How to Hem a Knit T-Shirt

Hem a T-shirt for a custom fit.

Sometimes the standard small, medium, and large sizes of knit T-shirts just don't fit everyone properly. If the sleeves or bottom of the shirt are too long, you can hem them to fit the wearer properly. Hemming is an alteration method that allows a person to eliminate excess fabric from the shirt for a better fit. When done properly, it can make a world of difference in the shirt's appearance and how it compliments the person wearing it.

Things You'll Need

• Knit T-shirt
• Sewing machine
• Needle
• Thread
• Chalk
• Stickpin

Instructions

1. Turn the knit T-shirt inside out and have the wearer put it on. Then, roll up the sleeve or bottom to where the hem needs to be.

2. Mark the bottom of the roll with chalk.

3. Place a stickpin in the shirt to hold up the rolled area where the chalk mark is. Have the wearer take the shirt off so you can hem it. Leave it inside out.

4. Spread the shirt out on a table or other flat surface.

5. Align the edge of the marked sleeve or bottom of the shirt under the footer press of the sewing machine.

6. Turn on the sewing machine. Hold down the edge of the sleeve or bottom and begin sewing the new hem. The needle should guide the thread directly into the shirt and apply the stitch automatically. Guide the fabric by holding it in place to ensure that the hem is straight.

7. Cut the end of the thread once the hem is complete, and tie it in a knot. Do not pull the thread from the shirt as this would unravel the entire hem.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're hemming the sleeves of the knit shirt, you'll only need to mark one sleeve. Knit shirts are usually very symmetrical, so you can determine the proper sleeve hem by matching it up with the one you marked.

• The thread should be the same color as the shirt so the hem won't be noticeable.

• Double-check your measurement marks for accuracy before cutting the shirt.

• While you can hem knit shirts by hand with a simple hem stitch, it's better to use a machine if you aren't experienced with hand sewing. The stretchy material can make sewing difficult and the stitch can come out crooked. Using a sewing machine will give you a better guide to ensure the accuracy of the stitch so the line can be straight all the way around the sleeve or bottom hem.

References

• Mad Mim; Tutorial for Hemming a Knit T-Shirt; Miriam Tribe; January 2010
• Denver Fabric: Sewing with Knit Fabrics