Tips for Hemming Knit Fabrics on a Regular Sewing Machine

In this sewing tutorial, I share eight tips on how to hem knits on a regular sewing machine, going through everything from how to keep the fabric from stretching out and getting wobbly to how to sew curved hems and avoid skipped stitches.

If you have more tips on how to hem knits I would love to know! Please share in the comment section!

Notions for hemming knits mentioned in the video

Needles for knits
I use Schmetz ballpoint needles
and
Schmetz stretch twin needles

Wondertape
I'm using Prym wondertape, which is also called Dritz wondertape

Another option is Collins wondertape

Fusible interfacing
Any good quality thin lightweight fusible that has great one-way stretch will work. Do not use the thicker stretch knitted fusible for hemming, it will make the fabric too bulky.

Clear elastic
Look for a clear elastic that is thin, but has some stability and doesn't break easily. Some clear elastic is so flimsy and delicate that it is impossible to work with.

Paper stabilizer
The best option is a thinner water-soluble stabilizer or tear-away. But tissue paper works well too, just a bit fiddly to tear away. Whatever material you use it's important that it is thin, so that there will be no gaping in the stitches

Suggested books about sewing with knits
Best book:
Sewing with knits by Connie Long

Good book:
Sew Knits with Confidence by Nancy Zieman

Good book for beginners;
The Colette Guide to Sewing Knits by Alyson Clair

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[roset.]

So thankful I found this tutorial. I literally felt my apprehension for sewing my stretchy dress melt away. Your communication and expertise is very much appreciated!

[NiteOwlCrafter]

I'm in the U.S. I purchased my work pants for under $10 and I w as s quoted $12 to hem them. I have a sewing machine and thought that I would do some research to see if I could hem them myself. After watching your video, I'm happy to pay the $12 price per pant!
Thank you for a great tutorial!

[PrayNowall]

I think this is the best sewing video I have EVER seen. Wow. Thanks so much for making this video!

[naughtybynature]

What I use is the excess paper after cutting out my patterns works wonders happy 😊 sewing 🧵

[hooverla]

Johanna, The youtube title for this tutorial is simply "How to hem knits on a regular sewing machine". However, you have also included a wonderful demo of using clear elastic for stabilizing a neckline. That should be included in the title, too, since using specific techniques in sewing necklines is absolutely essential when sewing knits.

[KimberlyNichols]

Very helpful, thanks! I also use a walking foot when sewing with knits. It makes a huge difference and I don't get puckering like I do without it.

[hummingbirdlady]

Thank you for the tip on Wonder Tape which is exactly what I've been searching for but couldn't remember the name of it. All my search results showed bonding tape that requires heating with an iron and that isn't what I want to do. Wonder Tape is exactly what I want and it's on sale at Joann's...win win.

[tirinandkatten]

After watching your video I was going to buy wondertape, but then I thought of an alternative: A straight seam at the fold, long stitches, to pull out afterwards. It worked very well. Thank you for getting me on the right track! <3

[UniversalEngineer]

VERY HELPFUL. From the assortment, I found several techniques that will work for me. Thank you! FYI, your channel is clearly one of the best! 👏👏👏

[DiannaAtherton]

Another great video. So easy to follow and understand. Thank you so much for always giving clear instructions without annoying ear pounding music while trying to learn and understand. 😅. I have been making lounging pajamas the last few days for christmas gifts. They were a huge hit last year. Have a great day.

[Chevalali]

Brilliant! Thanks. Spent hours this afternoon wondering if slipped stitches meant something was wrong with my new Elna! Off to the sewing shop tomorrow for ball point stretch needles!

[adorabledeplorble]

Much gratitude!!! I was struggling with hemming an elastic-type of knit exercise pants, but even with a walking foot I still had a bunching effect. I was ready to go buy something that might wash away after sewing, but then after watching your tricks I remembered a lightweight two sided fusible tape I used in a tricky project a long time ago and it was perfect! You just saved me so much frustration.

[izabeau]

Thank you so much for your tips. Been battling with twin needles on stretch fabric. It jams, brakes, skips and just a mess. Will experiment your tips and pray one will work for me....❤️🌹❤️🌹🌞

[lorrainewilliams]

That tip about using the awl inspires me to do some experimenting with my walking foot on some knits. I don't think light jersey would like it, but decent weight cotton knits would probably work well. Thanks for the great tips.

[msallaneous]

Thank you for your wonderful tips, as a newbie I am so grateful for all the tips and advice I can get.

[e.tranmoto]

Thank you for the video! I loved that it was quick, clear, and showed you using all the methods . I am a new subscriber, thanks again.

[marymastin]

thank you for your expertise tips - gonna try them - see if they work also on very light weight cottons as well - the experiment will be fun

[marilyne]

Your video is very helpful - I discovered another video of yours last night as venturing into jersey, sweatshirts etc. I'm about to finish my first sweatshirt so will be trying some of your tips. Also refreshing to see a 1980's Bernina in the background!

[sarahwheeler]

I use the walking foot to feed the top of the fabric.

[TisEyerish]

Excellent suggestions; thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us!