As the finishing techniques of St. John Knit are so widely used in the industry, it’s only natural that you would want to master them for your own projects. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips and tricks for achieving a professional finish with these techniques.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics, let’s start by understanding the basics of St. John Knit finishing. This technique involves using a specialized knitting machine that creates a fabric with a unique texture, known as “St. John Knit” (SK). SK has several properties that make it particularly well-suited for certain applications: it is breathable, lightweight, and can be easily shaped.

Preparing the Fabric

The first step in mastering St. John Knit’s finishing techniques is to prepare the fabric correctly. This involves washing the fabric in hot water with a mild detergent, followed by rinsing it in cold water. The fabric should then be dried flat on a towel, or hung up to dry.

Cutting and Sewing

Once the fabric has been prepared, you can begin cutting out your pattern pieces. It’s important to use sharp scissors for this step, as dull scissors can cause the fabric to fray or pucker.

When sewing together your pattern pieces, it’s important to use a matching thread color that blends seamlessly with the fabric. This will help create a professional finish.

Shaping and Pressing

After sewing together your pattern pieces, you’ll need to shape them into their final form. This can be done by hand or using a steamer. For a professional finish, it’s best to use a steamer, as it allows for more precise control over the fabric.

Once the fabric has been shaped, it should be pressed with a hot iron and steam. This will help set the shape of the fabric and create a crisp finish.

Finishing Touches

Finally, there are several finishing touches that can be added to your St. John Knit garment to give it a professional finish. These include adding buttons or zippers, attaching labels, and applying any necessary embellishments.

Here’s an example of how you could apply these techniques in practice:

Example: Creating a St. John Knit Scarf

To create a St. John Knit scarf, first prepare the fabric by washing it in hot water with a mild detergent, followed by rinsing it in cold water. Then, cut out a long strip of fabric that is approximately 10 cm wide and 100 cm long.

Next, sew together two pieces of fabric to form a tube, leaving one end open for turning the scarf right side out.

Turn the scarf right side out and press the seams flat with a hot iron and steam. Then, turn the open end over twice and sew in place using a matching thread color.

Finally, add any embellishments you like - such as buttons or tassels - to give your scarf a professional finish.

Conclusion

Mastering St. John Knit’s finishing techniques requires attention to detail and practice. By following these tips and tricks, you can create professional-looking garments that are both comfortable and stylish. Whether you’re working on a small project like a scarf or a large one like a coat, the principles outlined here will help you achieve a finish that is truly professional.