Working with knit fabrics might seem daunting for adults, but it didn't scare Jessika off when she decided to introduce a knit pattern to some of her youngest students. She's here to explain why a pattern designed for knits makes for the ideal starter project for beginners. Name: Jessika Zontini, owner of Pindrop Shop Where can we find you online? Instagram, Facebook Pattern used: Girl on the Go Dress + Top Fabric used: Dabs Knit by Dear Stella and Chalkboard Knit by Rae Ritchie for Dear Stella Kiki and Catie are two sisters with a keen interest in sewing, particularly in creating clothes tailored to their personal styles. Finding outfits that matched both their unique tastes and adhered to their school's dress code proved challenging. We decided to begin with simpler projects before moving on to more complex ones like making dresses. Our initial project was a drawstring bag. The girls learned fundamental skills such as operating a sewing machine, cutting fabric, and applying iron-on interfacing. They did exceptionally well and were thrilled with their handiwork. Following this, we moved on to a straightforward garment: a gathered skirt with an elastic waistband. Catie chose a tie-dyed knit fabric, while Kiki went for a shimmering mermaid print. Both girls excelled once again, gaining valuable skills and confidence along the way. I stumbled upon the Girl on the Go Dress + Top pattern while browsing through designs for the shop. I’d encountered it before and immediately recognized its potential for the girls. I was eager to have them work with knit fabrics since they’re incredibly forgiving. Even if you make slightly uneven cuts or crooked seams, the stretchiness of the fabric ensures a comfortable and flattering fit. They’re simply more forgiving than other materials! We dived straight into the Girl on the Go project. First, I explained how patterns are structured, including symbols and sizing. I guided them through measuring themselves and selecting the appropriate size. We traced the pattern pieces onto Pellon Easy-Pattern, which the girls found quite enjoyable. Once the markings were transferred, we used these templates to cut into our chosen fabrics. Although this process spanned multiple class sessions, the simplicity of the dress kept the girls engaged and motivated throughout. After finishing the cutting stage, the sewing process went smoothly. As the girls witnessed their dresses taking shape, their excitement grew. By this point, they were trying on the dresses after each step, which was incredibly rewarding to see. My ultimate aim was to foster a love for sewing, and it was working beautifully. Their skills and focus improved significantly in every class. Some of the early, less precise cuts were integrated into the final product, and while we had to adjust certain lines slightly, these minor imperfections weren’t noticeable in the completed dress. Watching how these small errors blended seamlessly, the girls became more meticulous in subsequent steps. They were genuinely learning, and I could see the wheels turning in their heads—just as they had in mine when my aunt Kelley taught me to sew an apron using a pattern many years ago. The highlight for me was seeing them proudly wear their finished dresses. They felt immense pride in their creations and realized they could accomplish anything they set their minds to. At ages 8 and 11, their friends and teachers were astounded when they arrived at school wearing their handmade dresses and carrying their handmade bags. This is merely the beginning of their creative journey, and I’m deeply grateful to have provided them with this experience. I hope it inspires other young people to explore these skills and fosters an endless curiosity to continue learning and creating. The Girl on the Go dress was the perfect starting project, and I highly recommend it for anyone teaching a young person to sew. We appreciated the simplicity of the pattern, as there were only a few pieces, allowing the girls to understand each component and envision the final outcome. Working with knit fabric was also beneficial because any mistakes became virtually invisible. The girls love the everyday comfort of their dresses and feel confident wearing them. They’re stylish yet practical, and the waist tie adds a touch of flair. The pattern was well-written and easy to follow, meeting all our criteria for a beginner sewing project. Do you know a child who has sewn one of our patterns? Would you—or they—like to share their story? Drop us a line at and let’s chat! Windproof Down Vest,Hooded Down Vest,Light Down Vest,Down Filled Vest TUSCANY , http://www.tuscanygarments.com
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