Sewing knit fabric on an ordinary sewing machine

You do not need an overlocker for jersey. A ballpoint needle, a stretch or narrow zigzag stitch and a light touch will do it.

Pinny's tip
Never pull the fabric through. Let the feed dogs do the work; stretching as you sew gives wavy seams.

What you'll need

• Jersey or ballpoint needle: slides between the knit loops instead of piercing them.
• Polyester thread: has a little give.
• Walking foot (optional): helps layers feed evenly.
• Twin needle (optional): for stretchy hems that look like shop-bought.

Step by step

1. Fit a jersey or ballpoint needle.
2. Choose a stretch stitch: a narrow zigzag (for example about 0.5 to 1mm (1/16 in) wide, 2.5mm (1/8 in) long) or your machine's lightning-bolt stretch stitch.
3. Test on a scrap: stretch the seam. If threads snap, widen the zigzag.
4. If the seam goes wavy, lengthen the stitch, reduce presser-foot pressure if your machine allows, or try a walking foot.
5. Pin or clip inside the seam allowance and sew slowly without pulling.
6. Hem with a twin needle or a zigzag. Knits do not fray, so the raw edge can stay as it is inside.

Stitch choices

Watch it done

• No Serger, No Problem! Find Out How to Sew Knits on Your Sewing Machine by Seamwork on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Tilly and the Buttons: sewing knit fabric on a regular machine
2. Ourlette: how to sew knit fabrics
3. Sew Guide: sewing knits on a regular machine
4. Schmetz: needle guide
5. YouTube: No Serger, No Problem! Find Out How to Sew Knits on Your Sewing Machine (Seamwork)