How to Hem With Seam Bonding Tape
Seam bonding tape can create a secure hemline without sewing. This tape is good for quick hemline repairs or for hemming pieces where you don't want visible hem stitches. Some seam bonding tape is designed for use in decor projects, but several companies offer products that can be washed and dried as usual. When hemming a skirt or pants, seam bonding tape can be used to create an initial hem, repair a hem or altering a hem.
Instructions
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Repairing a Hem
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An iron is necessary when using seam bonding tape. Wash and iron the garment.
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Turn the garment wrong side out.
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Measure the length of the tear or missed stitching in the hem. If you're in a hurry, just eyeball this.
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Remove the backing paper from the seam bonding tape on one side, if the tape has backing on both sides. Place the tape on the wrong side of the fabric, at the edge of the hemline.
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Iron over the tape and fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the garment to cool completely before wearing it.
Creating or Altering a Hem
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Measure the desired hemline. Mark the garment hemline on the wrong side of the fabric.
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Rotary cutters can be used to trim fabric. Trim the fabric so the hem allowance is even. The hem allowance is the distance from the edge of the fabric to the fold at the hemline.
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Fold the garment from the edge of the fabric to the desired hemline. Pin the garment at the hem, with pins parallel to the floor.
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Press the hem fold. Remove the pins and open the hem fold. Remove the backing paper on one side, if the tape has backing on both sides. Place the on the wrong side of the fabric, at the edge of the hemline.
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Iron over the tape and fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the garment to cool completely before wearing it.
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Tips & Warnings
For trousers, a 1¼-inch to 1½-inch hem allowance is recommended. A 2-inch to 3-inch hem allowance is good for skirts. This may vary with the fabric type and garment shaping, so choose the hem allowance that looks best.
Not all seam bonding tape is machine washable, and not all seam bonding tape can be dry cleaned. Buy a seam bonding tape that can be laundered in the way the garment requires.
Use the right weight of seam bonding tape. Heavyweight tape will not hold lightweight fabrics- they can ruin the look of the garment.
References
- Photo Credit Black Dress Shoes image by TMLP from Fotolia.com iron image by Robert Grzywaczewski from Fotolia.com sewing image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com sewing image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
