How to Hem a T-Shirt with a Machine
Hemming a T-shirt on a traditional sewing machine can be frustrating because it's wavy and has plenty of stretch. Most T-shirt hems have a coverhem. A seamstress may use a serger to create this type of overstitch, but you can create a mock overstitch using a twin needle, or a single needle with two prongs on it. You can also do this by "crowing the needle" or by using a stabilizer to temporarily stiffen the T-shirt material.
Things You'll Need
- Twin needle
- Sewing machine
- T-shirt
- Spool pin
- 2 spools thread
- Sewing notions
- Straight pins
- Iron
- Water-soluble embroidery stabilizer (optional)
- Washing machine (optional)
Instructions
-
Twin Needle Method
-
1
Install the twin needle. Turn off the machine and turn the screw holding the needle until it loosens. Remove the standard needle. Insert the needle with its flat shank facing up into the machine. Screw the needle in place.
-
2
Thread the left needle with the upper thread on your first spool.
-
-
3
Insert an extra spool pin into the bobbin winder shaft for a second spool of thread. Turn the spool pin so it sits horizontally. Place the upper thread spool on the right side onto the extra spool pin. Place the spool cap on it. Thread the upper thread for the right side. Manually thread the right needle, but don't pass the thread through the needle bar thread guide. Attach a zigzag presser foot if you have an older machine.
-
4
Fold your T-shirt hem, pin it and gently stitch it, guiding it through if need be. Press your seams with an iron.
Crowing the Needle
-
5
Set up your sewing machine and fold your T-shirt hem as you would normally.
-
6
Gently push the fabric toward the needle as it approaches it, pushing it through to give it resistance, and properly stitch on the knit fabric.
-
7
Guide the fabric with your other hand, directing it straight behind the presser foot. Press your seams with an iron.
Stabilizing
-
8
Cut rectangular pieces of water-soluble embroidery stabilizer. Roll the rectangles into long, thin rolls.
-
9
Fold your T-shirt hem. Place the rolls of stabilizer along the inside of the hem, between the front face and the second layer.
-
10
Steam-press the hem well so the stabilizer fuses the hem. Stitch the stabilized hem with a twin or single needle. Press your seams with an iron and run the T-shirt through your washing machine's rinse cycle. Dry as usual.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not use a needle threader with a double needle.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
