I’ve titled this blog post as if there was a fight… but let me tell you I was the winner when I tried out this new-to-me stretch thread on a jersey sewing project.

Let’s start by talking about the thread.  It’s a Gütermann’s elastic sewing thread called Maraflex that has been designed for sewing stretch fabrics with a straight stitch.  Mind blown!  The thread is used in the top of the machine and the bobbin, and can be used for both seaming and top stitching.

I sewed this whole project with Maraflex thread and slightly longer than normal straight stitch length… my machines defaults to a stitch length of 2.5 and I upped it to 3.  As my cotton/spandex jersey doesn’t fray, I didn’t finish any of the seam allowances.  Talk about super fast sewing project!

Now let’s focus on the pattern…

The Blanche Knit dress is a reasonably new offering from StyleArc.  It’s a short sleeve jersey dress, with an a-line shape, side splits and upper bust darts.

The upper bust darts, which are disguised by my print, have seriously changed my life.  The bust fit is perfect, which is not the normal for me and more fitted tees!  I’m definitely going to use the bodice of this pattern as a sort of block for future tees.

The fabric is a digitally printed cotton/spandex knit and the print just pops.  It’s part of the Ashby Jersey range at work and I’ve sewn with it several times before and it doesn’t disappoint.

My changes to the pattern were my usual forward shoulder adjustment, removing the centre back seam and narrowing the neckband.  I always cut jersey neckbands to my desired width and length.  Neckband lengths are tricky for pattern makers to predict as they don’t know about the percentage stretch and/or recovery of the fabric that you are using.  In this instance, my finished neckband is 1/4″ (6mm) narrower than drafted.

Does Maraflex perform as promised?  Yes
Was I impressed?  Yes
Are customers at work also giving it the thumbs up?  Yes
Will I sew with Maraflex again?  A very big YES!
Was this a super fast sewing project?  Yes
Do I recommend the fabric and sewing pattern?  Also yes
Was I swaying in the photo below to try and show you the side splits?  That would be a yes too!

Pattern:  StyleArc’s Blanche Knit Dress (purchased from work)
Size:  10
Fabric:  Ashby Jersey – Vertical Garden
Alterations:  My usual 3/8″ (1cm) forward shoulder adjustment, removing the centre back seam and narrowing the neckband
Outfit:  Antique gold fob, beach glass earring by Susan Ewington Jewellery, sunglasses via Liberty in London (circa 2017!) and sneakers via Luisa (not current).
Photo Location:  Daylesford