Tube Knit Fabric: How to Cut and Sew Narrow Tubular Knits

Tube knit is knitted as a continuous tube rather than flat yardage, which is why it arrives roughly 20 inches wide and looks alarming to anyone used to 60-inch goods. It is not difficult — it just needs different yardage maths and a different cutting approach. Learn those two things and the narrow width turns into an advantage, because a tube gives you seamless sleeves and instant leggings. Expert tips throughout from sewing instructor Shannon Gifford.

What is tube knit fabric?

Tube knits can look a little unusual to the home sewer. After all, where else will you see fabrics that are 20 inches wide? But these fabrics are delightful to wear, and easy to use, if you keep a few simple principles in mind. Once you learn to use them, you'll love the convenience of the narrow width!

How much to buy

Bear in mind that the narrow width of these fabrics will require additional yardage. For garments, purchase approximately 2½ times the amount of fabric the pattern originally requires.

Cutting a tube knit

For larger pattern pieces, cut the tube open along one fold and allow the fabric to lie completely flat for cutting the pattern piece.

Use the tube: seamless sleeves and instant leggings

The tube can be used "as is" when you cut out your sleeves. Fold your sleeve pattern in half and match to the fold of the tube. Trace the cap of the sleeve along each side of the tube. You'll eliminate the underarm seam in this manner.

For leggings, simply cut the tubes to length and hem each end. What an easy project!

Pretreatment

Delicate cycle wash, mild detergent, no bleach, cold water. Dry flat. Do not expose this fabric to high heat in a dryer or with an iron.

Needles and thread

Use stretch needles, size 11, for construction. Cotton-covered polyester, or all polyester threads are best for this fabric.

Seams, seam finishes and hems

If you are using a conventional machine, use a small zigzag (2.0 length, 1.5 width) for most construction. Seams do not require finishes, as the fabric does not ravel. If you have a serger, a three-thread balanced seam is perfect for a strong seam and finish all in one pass.

For hems, use a stretch twin needle, size 4.0/11, or a coverstitch if you have that option.

Interfacing

Use the lightest weight fusible for areas that need interfacing. So-Sheer or Touch of Gold are good choices. If you prefer to use a sew-in, use a layer of self fabric for interfacing.

What to make with tube knit

Tees, tanks, shirts, cardigans, skirts, scarves, hats, leggings. Because of the narrow width, pants may require creative piecing when cutting.

Creative possibilities

Cut the tube knit across the grain into loops about ½-1" wide. Link these together to make a trendy chain scarf, or to use as trim for your garment.

Related guides

For other knits, see the sweater knit fabric guide and the jersey guide.

Shop knits

Browse the knit fabrics collection at EOS. Back to all fabric care guides.

FAQ

What is tube knit fabric?

Knit fabric produced as a continuous tube rather than flat yardage, typically arriving around 20 inches wide.

How much tube knit do you need for a garment?

About 2½ times what the pattern calls for, because of the narrow width.

How do you cut tube knit fabric?

For large pattern pieces, cut the tube open along one fold and let it lie flat. For sleeves, leave the tube intact and cut on the fold to skip the underarm seam entirely.

Can you make leggings from tube knit?

Yes, and it's the easiest project there is — cut the tubes to length and hem each end.

What needle do you use for tube knit?

A size 11 stretch needle, with cotton-covered polyester or all-polyester thread.