Choose softly woven, medium-weight cotton or cotton blends to cut into strips for knitting or crocheting. If the fabric is patterned, the pattern should show though to the wrong side nearly as clear and bright as on the right side to be effective as the fabric strips will naturally twist and turn when knitted or crocheted. Solids work well too, however a printed fabric is particularly stunning.
Pair the combination of a knitted or crocheted fabric top with the same fabric for a loosely gathered sewn skirt made from any purchased pattern works out to become a particularly surprising spring or summer outfit.
To cut fabric for knitting or crocheting a simple sleeveless top you will need about 3 yards of 44-45" wide fabric.
Cut Fabric Method One – Cut fabric lengthwise into approximately 1/2" wide strips several yards long. Roll into loose fabric balls. Rather than tie ends which will make uneven lumps when knitting or crocheting, join new strips with a loose overhand knot.
Cut Fabric Method Two – Lay fabric open flat so that the right and left selvages are visible. Measure down 1/2" from one selvage edge and cut horizontally cross-grain nearly to the opposite side selvage but not all the way through. Stop1 /2" in from the edge. Then measure down 1/2" from this selvedge edge and cut horizontally back across to the opposite edge. Continue cutting in this zigzag way till all the fabric has been cut but never cutting all the way through either of the selvedge edges. It should look like the letter "Z" was cut several times continuously from the top to the bottom so that the fabric will open up into one very long strip.
Use your favorite sleeveless sweater top pattern to knit or crochet in the usual manner. Let the fabric strip unfold and twist naturally. If the fabric edges have frayed somewhat they will contribute to and greatly enhance the modern look of your top. Knitting or crocheting with large size needles or hooks with fabric as your "yarn" lends itself easily to finishing the top in no time.
Projects to Knit or Crochet with Fabric
Knitting with Fabric: Autumn Harvest Purse from V.I.P. by Cranston
Make a Crocheted Rag Rug from DIY Network.com
Rag Rug Tutorial from blog Vintage Chica
Note: Please honor all copyrights.
Sew happy, sew well.
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