Sponsors
Sponsors
Moderated by Deepika
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?
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.
------
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.
------
Living life to the fullest.
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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 --
------
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 --
------
People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
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.
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics







![Itch To Stitch Bellavista Top Digital Pattern [0-40]](https://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/its/bellavista/bellavista_t.jpg)
