How to use woven binding on knit fabric

First draft of my cute grandpa shirt

If you are going to make cute doll clothes you need to start with a cute design.

I thought I would try a grandpa shirt. I like the placket and the little buttons. They are great additions to doll clothes.

I used my turtle neck sweater as a base pattern.

Turtleneck Pattern

I added some length to the sleeves to account for leaving off the bands and I made the bodice a bit longer.

Now what about the fabric bindings for the neck wrists and bodice hem?

My first go wasn't perfect but it still looks cute. If I was just making for my family I would be happy with this one. But I need to make things to a much higher standard when I want to sell the pattern.

The bias binding made the wrist a bit too small since it cut out most of the stretch of the knit sleeve.

My second go has a slightly wider sleeve at the wrist.

The neck and hem bands were just right. You just have to stretch the bias strip very gently to stop any wobbles in the knit. You want the edges with the binding to sit nice and flat rather than going wavy.

The front band is a bit narrower and a tiny bit longer. 

I had to work out how much bias strip to make and settle on four strips 10" long then sewn together to make one strip.

The idea was to make an outdoor top but the knit I used came from my old pyjama pants and looked like pyjamas so I made some 1813 boxer style trousers to finish the look.

I created a Fall jogging outfit with the grandpa top, leggings and boxer shorts.

You can get the grandpa shirt pattern in my shop.

Also the boxer shorts pattern

and the leggings.

Happy Doll Dressmaking,

Val