Free tutorial: How to Sew with Knits Part 1: Getting started!

I've developed a love for sewing with knits. And I think my excitement was heightened when my daughter put on one of my creations and said, "This looks just like something from a store!" I know what she means, of course - it's not that we don't buy wovens in stores or that our woven creations look shabby. But many (ok - most) of the easy-to wear, drapey and comfortable clothes our children wear are sewn from knits.
And yet, as sewists, we're often afraid to try to sew them ourselves.
There's no need to be anxious! Sewing with knit fabrics is different, but it's not necessarily more difficult. You can use a regular sewing machine (as long as it has a zigzag) and create beautiful, fun, and functional garments. So, let's get started!
This week, we're taking a look at fabrics, stretch, and tools you'll need to get your patterns cut and ready for sewing. Spend a little time reading "Getting Started with Knits" (the photos are more clear once you download than they are in the Google viewer), and shop around for some fabrics to get started with! I love Nature's Fabrics for their vast selection, as well as Fabric.com and Euro Girls Boutique, to name just a few.
Next week we'll discuss how to sew with knits using your regular machine (and serger, if you have one - but it's not a requirement).
If your system doesn't want to open Google Docs to view "Getting Started with Knits," you can download the file from the Internet. Enjoy your new sewing adventure!
For Part II, sewing seams with knits, please see this post!