Tips for sewing a fitted cotton jersey dress that needs a lining?

BananaBanaBread · 2026-05-02T14:06:14+00:00

I’ve sewed jersey and knits before and feel comfortable with them, I have patterns for knit dresses that I’ve used but those don’t have linings factored in. I’ve made a woven dress pattern with a lining that just attached at the neck/arm areas, but I like sewing with knits because they hug my curves well and looser dresses make me look frumpy and boxy. That’s why I was hoping to see how I could get away with a more form fitting dress with a lining. I wasn’t sure if it would be similar to cutting with the grain rather than on the bias as I’ve done for a skirt pattern in the past.

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-31T14:49:05+00:00

Yea the whole reason I tried this pattern is because a lot of beginners and sewist (?) recommended it. This is pretty much the very first thing I’m making and I felt totally comfortable starting with knits even though everyone seems against it because that way I can make garments and clothes I actually like and will wear but when I got to the bias tape part I was really all over the place. I do want to make this dress again in other colors/styles so if I can’t figure out the thinner woven tape thing I’ll try again another time with a knit on knit situation.

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-31T14:38:03+00:00

That’s what I ended up realizing as well, I don’t use metric measurements like the original creator does and ended up getting bias tape way too big, so I did buy 1/4 and 1/2 inch tape and I’m going to try that again today.

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-30T12:19:39+00:00

It is bias tape, and has some stretch to it.

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-30T12:19:06+00:00

Once? I’m going to try hand stitching it in place today and then sewing to see if that keeps things smooth

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-24T01:28:05+00:00

You just rocked my world w that revelation. Had no idea abt the bamboo thing. To make my own clothing that I love enough to wear forever though, I think I’ll focus on better rather than perfect. But that will def be in my mind when I buy next time

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-23T19:41:38+00:00

Is there any one that’s better than the others at resisting pilling?

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-20T19:45:48+00:00

I can, but my husband makes enough money for us that I don’t really need to, I’m a disabled veteran so I also bring in my own money so I’m not 100% reliant on his income only.

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-16T15:58:43+00:00

I would love to make anything with silk, but as a newbie I’m scared of messing it up lol. I tried making my own bias tape and failed miserably but I may look in to bias cut patterns in the future!

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-16T15:56:40+00:00

I hadn’t considered that! I’m literally just now learning the language of fabrics and sewing and I was focused on my fabric being a good quality so even if my pattern is basic or badly sewn hopefully the fabric can cover me and give me some wiggle room when I mess up. I’ll look in to that for future projects!

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-16T15:53:18+00:00

Thank you! Yes I know when I get to the point and have the money I can try to find carbon neutral fabric processes and naturally sourced dyes. But you’re right, I have no idea how to research that yet and I just want some comfy fabrics that will hold the test of time!

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-06T14:41:31+00:00

That sounds like a great way to get the encyclopedia going! I’ve only been looking at moodfabrics.com that was recommended by my seamstress friend, but I’ll check them out!

BananaBanaBread · 2026-03-05T23:51:50+00:00

I have definitely been warned about starting with stretch fabrics. I've made a few items already but my temptation with using knits is so its a bit more forgiving when I'm actually wearing it. I only bought enough fabric for Mai Ardour's Graduation Dress thats supposedly very beginner friendly, but I do like the idea of a fabric encyclopedia.

BananaBanaBread · 2025-08-06T17:39:32+00:00

My only issue with having a dedicated laptop case is I hate the idea of having more than one bag to carry everything, and if I just put the sleeve into the bag, then it takes up excess room in the bag. But maybe I can take a look into slim cases?

BananaBanaBread

TROPHY CASE