How to Shorten and Hem a Knit Shirt (or dress, or even pants) | The Daily Sew

Shortening and hemming knit garments on a regular sewing machine can be a little trickier than woven fabrics but once you know what stitch to use, and maybe even stabilizer, it’s easy to do and easy to get a good looking hem.
This video talks about how to get an even hem, two different helpful stabilizers, how to hem without stabilizers, and what stitch is best for stretchy fabrics.
Please leave any questions in the comments below and I’ll be sure to answer.
Let's Be Friends: / dailysew
Instagram: @TheDailySew
Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
Filming by Mars Sigler. Thank you

[@katedickson6931]

I have just found your tutorials because I was looking for help in shortening a tshirt. After watching 3 useless videos, I found you and now feel confident to work with my tshirt. Thank you for clearly teaching me and your other viewers. I am now going to be a regular viewer. You’re good!

[@TheDailySew]

thank you SO much. I'm glad the video showed you what you wanted to know. But if you have any questions put them here ;-)

[@isiso3745]

Same! I totally agree 👍🏼

[@nics5581]

VERY informative! You included needle suggestions and stitch width and length too! A lot of the videos I’ve watched are, for some reason, not keen on giving these suggestions. I appreciated your helpful video even more because of this. And thank you for showing the different styles of hem tape and methods. Thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. This is good feedback for me. Those details, like needle type, are important to a project turning out. I want to include all the basics without talking down to anyone who already knows some basics. I figure mentioning things like needle type is a good reminder to those folks, right? ;-)

[@swisscheese5798]

This is great thank you so much! I brought a custom designed top and was so sad when it was so long and looked awful. Now I've shortened it and the sleeves and its amazing!

[@nsocialwork]

🎉 Just hemmed my tshirt!!!! I followed your video - play, sew, play, rewind, breathe & sew some more. I did a double row & no pucker. I used the narrow hem product. I'm so grateful to you! Now to tackle ALLLL the many tshirts that need it as I'm short. Awesome video. THANK YOU! Nancy DFW Texas 💕

[@TheDailySew]

I'm so happy that you had success and for sharing with me. I love your description - especially the "breathe" 😆at least you didn't mention you had to use the seam ripper. Thank you so much for watching and for the feedback.

[@user-iu1ol6tz2f]

I watched a dozen useless videos before finding you. No one else was as thorough, clear, and concise as you, so thank you! You're wonderful, and I will keep following you!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you very much!

[@janrasmussen881]

Thank you so much. You are a great teacher and very easy to follow. I'm a lot smarter than I was 15 minutes ago!!!

[@TheDailySew]

:-) I love it when I can be a little smarter than I was. Thank you!

[@manestage5403]

Thank you! This is such a thorough and thoughtful tutorial. This is going to help me a million times over.

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you 😊

[@brrrgundy_]

I like her she's easy to understand and seems respectful :)

[@wendyearwood]

Thank you sew much! I easily shortened 2 shirts. Now for the rest of them! Short people problems…lol

[@TheDailySew]

ha! For awhile there all the shirts were made so long. Thanks for watching

[@teresaluna1936]

You are a lifesaver! I used the wonder tape, sew it with the stitch you suggested and it worked wonderfully! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@TheDailySew]

Yay! Glad you had success and very happy I could help. Thanks for letting me know

[@ruby.-aaa]

This was so helpful, looking to turn some of my old t shirts into crop tops this summer and this explained so well!

[@meggypeggy9142]

Thank you! I have a lot of shirts I want to crop and I am learning how to use my grandmas super old sewing machine. This was helpful!

[@TheDailySew]

That's great to hear. The older machines are (usually) so well built. If it starts giving you trouble it's probably not the age of it but that it just needs a professional cleaning. I also have a bunch of shirts I want to shorten - gotta make the time to do it ;-)

[@marlee5385]

Thank you so much for a great tutorial for someone who doesn’t like to sew. I have saved so much hemming my own tshirts and pants using your helpful video. This is the best teaching video ever!

[@TheDailySew]

wow - thank you very much. I need to print this out and paste it up where I can see it every day. Thank you

[@susancasal1983]

Thank you so much! I've been watching several other videos and yours is absolutely the best! I feel ready to hem a bunch of tees now. I have a 39 year old Singer so I appreciate that you used a basic machine. Thanks for all the product ideas. I haven't sewn for a while so wasn't even aware of those cool products! I was making a list for new needles, wonder tape etc. while you demonstrated. :)

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you! Yes, they keep making gadgets and products - it's hard to keep up. But I really like that wonder tape. I forgot to say in the video it doesn't gunk up the needle either - that's nice. Enjoy updating your shirts

[@lauramac9357]

Thanks so much for this video. I've tried several methods for hemming knit and only hand sewing which is so time consuming left a smooth line. But your method of stabilizing the knit and using a long, narrow zigzag works beautifully. I just hemmed a t shirt in a few minutes.

[@TheDailySew]

oh, that's great to hear. Thank you

[@STONESMAR3]

Wow! You are the awesomest teacher. You cover everything! Thanks.

[@TheDailySew]

Wow, thank you very much. 😊

[@stephanieostrander3953]

I just shortened a t shirt five inches. I used you video step by step and it turned out great! I kept waiting for something to go wrong but it never did 😅. THANK YOU!

[@TheDailySew]

oh that's great! Thanks for letting me know and thanks for watching the video. You're going to get a lot more use out of that t-shirt now - and that's great too

[@debclements7605]

Thank you so much for this tutorial as I just bought two really cute knit summer dresses that need hemming to fit my 5’1” height!

[@TheDailySew]

It would be so nice if more clothes were offered in petite and tall sizes. I'm glad you're going to able to adjust the length on your dresses and super glad I could help ;-)

[@timmacious]

Thank you so much! I appreciated the calm and gentle manner with which you teach! Just hemmed my v neck t- shirt with the help of your tutorial. Came out great!

[@TheDailySew]

That's great to hear, Thank you. I have quite a few shirts needing to be shortened, just need the inspiration to do it ;-)

[@Castastitch2024]

Awesome tutorial!! Thank heavens I found your channel.

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you! I'm glad the video was helpful

[@carmelabologna9051]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!! I have never sewn on knits before and I was so intimidated. I just bought 13 t-shirts that I must shorten and now I feel like I can really do it! Your information was so professionally presented and so clear to understand. I would not have to look at another video, you said it all! I look forward to other videos too!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you very much. That’s a lot of shirts to shorten but then you’ll be set. - and you’ll get better with each shirt so don’t start with your favorite 😉

[@barbaramahan1589]

Love this easy to understand video, you are a great teacher.

[@TheDailySew]

Ah, thanks so much.

[@colleenlingle7126]

Wonderful video! Your instructions were easy to follow and I had no problems cropping my shirt and will do many more. Thank you for posting.

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks, and thanks for letting me know. I'm glad you had success.

[@Redhead_Knitting]

Thank you so much! I’ve lost a lot of weight and have some tshirts I still love. I can continue loving them!

[@TheDailySew]

Yes! This is great. I want everyone to be able to have their clothes fit like they want them to fit. Thanks for letting me know :-)

[@alicebair1811]

Excellent instructions! Thank you so much for for such a great video! ❤

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you very much. I'm glad you found it helpful

[@barbmichaelleisinger3938]

Thank you for your detailed and clear instructions. My attempts at hemming ti-shirts have been unsuccessful but I was using a straight stitch. I never considered using a zig zag stitch. I am going to give that a try.

[@TheDailySew]

It works. I know some folks don't like the look of the zig-zag stitch but if you make it narrow it's not that noticeably different from a straight stitch. good luck! and thanks for watching the video

[@elisabethst.claire5088]

Fantastic tutorial! I have been looking for a clear, concise tutorial and I hit the jackpot with yours! Thank you so much.

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you - clear and concise is my goal.

[@DoloresLowe]

Sincere thanks for this video! I have mucked around for YEARS trying to sew a decent hem in t shirt knits. I thought I needed a serger, but I really just needed this video. THANK YOU!

[@TheDailySew]

Yes! You do not need a serger! (However, if you sew a lot of knits I recommend a Juki Seger #MO-654DE .. I got it on Amazon for $300-ish dollars (I do sew almost everyday) and it's great. Easy to thread, never lets me down)

[@helenamartinez9019]

Excellent video. Thanks a lot for all the information provided. Now you have a new subscripter from Spain.

[@TheDailySew]

I'm glad you found the video helpful and very happy you subscribed. Thank you

[@loribrisbin-shepler4457]

Thank you! I followed your directions and used the two sided tape to hem three shirts. They all turned out great!

[@TheDailySew]

That's great. I'm so glad you got good results and now have 3 shirts in the right length. I need to follow your lead and shortened my Ts.

[@sheilabrown160]

Thank you for this very informative tutorial. I bought the wash away tape and followed your instructions, managing to easily shorten 3 stretchy t shirts that were too long.

[@TheDailySew]

this is great - Thanks for letting me know!

[@shericiliak4750]

Thank you so much for making this tutorial. You present in a very understandable way. I am going to practice on a couple of old t shirts before I cut the shirt I really want hemmed. 😊

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. I had to shorten one of my T-shirts yesterday . I almost couldn't be bothered but then I realized I'll like it more, and wear it more if it was 3" shorter - so it is now. Worth the time.

[@MF-ev9sw]

¡Great tutorial! Just followed this for a few t shirts and they came out great

[@TheDailySew]

That's great to hear! Thank you

[@RememberTheLord]

Thank you soooo much for this! I only wish there was no music because I get migraines easily. Hope to see some with just your voice in the future :) thank you

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks for the feedback :-)

[@kristisoto9118]

Exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

[@mghewitt1]

Thank you. I saw your video months ago and finally got around to shortening three of my T-shirts. I have one more to go for now.

[@TheDailySew]

I meant to tell you earlier Great Job on getting your shirts altered. I find it such a good feeling to get items done, out of my mending basket and back into my closet. Of course, I struggle doing my mending and alterations, so I really admire that you did it. Inspiring!

[@amandag3858]

Thank you thank you for this tutorial!! This was my first foray into sewing knit tee-shirt material, and with a combo of wonder tape and luck, I had no waviness or skipped stitches!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. I’m so glad you had success with your shirt!

[@lendouma3224]

I loved this video. It was so informative with clear and step by step instructions. Thank you for making this video.

[@TheDailySew]

I love this comment 😆 thank you and glad it helped

[@skyewaterland8403]

thank you!! all of the other tutorials i was looking at required you to have a twin needle which i didn’t. this is a lot simpler and seems just as good!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks. It is simpler than a twin needle- especially if you have to rig up a second spool holder for your machine 😉. That said I’m going to try a twin needle soon. When I work out the kinks it will be a video

[@soniatriana9091]

Excellent tutorial! Extremely well demonstrated & well explained!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. You know what I like to hear ;-)

[@bonniebresnyan6823]

Thanks so much for this step by step procedure on how to hem a t-shirt.

[@TheDailySew]

You're welcome. I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@ArlenePMCM]

Wow, Wonder Tape for the win!

[@TheDailySew]

Yes! I use it for all my knit hems.

[@geethajayatissa9724]

Thank you so much ,its amazing the way you explain the lessons .❤Im from SriLanka.

[@TheDailySew]

thank you and thank you for watching the video

[@alishasanghvi1654]

Thank you so much! I followed your steps exactly and my shirt turned out awesome!

[@TheDailySew]

That's really great to hear. Thank you for telling me :-)

[@oneegyptianpharaoh2798]

Perfect and very accurate job 👍

[@willsaabye6741]

Thanks so much! I wear size medium shirts but I am a smaller guy! I just got new shirts and they were longer than I like. This is great! thanks so much!!!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks. It’s crazy how long some shirts come 😁

[@kimbohannan]

Wow I learned a lots from your video, thank you!

[@TheDailySew]

I'm so glad I could help. Thanks for watching

[@sallyc1398]

Thank you for this. I just wondered if a walking foot would prevent the fabric being pushed by the presser foot?

[@TheDailySew]

A walking foot is great for sewing knits. I use one when sewing T-shirts. I didn't mention using a walking foot in the video since they are usually a separate accessory from the machine and can be pricey. But if you have one, yes, use it. Test first because different weights of knits will move differently under the foot. If sewing super thin knit you may want to place a strip of tissue paper under the fabric where you're sewing. The paper will keep the feed even. Tear it away from the stitches when done. (so use white or unbleached to prevent color transfer onto your fabric).

[@carolineweston2187]

Thank you so much for this very clear informative video. I have two new knit dresses that my 90 year old mum is desperate to wear, but I've been too afraid to tackle the hems on my normal sewing machine. Off to the haberdashery first thing tomorrow. Thank you!

[@TheDailySew]

Awesome! You got this!

[@sparkle.s]

Me too almost same situation!! My husband has a sports shirt that needs the arms length taken up. I am afraid to ruin the shirt. Love your calm, easy-going instructions. Perfect video, thank you so much! Watch a few videos, and I appreciate your step by step with confidence 🌟

[@pamelapace7238]

Oh my gosh, you explained everything so clearly.

[@TheDailySew]

thanks! That's my goal so it's nice to know ;-)

[@CarmelFan2024]

Your presentation style is the best! Thank you👏🏼

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks!

[@psucolleen]

this was SO helpful. I’m short and have a long knit dress that needs to be shortened. The good thing is that it’s SO long that if I don’t like the first attempt, I can try it again a little shorter, LOL! Thanks so so much for the details and the great tip of lifting the foot and pushing the fabric back. The pushed puckering is my number one concern and this tip should considerably help. Thanks! Fingers crossed. :0)

[@TheDailySew]

Yes, fingers crossed but You totally got this - just take your time.

[@sneekypanda]

Very helpful and detailed demonstration!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks! That was my aim so I'm happy! :-)

[@patriciabandolas2847]

I love your videos. They are so helpful and well done, and I plan to use your instructions to shorten some of my knit tops. Thank you! (Pat on Palomar)

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks! (Haven't been to Palomar in a while but hopefully, I'll be there soon)

[@MrTimmywig]

your personality really comes through, and very informative, thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks! (I hope it's a "good" personality ) ;-)

[@lindalaceyblevins5527]

Great information and exactly what I needed!

[@TheDailySew]

I love hearing this. Thank you

[@jillhearne5333]

Thank you for your tutorial.

[@TheDailySew]

thanks for watching it ;-)

[@isiso3745]

Great video ! 👍🏼 very helpful and informative. Thank you

[@TheDailySew]

thank you! I'm glad it was helpful

[@dobefrmdadead]

Amazing channel title, that is hilarious

[@myrakohn3285]

Thank you! You are a wonderful instructor!

[@TheDailySew]

thank you

[@gypsygirl731]

I’ve used a walking door a pin tuck foot and it works for me zig zag is a must I prefer that then a twin needle. Stay tape is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheDailySew]

oh, I'm going to try a pin tuck foot. Thanks for the suggestion

[@user-kq2dc7tr7c]

Very good video. I enjoyed your instruction and the pace of your video was great. I appreciated you mentioning the weight of the needles to use on knit fabrics as I am always wondering if I am using the correct needle for the fabrics I am sewing. No one ever mentions about the type of the needle that you should use.

[@TheDailySew]

Ha! That’s really true about the needles. I’m glad the video was helpful and thank you for the feedback. I appreciate it

[@EmilyWilliams1967]

What a helpful video! Thank you! Maybe I missed it, can you tell me why you sew the seam on the right side?

[@TheDailySew]

I sew on the right side of a garment because for 32 years I had a basic sewing machine and the stitches formed by the bobbin were never as good looking as the stitches formed by the needle. I think this was true for a lot of machines made 40 years ago. But now, most machines, even basic machines, probably have better mechanics and make lovely stitches on both sides. Check your stitches and if you like how they look on the back then you can sew with the underside up ;-). Short answer: habit 😆

[@barbarastepp7077]

Thank you so much for this video! So many good hints that I didn't know. I've struggled for years trying to hem a t-shirt and make it look right:( I'm hopeful I can do it correctly now:)

[@TheDailySew]

You can! Try on the scrap you cut off first just to be sure your machine stitch is correct for that particular shirt's fabric. No pressure ;-)

[@janmead2360]

Thank you for this very thorough and informative video.

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks. I hope it helps

[@antoniokinsey4041]

Great video. Thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks

[@marnieandersen2807]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video. I shortened 2 tshirts after watching and they turned out perfectly. I used a double needle and polyester thread though because the stretch thread was skipping stitches. Thank you!!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you so much for letting me know. I'm glad your shirts turned out without much pain ;-)

[@davidmarks509]

Thank you. I just finished off some knit pants and hemming them was really tricky due to the side seams not wanting to cooperate.

[@TheDailySew]

I hoped the video helped you figure out the side seams. Sometimes, you just got to be heavy-handed with fabric ;-)

[@YogaladyToronto]

Janome Purple Tip Needkes: after decades of sewing, I discovered these needles. They are amazing for sewing knits. Also, if you’re having skipped stitches, sew through strips of tissue paper placed on top of your garment.

[@Alaskaraised]

Thank you for this tutorial! I would like to point out that the width and length settings will vary depending on machine. My Pfaff settings are 2.0 width and 3.0 length.

[@TheDailySew]

Very true.

[@MrProFaen]

Really clear instructions. Thank you.

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks :-)

[@brookekolodychuk8826]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you for posting.

[@TheDailySew]

thanks for letting me know 🙂

[@Jojomakky2300]

Great video. Thank you. So informative and your step by step instructions are perfection!. I just purchased about 10 cheapy tank tops for the upcoming summer and they’re all waaaaay too long so this method will be great. One question: when you wash the top after altering it and the washable tape is gone will the hem be stretchy? I just did 3 and they’re not stretching but I’m hoping one the tape is washed away the zig zag stitch will work… thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

I just checked the shirt I hemmed and the stitches are not as stretchy as the fabric but there is some give. So, the stitches, well, the thread that forms the stitches will not stretch. That's why if you sewed with a straight stitch and didn't alternate gently stretching the fabric and letting it relax as you sewed - you have NO stretch. The stitches constrict the fabric and it cannot stretch. The wobble stitch - the narrow zigzag - allows a little stretch. If your tanks are ribbed or have a lot of stretch in them (like some % of elasticine) they are probably cut narrower than a regular T and depend on using that extra stretch to put on/take off (because the fabric can stretch so much more than plain cotton jersey). So... I don't know off hand the best approach. But if this is what you are hemming write back and I will do a little research.

[@Adrienne-cm4iz]

Thank you for this video. You demonstrate in a very clear and concise way. Excellent! Do you have recommendations for shortening a curved hem shirt, where the front and back are longer than at the sides?

[@TheDailySew]

If you want to keep the shape of the original hemline, Just measure up from the bottom however many inches/cms you want to shorten it, all around. And here is where you could shorten it more in the front than in the back and vise versa. Hemming a curve takes a little more patience and you will have extra fabric to sew down because the outer edge of a curve is larger than inside it. So a curved hem allowance will be longer and you may have little puckers, on the inside of the shirt because of gathering up and sewing down that extra bit of fabric.

[@nooncactus]

Thank you! I’m going to follow your guidelines. 🌸❤️🌸

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks for watching ;-)

[@barbarastruhs3733]

I'd like to try a twin needle on knit T-shirts. Would using Wonder Tape (I love that stuff!) make it so the fabric between the two rows of stitches would lay flat? Also what would be the best width and length of the stitch? Thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

I have never used a twin needle BUT I asked around and my friends really like using one to hem knits. Here's what I found out: 1. use a stretch double needle spaced at least 2mm apart. (The distance between the 2 needles is the first number in the size ie: 2.0/80 = two size 80 needles that are 2 mm apart) The size of your needle (70, 80, 90) will depend on the thickness of your knit and basically the thicker your fabric the wider apart they should be to avoid the dreaded pucker of fabric between them. Nancy Zieman's book says to use double needles that are 3 or 4mm apart. 2. The thread should feed off the two spools in opposite directions so they don't tangle and threaded through the machine as one until you get to the needles. 3. Lengthen your stitches and slightly loosen the needle tension. If tension is too tight a ridge forms between the stitching. If the tension is too loose the bobbin thread won't zigzag - which reduces the stretch. 4. And Everyone says - TEST on scraps first. If you don't have scraps from that exact shirt, find some similar in weight, maybe an old t-shirt you don't wear. No one mentioned the wonder tape but I think it would work. It is narrow and therefore are both needles going through it or not, and would that mess up the stitches if one is through the tape and the other isn't? The only way to find out is to try on a scrap. Sorry, I don't know the answer to that - but I know the fusible bonding tape, which is 1/2" wide would avoid that ;-) Good luck and report back - I'm curious. I understand the twin needle is great for stretch because of that zigzagging bobbin. I'm going to try it on my next knit top.

[@barbarastruhs3733]

@@TheDailySew Hi Mary! Thank you for your response. I'll try different techniques and get back to you w/pertinent details. You're great!

[@Wrightn221]

Thanks so much! I just bought two Knit and Stable from the Fat Quarter Shop for less than $14 (including shipping).

[@TheDailySew]

I think you'll like using it. It really made the knit easier to sew - kept things smooth and in place.

[@toomey11]

Hi, thank you for your tutorial. if you are sewing on the right side of the t-shit how do you know where to sew exactly as you can't see the edge on the inside?

[@TheDailySew]

Well, I'll explain that but first, sew on a scrap of fabric from your shirt, or sew a couple inches on your shirt with the underside facing you and see how that bobbin stitch looks. If your machine forms a nice looking stitch from the bobbin you can sew your shirt hem from either side. You will have a good idea where the edge is if you do sew with the outside facing you. This is because you fold up the bottom the same amount all the way around and then use a seam guide on your machine that's a little less than you folded up. For example, if you fold up an inch all the way around line up the folded edge on a 3/4" seam guide. You can also feel the double layer of fabric somewhat, through the T-shirt. Now, granted, there have been numerous times I have not caught the fabric folded up underneath (on all sorts of projects). When that happens if I only missed an inch or less I usually leave my machine stitches in place and just sew a couple tiny hand stitches to tack up that bit I missed. If I only missed a 1/4" I'll let it go. If I miss a lot I'll take out my stitches and redo it.

[@debbiebridges8807]

Thank you for this I have shorten my t shirt and sleeve

[@TheDailySew]

Clever to shorten your sleeves too. Sometimes they just hit in an awkward place and need to be permanently shortened. Rolling them up never stays up.

[@lordbountifulitsme7919]

Fantastic job ❤

[@victorlalicon9287]

Thank you. Very well laid out.

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you

[@8531022]

This is great. Fixing the length of 3 t-shirts tomorrow!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks. It's so nice to have your clothes fit the way you want.

[@cindytodd2599]

My machine doesn't have the option to adjust zig zag stitch height. Should I use the one with the fewest stitches per inch or a bigger straight stitch? It is the hem of a long, navy blue, pattern sun dress so I don't think it will show much. Thanks!

[@TheDailySew]

I would use the zig-zag stitch with not the fewest stitches per inch but almost the fewest. So if your stitch length adjuster is numbered 0-4 I would put it at 3. Test on a scrap of knit if you cut off any. If not, start your stitching with out backtracking (Going reverse for a couple stitches) in case it isn't working and you need to pick out the stitches and adjust the settings. If it works you can sew over where you started (complete circle) and backtrack at the end. That should also secure the beginning stitches.

[@cindytodd2599]

@@TheDailySew awesome!! Thank you so much.

[@MajoMojoable]

This was great! Thank you for sharing. I’m curious about the edge. The original shirt has the hem and also another stitch at the very edge of the fabric. Is this not needed?

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks. That other stitch isn't needed on a typical T-shirt type of fabric. The fabric shoulldn't unravel especially after you sew the hem down. That stitch is an overcast stitch and if you want you could sew a close zig-zag stitch with your sewing machine over the raw edge before sewing the hem down. Just be aware that the zig-zag stitch may stretch out the edge a little.

[@brendacunningham3139]

Great video! Could you do this same technique with a double needle.?

[@TheDailySew]

Yes, I don’t see why not. Of course, you’ll do a straight stitch 😉 but I think using the fusible will add stabilization to keep the fabric flat between the two rows of stitches. If you do it let us know how it goes.

[@nellyhotke7610]

Thank you for this. It seems very doable. I am wondering about thread. Does it matter what type of thread I use?

[@TheDailySew]

You're welcome - Just use a quality all-purpose sewing thread. Good brands are; Cloaks & Clark, Güttermann, & Metler. You don't want to use too thick of a thread and all these brands have all weights of thread so be sure to look for All-Purpose (It's the standard and most common ;-)

[@nellyhotke7610]

@@TheDailySew Thank you so much

[@awesomeavery1015]

this is so helpful, thank you!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you for letting me know. It's nice to hear :-)

[@fionahobbs8818]

Very helpful video, thankyou.

[@lifeaccordingtocynthia5657]

Tried your method, and spent more time trying to remove the backing from the tape than I did sewing. It was totally frustrating. But, my tee came out great. Next time I will use the fusable tape that does not have a backing!!

[@TheDailySew]

Sorry for the tape frustration - but glad you got good results for your T-shirt.

[@LillianButterfield]

Excellent video! Two questions: with regular T-shirt knit materials is there a certain thread to use? My T-shirt is thin material of 60% Polyester - 35% Rayon - 5% Spandex. Is there a particular thread to use?

[@TheDailySew]

An all-purpose sewing thread will work even on lightweight knits. "Silk Finish" thread will blend into the fabric better (they are used for hemming pants) but they are also more expensive. The silk-finish thread is not silk but made to look and feel like it is. (because real silk thread is even more expensive)

[@chrislanchannel4053]

This is a great tutorial about hemming

[@TheDailySew]

Lani Talavera thank you

[@tinacuc1512]

Thank you very much. So helpful!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks 😊

[@jahgodarastafari9518]

Hiya!! Could you tell me what stitch tension is best for knit tshirts? (great video btw)

[@TheDailySew]

This is a good question. Unfortunately, it's more of a trial and error answer. Start with a looser tension - less pressure - than you use for a woven fabric. And test with two layers of knit fabric (because you'll be sewing 2 layers). If you get a lot of waviness loosen the pressure a little more. Some waviness can be steamed out after you sew, but only so much ;-) . Tension adjustment is lessening or adding the pressure that the presser foot applies to the top layer of fabric. The feed dogs carry/move the bottom layer of fabric. You're working toward getting them to guide both layers evenly under the needle. And knit fabrics want to stretch when the presser foot tries to move them. The harder the foot tries (too much tension) the more the knit will stretch. Adjusting the tension until you find that sweet spot of enough to guide but not so much to stretch it, is going to be different for every machine. Some folks use a walking foot, which is made to guide both layers evenly when they sew knits. Walking feet can be purchased as an accessory for your machine. (some machines (usually older models) have them actually built-in) Hope that helps and thanks for watching the video.

[@barbarabush252]

@@TheDailySew thank you for the explanation of tension. I never understood what that was and now I can adjust knowing what I'm trying to accomplish!

[@margaretoakes7233]

How do you make the Stitch that's on a t-shirt when you buy it

[@TheDailySew]

The stitch you see on a T-shirt you buy is done with a Serger. It's not done with a regular sewing machine.

[@Larrygk2]

You said a basic sewing machine. Mine does not do zip zag. It is a very old singer. I have never sewed before so giving me choices is good but which is better and why. If all 3 are equal why would anyone buy the tape ????

[@TheDailySew]

You can use a straight stitch to hem and sew knits. The problem is the thread doesn't stretch the same as the fabric so sometimes straight stitches in knit garments will pop and break. So when you sew knits with a straight stitch (and it's best for stable knits and knits with moderate-stretch not super flowy knits) you want to "stretch-as-you-sew". Set your stitch length to 9 to 12 stitches per inch and gently stretch your fabric, a little tug on the back and on the front, as you sew. Stop every 4 inches or so with the needle left down in the fabric and raise the pressure foot and release the fabric from your hold. When you start sewing again gently stretch the fabric as before. Press the seams open (if that type of seam) it will help the seams give and not break. As far as the tapes, folks use them for the convenience of not using pins and having the layers stay in place. Both tapes help the top layer of fabric from being pushed forward by the pressure foot. You can, of course, adjust the pressure of the foot to lessen the pressure (most machines have this feature). And remember, a good dose of steam from an iron does wonders to a wavy seam (Check your fabric content or test on a scrap first ;-) I hope this helps.

[@Larrygk2]

@@TheDailySew Thank You that was very helpful. :-)

[@sans-san1097]

Amazing lady.

[@TheDailySew]

thanks

[@Ivy_1057]

I really like the video! Thank you!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. And thanks for watching

[@jusuiselisabeth]

Very good tips.

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks

[@MartyGasner-qj7zc]

I loved this tutorial and had great success however after one wearing I popped the hem while removing my shirt. Is there something I missed that will allow a little more give so that will not happen on future projects? I have soooo many t-shirts to alter so really want to get this right! Thanks.

[@TheDailySew]

ah, bummer. I'm sorry the stitch didn't stretch enough. I recently read about this elasticized thread from Metler (seraflex is the name) it comes in all colors and it's great for knit fabrics. There is a trick to it though and GorgeousFabrics.com explains it well. Here is the page: gorgeousfabrics.com/products/mettler-seraflex-elasticated-thread-142-yds?_pos=1&_psq=elasti&_ss=e&_v=1.0 My other thoughts are: 1. Does your machine have a stretch stitch? It's not as subtle as the narrow zigzag but it's made to stretch more than a zigzag. 2. Is your zigzag too narrow or too long? try out a long length of adjusted stitches on scrap to check. Again, I'm sorry it didn't work. I'm going to do a little more research. If I find something I'll reply again.

[@barefacedquestions]

Thank you. You explained it so well. However, if I were to do it by hand, am I supposed to sew the hem on the wrong side? I don't think I can see the hem line on the right side?

[@TheDailySew]

Yes, whether by machine or by hand, fold the hem to the wrong side and stitch it down. Take little stitches if by hand and not tight. The stitches have to "stretch" when the fabric does (going on and off over your shoulders on a shirt). Since the thread doesn't stretch you have to leave it a little loose so the fabric can stretch without breaking the thread. Another way to say it is: if your hem will stretch to 33" around then you need the thread to also be 33" around. The hem, when not stretched is only 30" around but you have to have 33 inches of thread for when the hem is stretched. Basically, keep your stitches loose when hand sewing with the stretch direction of stretchy fabrics.