We used decorative thread in the CoverPro 1000 to add style to a plain t-shirt pattern. Follow the tips below to give your knitwear the detailing found in upscale department stores. You can also use any Janome serger.
Janome Supplies Required
- CoverPro 1000CP or 900CP Cover Hem Machines
- Janome CoverPro needles EL x 705 size 90/14
- Any Janome Serger
- Janome Size 80/12 needles
- 4 cones – Janome 60 weight serger thread to match fabric
- 3 cones – Janome 60 weight serger thread to match contrasting fabric (CoverPro900CP)
- 4 cones – Janome 60 weight serger thread to match contrasting fabric (CoverPro1000CP)
Fabric and Notions Required
- Stretch & Sew #310 (Picot Tee)
- Knit fabric according to pattern
- 1/2 yd contrast knit for modification as shown in the sample
- 4 squares per inch graph paper
- 1″ grid pattern tracing paper
- Fabric marker
Instructions
Pattern Preparation:
- Download the pattern piece for the colored inset as a PDF, using the link at the top of this page. Print the pattern on 4 squares per inch graph paper. Then trace the lines on 1″ grid pattern tracing paper.
- Trace the Picot Tee pattern pieces for View A, in the appropriate size, on the pattern tracing paper.
- Cut out all the pattern pieces.
- Lay the insert pattern piece on the front pattern piece. Trace the lines for the insert. Remove the insert pattern piece. Add 1/4″ seam allowance to the inside of the lines drawn. Cut out.
- Cut the insert piece from the contrast knit and the other pattern pieces from the main color knit.
At the Sergers
Note: You will be serging the tee-shirt together using a balanced 4 thread overcast serge stitch and embellishing with a Cover Stitch on the CoverPro 900CP or 1000CP. The serger thread should match the main knit color. The CoverPro thread should match the insert knit color. Always serge a test stitch on the project fabric with the serger and CoverPro to adjust the tensions, if necessary, for a perfect stitch.
- Serge the insert piece to the top and bottom front pieces with an overcast stitch. Press the seams towards the main color.
- At the CoverPro, with the right side up, serge a cover stitch to hold the pressed seam allowances in place.
- At the serger, serge the shoulder seams. Press the seams to the back.
- At the CoverPro, with the right side up, serge a cover stitch to hold the pressed seam allowance in place.
- At the serger, serge the sleeves. Press the seams toward the body.
- At the CoverPro, with right side up, serge a cover stitch to hold the press seam allowance in place.
- Serge the French Trim™ binding to the neckline as directed in the pattern using the cover stitch in the final step to hold the binding in place.
- At the serger, serge the side seams. Press the seams towards the body.
- Press the bottom hem and sleeve hem according to the pattern instructions.
- With right side up, serge the bottom hem and sleeve hem in place with a cover stitch. Note: Remove the extension table on the CoverPro to access the free arm to make hemming the sleeves a snap.