Is it possible to sew knits with a regular sewing machine?

[cottonwood]

Every time I've tried this, the fabric has buckled along the seam line. Is it possible to sew a flat seam without a serger? This is really bumming me out because I prefer to wear cotton knit but I can't afford a new machine right now.

[MidgeMommy]

I would love to know this, as well.

[KariM]

I've never tried sewing knits with a regular machine, but based upon my sewing library, it's very possible.

What type of needle are you using? I know the ballpoint needles are recommended.

This primer has some great tips:

http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00013.asp

[falcon]

I sew knits with a regular machine. My machine has a stitch that looks kinda like this ---v---v--- so that the seams look flatter than if I had sewn in zigzag, but will still stretch. I use a ballpoint needle too.

[orangefoot]

I have a vintage 70s pattern which was made for knits sewn on a straight stitch machine. I think the necklines are probably bigger than in modern kits but I have made a vest from it and it's great.

The instructions say to sew a straight seam about 5/8 from the edge then fold the fabric in along this stitching and topstitch down with two lines of staright stitiching.

I have tried it and it really works. The fabric folds easily back along the stitching, even on curves, the seams are flatand so far my top stitching hasn't broken.

Her is a good tutoiral http://www.timmelfabrics.com/sewinglessons.htm

[cottonwood]

Excellent, thank you!