Linings for knitted garments?

[firstofive]

I'm wondering if anyone has ever lined their knitted item. Besides loving knitting, I also enjoy sewing and have been reading sewing reference books lately (that I wish I had read long ago!). One of them suggests that it's a good idea to line a knitted jacket (to keep the wind out). Of course, the lining has to be able to stretch and wash the same

Comments

[ayse]

I line knitted silk garments to support them (so I don't want the lining to stretch like the garment at all!). I usually use a cotton fabric for the lining, because that can be washed like silk but doesn't stretch the same and has the strength to have the silk tacked to it all over (for really stretchy fabric I will tack on a 1" grid). I've considered lining some woolen pieces I knitted when I was a kid, because I'm now allergic to wool. For those I would use a loose lining tacked at the neck, armholes, and hem. It's partly about what you want the lining to do for you (protect you from itchy fabric, or hold the fabric in place, or give a bit more modesty, or whatever

[firstofive]

I like your point that linings can be used to prevent stretching! and to get away from itchiness! not just wind penetration.

I am an experienced seamstress so this where I am getting my inspiration for adding linings to my knitting in the future (although I imagine I could go back and line some old items to their advantage as well...)

I think French seams are a great idea, thanks! and also thanks for letting me know that you use linings in your knitted garments and that I am not crazy for considering it!!

[knitress]

Jean Frost designs fairly tailored patterns for knit jackets. She teaches a class on lining them -- there may be some information on linings in her book Jean Frost's Jackets.

Many moons ago, Threads magazine had an article on knitting and lining a Chanel-style suit. It's been republished in one of the Taunton Press books of knitting-related articles from Threads. Check with your library to see if they have it.

[firstofive]

yes, I have been reading several books by the taunton press:

"the easy guide to sewing (fill in the blank)" and it is in the guide to sewing linings that this recommendation appears.

I've looked through Jean Frost's book (had it from the library) but do not remember a discussion about linings.

thanks!

[firstofive]

Oh, OH, I already DO have that Threads magazine book in my library!!
It's "Hand-Knitting Techniques" from Threads. I had never looked through the chanel suit article in much depth (not thinking I needed to knit a suit) and you are right, there is much discussion about lining the knit suit. The article is called "A knitting Odyssey: The making of a hand knit Chanel type suit" and is written by Linda Dyett, a contributing editor of Threads magazine. This book was first printed in 1991, I have the 1998 edition.

thank you, thank you, thank you!

BTW, this book is one of the most treasured books in my knitting library. I have knit several items from it and refer to it often. So I should not be surprised to find there is still more to learn from it!

[firstofive]

yes, interlock knit is recommended as a possible lining.

thanks!

[cimorenegal]

The only times I really like lining for a knitted garment are when the lining provides stabilization- especially if you're knitting something big and heavy like a blanket or a cotton jacket, or something like that. You obviously don't want something that's going to shrink when washed so it should have the same washing requirements as the knitted item, but definitely lining is good for providing stabilization.

[sprocket_ninja]

I don't know how helpful this is going to be, but when I make handwarmers, gloves and the like, I always line them because I can't stand to have wool close to my skin. I find that plain sock fabric has the right amount of elasticity to move with the piece and thin enough to that you aren't sweating your hands off. :)