How to Hem a Knit Shirt
The elasticity and drape of knit fabrics makes them an excellent choice for projects ranging from athletic wear to special occasion dresses. Knit fabrics require different sewing techniques and tools from those used on woven fabrics to produce strong, even seams and hems. A hemming technique commonly used on knit shirts entails two lines of machine topstitching. This type of hem has the elasticity needed for knit fabrics and looks professional, yet it can be achieved by sewing beginners.
Things You'll Need
- Hanger
- Straight ballpoint pins
- Sewing gauge or ruler
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Ballpoint twin needle
Instructions
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1
Center the knit shirt on a hanger for 24 hours at normal room temperature and humidity.
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2
Fold the shirt to your desired hemline and pin evenly in place. Use the sewing gauge or ruler to make sure the fold is even.
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3
Insert the ballpoint twin needle in your sewing machine. Thread the machine and set it to straight stitch.
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4
Stitch close to the raw edge all the way around the hem. Remove the pins before they are drawn under the presser foot of the sewing machine. Remove the shirt from the sewing machine and clip the loose thread ends.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Be gentle with knit fabric. Tugging it will distort your work.
Thread the sewing machine so that the spools of thread reel off in opposite directions. This will help prevent twisting threads.
References
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
