Rib knits have always been popular, but lately, they’re absolutely everywhere. We all have at least one of those key knit staple pieces in our closet – a tank top, t-shirt, or dress – but now we’re seeing rib knits used in more unique ways. Elevated sweatshirts with statement sleeves, t-shirts with cute cutouts, and jumpsuits were all seen on runways recently. Let’s take a look at some free sewing patterns that can help you jump on the rib knit trend this fall!
Purchase Materials Used Below:
Bixa Sweatshirt:
Bixa Sweashirt + Willow Sleeves:
- 2 yards Heathered Pale Gray Tubular Cotton 2×2 Rib Knit
- MDF095 – The Bixa Sweatshirt Free Sewing Pattern
- MDF068 – The Willow Cardigan Free Sewing Pattern
Sylvan Tank & Jamesia Pants:
Rib Knit Pants
One would think that the rib knit wouldn’t be the most practical for pants because of the stretch, but according to the fashion world, it is. In my opinion, there are pros and cons to the rib knit pant trend. The pro of wearing rib pants is they feel like pajamas, and you can move in them, while the con is that they can sometimes stretch out oddly. The popular style of the rib pant is fit-and-flair or straight leg silhouettes paired with sneakers.
Free sewing patterns to make your own fabulous rib knit pants:
- Bay Swimsuit Bike Shorts
- The Ren Jeans (try sizing down and skipping the zipper!)
- The Jamesia Pants (size down and try bringing the pattern in at the knee for a more fit-and-flare silhouette)
Statement Sleeves
The sleeve trend keeps on going and just about everyone is here for it! When it comes to sleeves, the bigger, the better! Sleeves are the easiest adjustment you can make in a garment. Check out Mood’s sleeve drafting tutorials or use one of the existing sleeve patterns we already offer! Another trendy option would be to pair the rib knit with another fabric type for the sleeves and have to bodice made of rib knit.
Free sewing patterns for statement sleeves:
- The Poppy Dress (you could even cut it at the waist and make it a crop top!)
- The Bixa Sweatshirt + The Willow sleeves
- The Lavender Tee + The Ginger sleeves
- The Willow Cardigan
Separates
Separates are very important for anyone’s your wardrobe, especially when it comes to knit separates. You can get the best of both worlds with knit separates because you can dress them up or down and mix and match them to create multiple, layered outfits. Another benefit of knits is they are lightweight, which makes them easier to travel with!
Free sewing patterns to up your separates game:
Additional Ways to Elevate Rib Knits
Rib knit (or any kind of knit!) is a fun fabric to work with. You can push rib knit far and get creative with it. Some way to get creative with rib knit are cutting garments in half and adding rib knit to it, twisting the rib knit, cutting holes in certain areas for cutouts, or splitting garments to color-block the knit – the possibilities are endless!
My favorite piece on this entire website. I read all of Greg’s work first! They not only include the how, Greg always always includes the why as well. Huge fan, super beneficial for helping expand my skill set/perspective. Thank you!! xx