T-Shirt & Knit Tools
Everything you need to sew a great t-shirt — from choosing the right knit fabric to nailing the neckband and getting a professional hem. For all body shapes and skill levels.
Neckband Calculator
Most popularCalculate the exact cut length for your neckband based on neckline measurement, fabric stretch %, band type, and neckline shape. Includes adjusted quartering guide.
T-Shirt Fit Diagnosis
Something off with your knit top? Select what you see — twisted seams, gaping neckband, sleeve issues — and get the cause and fix for each problem.
Knit Hem Calculator
Twin needle, coverstitch, band hem, lettuce edge, or raw edge — get the allowance, machine settings, and step-by-step instructions for each method.
Knit Stretch Calculator
Test your fabric's stretch percentage and compare it to the pattern's requirement. Essential before cutting any knit project.
Stretch Adjustment Calculator
Your fabric has less stretch than the pattern needs? Get per-zone width adjustments by garment type.
Fabric-to-Pattern Pairing
Will your knit fabric work for this pattern? Check weight, drape, and stretch compatibility.
Ease Calculator
Check the ease in your knit pattern. Fitted knit tops use negative ease — the garment is smaller than the body.
T-shirt sewing workflow
1. Check your fabric — use the Knit Stretch Calculator to measure stretch %. Compare to your pattern's requirement.
2. Choose your size — knit patterns use negative ease. A fitted tee should measure 1-2" less than your body at the bust.
3. Cut and sew the body — use a stretch stitch, narrow zigzag, or serger (overlocker) for all seams.
4. Attach the neckband — use the Neckband Calculator for the exact cut length. Quarter properly.
5. Hem — use the Knit Hem Calculator to choose your method and get machine settings.
6. Fit check — if something's off, use the Fit Diagnosis tool to identify the cause.
Why t-shirts are harder than they look
A t-shirt looks simple — four pieces of fabric, a few seams, done. But knit fabric behaves completely differently from wovens. It stretches while you sew, curls at the edges, and the neckband is a balancing act between too tight and too loose.
The good news: once you understand the fabric, sewing knits is actually faster and more forgiving than wovens. There are no zips (zippers), no buttonholes, and the stretch means small fitting errors disappear when worn. These tools handle the tricky parts — you just sew.
Essential knit sewing tips
Use the right needle. A ballpoint (jersey) needle pushes between the knit fibres instead of piercing them. A universal needle can cause skipped stitches and runs.
Pre-wash your fabric. Knits can shrink 3-5% in the first wash. Wash, dry, and press before cutting.
Don't stretch while sewing. Let the feed dogs move the fabric. Use a walking foot for hems. Reduce presser foot pressure if your machine allows it.
Stabilise the shoulders. Clear elastic or stay tape in the shoulder seams prevents the neckline from stretching out over time.