I'll learn from you all! Help! I'm just venturing into the world of knits. What do you consider the "must-knows" or special words of wisdom that are oh-so important and/or different with regards to sewing with knit fabric?

I have initial questions, but would like advice for things I may not know to think of or ask about:

1.) What does PRR stand for? :)

2.) I've tried lettuce edging on a pair of pants. How cool that it is so easy to make something fun work! But, I used a small zigzag stitch and I just think it could look better. What stitch/width do you use for this? I guess I'm looking for how to make it closer together.

3.) I think I read somewhere that you are supposed to use a slight zigzag when sewing to allow for stretch... but when I do this it looks horrible! What stitch/width do you use for sewing a pattern?

4.) I just noticed that one of the knits I have rolls slightly at the edges. I think I remember my sewing teacher saying you had to account for this for some reason. Of course, I wasn't really paying attention because at the time I didn't think I'd be spending too much time on knits. What gives in this situation?

5.) Thanks for reading this far!!!!!!


Corey

I can answer some of it.

PRR stands for Painting Red Rhinos, a brand of children's clothing that would sell over run fabric.

2.) I've tried lettuce edging on a pair of pants. How cool that it is so easy to make something fun work! But, I used a small zigzag stitch and I just think it could look better. What stitch/width do you use for this? I guess I'm looking for how to make it closer together.
Do you have a serger? If not, I think you need a small, tight zig-zag stitch and stretch the heck out of it as you go.

3.) I think I read somewhere that you are supposed to use a slight zigzag when sewing to allow for stretch... but when I do this it looks horrible! What stitch/width do you use for sewing a pattern?
I usually use a straight stitch, but I've also used "knit" stitch that looks like a lightening strike.

4.) I just noticed that one of the knits I have rolls slightly at the edges. I think I remember my sewing teacher saying you had to account for this for some reason. Of course, I wasn't really paying attention because at the time I didn't think I'd be spending too much time on knits. What gives in this situation?
I just don't lay patterns out near the edge b/c those rolls drive me batty. Other than that, I just barge right ahead.
I have found, though, that the thinner knits roll more than the thicker ones do.

5.) Thanks for reading this far!!!!!!
It's nice to meet you! I have learned SO MUCH from these ladies here.

Here are some good ideas:
http://sewing.about.com/library/sewnews/library/aafabr6.htm

:)