A cozy sweatshirt is a must-have for chilly weather, and this unique pattern combines function and style with pockets and professional details, such as grommets, a cowl neck, and topstitching. Nicki LaFoille teaches you all about the different varieties of knit fabrics, from the basics of terminology to stretch percentage to sewing tips. Then get the pattern and step-by-step instructions to stitch a stylish, comfortable sweatshirt with in-seam pockets, or a front kangaroo pocket.
Class Sessions
Introduction
1:54
Knit Basics
9:05
In this session, learn the basics of knit fabric, plus how to shop online for knit fabrics and how to choose the right fabric for any knit pattern.
Know Your Knits
17:48
Learn about some common varieties of knit fabrics. Nicki shows you examples, how they differ, and what projects they're suitable for.
Knit Sewing Tips
20:38
Sewing knit fabric requires slightly different tools and techniques. Nicki demonstrates the basics of cutting, marking, and stitching knit fabric to achieve the best result with the least frustration, and to preserve the life of the project through washing and wearing.
Pattern Alterations
7:39
Nicki demonstrates several alterations to the sweatshirt pattern to achieve a good fit and the desired style.
Make a Sweatshirt
1:23:28
Stitch a comfy and stylish sweatshirt from start to finish, using the knit sewing techniques learned in this course. You’ll be surprised how quick it goes!
Pocket and Hood Options
24:16
Nicki demonstrates how to sew the optional side seam pockets, the lined cowl and the hood for different sweatshirt styles.
Meet Your Instructor
2:05
Your Instructor
Nicki LaFoille
Nicki LaFoille has been sewing for over 20 years. After her grandmother taught her to hand sew at the tender age of 11, Nicki fell in love with the craft and went on to receive a degree in Apparel Design from Central Michigan University. She worked as Associate Editor, then freelance contributor for Sew News, Sew It All and Creative Machine Embroidery magazines, and appeared as a guest on Sew It All TV. She lives in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with her husband, daughter, and red worm colony. In addition to being a seamstress, she is an author of several novels and enjoys gardening and canning the bounty.
Bonus Material
Knit Know-How + Cowl Neck Sweatshirt - Pattern
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
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No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on National Sewing Circle content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great sewing videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of National Sewing Circle. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but National Sewing Circle contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact National Sewing Circle?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at nationalsewingcircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-208-7187. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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