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Member since 3/27/07
Posts: 2439
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Posted on: 8/14/08 9:37 AM ET
I just finished a little t-shirt out of a cotton jersey knit. I've serged the seams and even serged the hem. I don't have a coverstitch machine. How would you suggest I hem this to keep it from stretching?
  
Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 8/14/08 9:56 AM ET
In reply to halleyscomet
You can use a twin needle, or narrow zigzag.

You can use a straight stitch and gently stretch the seam as you sew.

Or if you do not need the hem to have some stretch for getting the shirt on, you can put about 2" of fusible interfacing on the hem and use a straight stitch.

Try a couple methods with your scraps and see what works for your fabric.
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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 4/11/07
Posts: 100
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Posted on: 8/14/08 10:19 AM ET
Normally I use a twin needle. You have to sew it on the right side of the fabric to get the double row of stitching or else you will have the bobbin thread showing which isn't as pretty.

The last top I made, I just used my machine's stretch stitch and it looked fine. But then again, my print was pretty busy. I probably wouldn't have done that with a solid color.
  
Member since 11/22/07
Posts: 506
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Posted on: 8/14/08 10:24 AM ET
In reply to halleyscomet
twin stretch double needle with wooly nylon in the bobbin....

I usually also serge ultra light weight fusible knit interfacing (1" wide) to the inside of the hem, turn, press and then stitch the hem from the right side with the double needle. The interfacing helps prevent the tunnel effect.

Sometimes I bind the hem, like you bind a neckline.....add a 1-2" strip of fabric to the hem, serge, turn the fabric over the serge line and stitch in the ditch...then trim on the inside....useful when the shirt ended up shorter than you expected or just as an added interest.

HTH, ML
  
Member since 5/22/06
Posts: 3084
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Posted on: 8/14/08 10:56 AM ET
In reply to halleyscomet
I like to use the narrow Steam a Seam 2 (light) to hold the hem in place on knits and to stabilize it a little for stitching. It is extremely lightweight and is not noticeable after stitching and ironing. I make lots of knit garments and now wonder how I ever did w/o this product. It always helps me to create a nonwavy, even hem that looks RTW. Perhaps you might test it out on a scrap of your T-shirt fabric to see how you like it.
  
Member since 7/16/08
Posts: 175
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Posted on: 8/14/08 8:51 PM ET
I second the twin needle. Especially since you've already serged the edge. It provides a finish close to the CS, and it's easy and quick.
  
Member since 11/26/06
Posts: 2701
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Posted on: 8/14/08 10:08 PM ET
Two words: Walking. Foot.

I wouldn't sew a knit hem without one! And please DON'T stretch your fabric at all when hemming a knit. You will get waves for certain. If you need the stretch, use a narrow zigzag, but do not stretch. I personally don't like the look of the zigzag so I use a straight stitch and haven't (yet) had any problems w/ popped seams (and I sew a lot of knits).

If my fabric is especially persnickety, I will also use Steam-a-seam (or WashAway Wonder Tape if I don't want it to be permanent) before I sew the hem to keep it from creeping.

Eve

eta: Just wanted to clarify that I do sew joining seams w/ a zigzag...just not any finishing stitching that will be visible.
-- Edited on 8/15/08 1:19 AM --
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Member since 5/6/06
Posts: 599
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Posted on: 8/14/08 10:48 PM ET
In reply to halleyscomet
I second the wash away wonder tape! I'm never sewing a knit hem again without it.
  
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