for sharing your expertise.
You are so welcome!
Great roundup! I've also made a Deer and Doe Sirocco romper out of a ponte knit and love it.
That is awesome!
from the mrs: Thank you for your interesting and educational video! I enjoyed your pattern selection and fabric pairings.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is so very helpful. I now want to get some ponte fabric & start sewing. I have to say woah ! right now though. Super busy right now getting ready for our trip to Florida. We leave this coming Sunday. Trying to get a couple of tops cut out to sew and I’ve got few things left to do on 2 shift dresses. Before I come back to Virginia I’ll be ordering some Ponte to be waiting on me.
!
What a fun thing to come home to!
I wonder if the Itch to Stitch Sovana dress would work in a ponte. I was thinking of making the LN Tidal Dress and the Pattern Emporium Wanderlust in ponte (so I''m glad you tried that one). I have pontes from Minerva and Mood.
I have made the Tidal and the Wanderlust in pontes and it works great. I think the Sovana would work well in a Ponte as well!
I agree Ponte knits are so nice now. Back in the 70’s it was our mother’s “bullet proof slacks” .
It's come a long way!
Mood’s premium Ponte in that acid green color is fantastic and I think in your color house.
My next Ponte dress will be the Jasmine dress from Designer Stitch.
I do love the acid green ponte from Mood!
Thanks for giving me the ideas on to use this double knit. I have that skirt pattern and couldn’t figure out what fabric to use. Especially didn’t want it clinging.
You are so welcome!
Great information! The McCalls skirt pattern is one of my TNT. I’ve only made it in DBP, but I’ll have to give it a try with ponte!
It would be great in Ponte!
Thanks, Whitney! This was a great reminder of patterns in my stash that would work with the ponte I have in my stash :) Have a great day, and thanks for sharing!
Thank you! You too!
Whitney I just loved this video, one of your best in my opinion. I loved the whole vibe of you just sitting and having a chat. So much great information included here. Please consider doing more of these for different types of fabric. Could you also make this it’s own play list as well with the quilting cotton one? You are just so good at what you do. 😊💕
Thank you so much!!
I made the Mc Calls overalls that are for a denim and I made them out of ponte. Until I found out I shouldn’t wear black I wore them allll the time. I also just made that know Me pattern skirt with the Ponte twill from surge and I love it! If they told me I could only have one fabric it would be Ponte! Great video Whitney!
Thank you so much!
Love this video . I bought a bunch of Ponte from Minerva at there last sale. It is great and I’m making some metra blazers and cardigans from it. This is definitely not my mothers double knit which I have fond memories of. Do use lighter weight Ponte for dresses?
It really depends on the structure of the dress. sometimes, I like the structure of the heavy weight Ponte
I love these videos on patterns/fabric. The best ponte I bought was from Amazon for a high school girl that was extremely heavy and needing an FFA skirt in black. The ponte was perfect and it fit her beautifully. I keep trying to reorder the fabric but always sold out. I’ll be trying some of your links.
I hope you find some good ones!
Enjoyed your fitting class last spring. Still finding knits a problem. Thanks for these videos which help. I have just purchased the noon top and would love to have your guidance on a fabric from style makers, i know you shop there and it is one of the online stores I am familiar with, and find the mailing to Canada acceptable.
I would look at Stylemaker's cotton modal jersey. It comes in a ton of different colors and would be great for that pattern: stylemakerfabrics.com/products/cotton-modal-jersey-knit-solid-vanilla
Great vlog. I’ve got some ponte I didn’t know what to make with it.
Glad I could help!
Oo super. I love the meetmilk ponte which has tencel in it. I made a marlo cardigan which I've worn sooo much! Oh also style arc have 25 % off pants /trouser patterns atm !
That style arc sale is SOO tempting!!!
I love Style Arc Parker Ponte pants! I’ve made three with a couple more planned for this fall. I only need to add some to the length and the fit is perfect. I also plan to make the Love Notions Metra blazer and maybe a Cashmerette dress. You always inspire me. This is a great idea to go over fabrics. ❤
Aww! I love to read this! I'm so glad this is all helpful!
I am so glad that I found you. I have always wanted to make something with this Ponte knit fabric, I would love to make a swing jacket. What do you think about this fabric for a swing jacket?, thank you.
I think it would be fantastic--some structure but also some drape!
Thank you for all your videos. Can you do a sew along for the Cashmerette Carlyle t-shirt?
Maybe in the future! Thanks for watching!!!
This type of video is so helpful!
I'm so glad!
Thank you, I’m making the ln duet trousers using ponte is the a cheap ponte to make a sample
That's a good idea!
Hi, Whitney. Thank you for this video--I'm a big fan of ponte. I looked for the McCalls pattern you named as 8055 but that pattern is a dress. ???
Hmm, I'm seeing a knit skirt when I look it up on the website. simplicity.com/mccalls/m8055
Hint: I am guilty because sometimes I forget to match rayon fabric to cotton thread, I forget to match silk fabric with silk or polyester thread, and I forget to match cotton fabric with cotton thread. Think about comparisons of strengthen. For instance, silk thread and polyester thread is too strong for cotton fabric and can cut the cotton fabric at the seam. Gentle washing can help to save the seams but eventually the stronger threads will weaken the seams. For sewing rayon, I would choose cotton thread simply because the strengthens are similar. Yes, I am guilty of using polyester thread for all fabrics however you can imagine compatibility of strengthens matter.
Thank you, Whitney. Always, you're a great teacher. ~ L
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! I use the polyester thread for everything and find it works really well!
Very informative video as usual, Whitney. I would love to find some ponte prints but almost all of the pontes I see are solids. Do any of the sources you mention carry ponte prints?
You are correct that I mostly see Ponte solids as well. I've been able to find a few at Minerva, though most of those have a polyester component. Sometimes StyleMaker Fabrics will carry some printed Ponte as well!
Great video! I love ponte knit for winter pants. I have a whole collection of LL Bean pants in ponte. They last many many years and are comfortable, professional looking, and long lasting. I have a bit of a challenge. I am doing family pictures and we have 5 grown children, their spouses, and 10 grands, 5 great grands. I have my color range picked out and would like to make a tiered dress such as the Winder Gown by Friday Pattern Co. I dont like the neck line but I can figure that out. I would like to make it in double cotton gauze, even in November it can be 90 degrees here in GA. I would appreciate your advice ( or anyone else on this thread) on a plus size tiered dress pattern with no collar as well as fabric suggestions. Thanks for all you do!
Any reason you don't want to use the Wilder gown? It comes in their full size range (up to a size 32). Were you wanting a solid gauze or something with a print? Minerva has some wonderful solid double gauze that I've used for quite a few things and StyleMaker carries the beautiful Nani Iro double cotton gauze prints!
@@TomKatStitchery I dont like the neckline of the Wilder Gown. I just want a simple neckline with no collar or fru fru like ties. LOL. I need a solid gauze for the family photos. I guess I could make it and leave off the ties. I need short sleeves also, it's hot in GA
@@mhcpa0628 what about the French Poetry Pleiades Dress (1 or 2). It comes in up to size 34, has the tiers and options for short sleeves. I haven’t made it, but have heard great things about it! As far as fabric, I would look at Minerva’s core range textured cotton double gauze!
This was really interesting. I would love to hear you compare/contrast ponte and scuba fabric. Or is scuba just a very synthetic , heavy version of ponte?
Scuba is very similar to Ponte. I think you're right in describing it as a heavier and more synthetic version of Ponte.
@@TomKatStitchery❤
Scuba is a heavy polyester double knit. So the construction of the fabric is same as Ponte but fiber is very different. Ponte should have a “dry” feel to it, where scuba feels a bit more “sticky”
LN Olympia dress is great in ponte.
Oh that's a good one!
What weight should a good Ponte be so that I know I’m purchasing a good Ponte.
The weight can be a bit deceiving as fabric with more rayon content will be heavier, but not necessarily more stable. My recommendation is just to find fabric stores that you know have good quality and then buy from them. I listed quite a few in the description box that I have found to be really good quality!
I find it helpful to draw long diagonal chalk lines on the wrong sides of fabric when it’s hard to distinguish right and wrong sides.
That's a great idea!
Great video.
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This hasn't anything to do with sewing or videos but I came across this quote and thought of you and Jenni: "I'm a get-a-dress-at-the-thrift-shop-but-open-a-bottle-of-champagne kind of person." Helen Mirren
That describes us 100%!! We need that on a sign or a sticker or something. Helen is a Treasure!!
@@TomKatStitchery
Really useful Whitney. Thanks. What size and type of machine needle would you use? I'm currently sewing a ponte skirt but it doesn't like any needle or stitch I've tried - ballpoint, jersey, universal. So far I've managed to get a half decent stitch with a ballpoint and lightening stitch but don't know what to use for hemming as it doesn't need to stretch. Any advice would be great thanks.
I would use a size 12 - 14 stretch needle. I like the Schmetz Stretch needles much better than their ball point ones. It likes fabric with spandex in it much better. I think the lightening stitch is great for the seams, but if your hem doesn't need to stretch, then I would just use a plain old stretch stitch!
@@TomKatStitchery thanks, I'll try those needles
Would a scuba work similarly to a heavier Ponte Knit?
Yes, it would!
Just looked at this for sewing my travel capsule, it would be appreciated if you could pin a comment of when the pattern review begins. I think you do chapters now, but you have gold is your archive of videos. Thanks!
There is a significant archive to adjust! Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks for the suggestion. I have a pretty deep archive of videos!
If you're shipping to a Canadian address, avoid Surge Fabrics as they use UPS to deliver and UPS does an additional C.O.D. which ends up costing half the cost of your fabrics - not worth it.
Good advice! Thanks for sharing!
I just made the Metra in a rose colored ponte - made a muslin first. After adjusting the pattern, I cut my ponte. The fit is TERRIBLE. It looks like I put the sleeves in backwards (I didn’t ). I’m putting that project in time out and will come back to it in a week or so.
Oh no! Sometimes getting away from the project helps to refresh your eyes and figure out what to do.
I just don't like shiny ponte, so it's hard to tell shopping online if it's shiny or not.
Most of the ones with a rayon(or viscose)/nylon/spandex blend aren't shiny. The shine comes from the polyester content.
@@TomKatStitchery thankyou for the info
13 minutes in if you want the 10 patterns you can make.
Thanks!
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Whitney, two of my children are getting married next summer and I wanted to use ponte but was afraid I’d sweat to death. Is it hot to wear?
Great question. My granddaughter is getting married in June and I am already looking at patterns & fabric. I’d love to find a beautiful ponte floral.
@@gloriaallender1886 I made a ponte for a fall wedding and it was soooo comfy. I just don’t want to be dripping. Lol
Avoid ponte for this reason, worried I would swelter.
If you choose a Ponte with a high rayon percentage, you should be fine. Rayon is breathable. Some of my favorite summer t-shirt dresses are in Ponte and they all have a larger rayon percentage. Anything with polyester is going to be warm to wear.
@@TomKatStitchery thank you!
would love time stamps...26 minutes is too long
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