After buying a serger several years ago I decided to make sweaters for the family. The only problem I found was the lack of sweater fabric available. I finally found what turned out to be just the thing, sweater bodies or some may call them sweater kits. The kits came complete with ribbing for the neckline the sleeve ribbing was knitted in so all I had to do was lay the pattern for sizing, cut it out and sew. Within the hour I had a really nice sweater. You can make several sweaters even if you don't have a lot of time to sew. A serger is not really needed, a conventional sewing machine will work just as well. The differential feed of the serger or a walking foot used on a sewing machine will make the sewing easier and faster. I've made many sweaters since then using the sweater bodies. Sometimes I don't use ribbing at the neckline, I use my serger with a decorative thread (pearl cotton etc.) to finish the neckline. Because knit fabrics will stretch you need to stay-stitch the area first after making sure the opening is large enough to go over your head without stressing the fabric. If the opening needs to be made larger trim a scant 1/4 inch at a time until it fits. To keep the shoulders from stretching stabilize them by stitching seam binding, twill tape or filler cord over the seamline using your sewing machine. You can also turn the neckline to the wrong side and top stitch it in place. Sewing the sleeves in place is very easy using the flat sewing method. Flat sewing just means that you stitch the sleeves in place before sewing the side and under arm seam. The sweaters can be embellished or you can add pockets. Cardigans can also be made from the sweater bodies by cutting up the center front, folding it under to the wrong side and stitching twill tape or grosgrain ribbon to the fold to stabilize the area. I prefer the ribbon because it comes in more colors. I'm sure you'll think of many ways to make your sweaters unique.
The only place I've found that carries the sweater bodies year round is: The Thrifty Needle located in Philadelphia, PA. You may write or call for a catalog. Their address is: 3233 Amber Street, Dept.T, Philadelphia, PA19134-3201 or call 1-800-324-9927.
