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
amzn.to/2j1bJMK (Amazon affiliate link)
and
Schmetz stretch twin needles
amzn.to/2iLZ8hg (Amazon affiliate link)
Wondertape
I'm using Prym wondertape, which is also called Dritz wondertape
amzn.to/2iLOiaY (Amazon affiliate links)
Another option is Collins wondertape
amzn.to/2hOQDDi (Amazon affiliate links)
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
amzn.to/2iLfzdp (Amazon affiliate link) Sew Knits with Confidence by Nancy Zieman (Amazon affiliate link)
Good book:
Sew Knits with Confidence by Nancy Zieman
amzn.to/2j0eZIg (Amazon affiliate link)
Good book for beginners;
The Colette Guide to Sewing Knits by Alyson Clair
amzn.to/2hLEFHp (Amazon affiliate link)
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[@Thelaststitch]

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[@hooverla55]

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.

[@Thelaststitch]

Thank you for the suggestion! It's tricky to put too many words in a title and I don't think KZbin favours them in their algorithms, but I agree it is an essential technique that deserves more attention for sure!

[@roset.758]

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!

[@PrayNow4all]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@leenz8eenz]

I just tried this and was really happy with the result. Thank you for sharing a low waste solution!

[@jojo-gs4wg]

❤❤ thanks

[@naughtybynature6213]

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

[@billminckler6550]

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.

[@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!

[@clothingalterations]

My idea is we can overlock first then sew the hem on overlock line. Overlock line will support for us to do the job.

[@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!

[@e.tranmoto3214]

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.

[@Thelaststitch]

Happy to hear you found it useful and thank you for subscribing!

[@adorabledeplorble8497]

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.

[@clothingalterations]

My idea is you also can overlock first, the sew the hem on the overlock line.

[@msallaneous6059]

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

[@Thelaststitch]

You're welcome! I try to share things I wish someone told me when I began sewing and that isn't always told in sewing books and in pattern instructions.

[@hummingbirdlady11]

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.

[@izabeau1953]

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....❤️🌹❤️🌹🌞

[@catalinacatoi653]

Oh, yeah! Sewing tips, more please!

[@TisEyerish1]

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

[@sarahwheeler1819]

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

[@dianecrews6130]

As usual, I always enjoy your videos

[@Medame88]

Just found your channel, very informative,thank you.

[@lorrainewilliams7896]

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.

[@Thelaststitch]

The awl is the best! As for walking foot on knits - I know some swear by it, but I have not found it useful myself, it doesn't feed the fabric right IMHO. Check out the podcast Sewing Out Loud, they have devoted an episode on whether or not to use the walking foot on knits. They are sceptical just like me, and give some good points on why. But then again, whatever works for you is what counts :-)

[@snapdragonquilting]

That was amazing! Thank you so much!

[@marthinarauhut1876]

Great advice, thank you,

[@terilooney]

Thanks for all the great tips!

[@bolt__max4838]

U

[@lexwilde1837]

That clear elastic tip is amaaazzzzing! Trying it today! :D

[@clothingalterations]

Great sewing tips

[@marydewey450]

Thank you! needed this today!

[@tallxtal]

THANK YOU!

[@natim.4142]

Oh wowww! Such a great video!!! Thank you a million! ❤

[@jbello9398]

Wow I so needed these tips, thanks so much, just subscribed!

[@aribella6913]

Just what I needed.

[@SewNaturalDane]

Great tips, I will be saving this video for reference!

[@shanksre6186]

Thank you 🇬🇧

[@ruchamapolak7013]

thank you so so much for this video. This helps so much.

[@amandacolloff1955]

Some really helpful ideas here.

[@Thelaststitch]

Thank you!

[@nancyloomis3046]

Thanks!

[@emmari0601]

Awesome! Thank you so so much! Subscribed. Much love from Norway :)

[@marymastin4392]

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

[@Thelaststitch]

Experiment is indeed fun! Hope it works, I'm sure it will. Techniques to stabilize fabrics really applies to all kinds of fabrics!

[@olgatr982]

She is the best.

[@marilyne7431]

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!

[@Thelaststitch]

Awesome, best wishes for your project! Yes. I'm rocking the Bernina still, no need for a modern machine, since this one can do pretty much everything I want to make

[@kaitlinwentland9642]

For tip 5 the spray starch to stiffen the material could you use hairspray?!?!

[@pamelaaverill6001]

Just what I needed. Thanks so much!

[@theresecrouch2924]

Very nice Thank you very much..my fave is stabilizer...ps im afraid of double needle because i fear changing all tentions ...always end up in a mess..then undoing what i did..ugh, scary

[@kaylabrazie3202]

Great video! Thanks so much for posting!

[@Kuruflower]

Incredibly Helpful. Thank you.

[@davidmarks509]

Thanks for those useful tips

[@floatypotato6033]

Thank you! This was majorly helpful! I will be trying the tip with the Wondertape and the clear elastic, which I both have tucked away in my sewing basket 😊 they will be put to good use now 😊

[@Thelaststitch]

Great to hear you found it useful! And that the clear elastic will be put to good use. I also use that elastic to stabilize shoulder on knits and also to make gathers on knit garments. So it's a pretty versatile notion!

[@kellynussbaum3356]

Why can't it be used with a twin needle? I would love this option but like the finished look of a twin needle

[@Thesecondselfpodcast]

Great video! Thank you!

[@ZariahsCreations]

AWESOME TIPS!!!! Thank you!

[@Thelaststitch]

Happy to hear you liked them!

[@bevmcmullen8758]

Wonderful information, thank you.

[@Thelaststitch]

You are welcome!

[@daleodberg6714]

Thank you so much. 🌸

[@leresonsalikun9017]

you rock my frust day..ahh, saviour...

[@blerinamenaj6144]

Great tips! Thanks !

[@karenwhite8906]

Thank you.

[@mattytejada6120]

You are awesome, thank you sooooo much!!!

[@Thelaststitch]

You're welcome!

[@mrs.abbasbaloch2883]

Madam please can you guide us how to cut and sew linen fabric because it is very stretchy .

[@rikkib7636]

Very helpful tips, thank you Johanna!:)

[@Thelaststitch]

+Rikki B You're welcome, I've included my favourite hacks that really works!

[@savannahrichardson8320]

Great informative video! Thanks

[@Thelaststitch]

+Savannah Richardson you're welcome!

[@SewTexas]

Great information to know. I am considering a coverstitch machine but not sure I would use it that much and which one do I buy when money does not matter?

[@suzannestokes8933]

Great tips. Thank you

[@Thelaststitch]

+Suzanne Stokes Happy to hear you found it useful!

[@shericreates]

Johanna, would it look more professioinal if I ran a serged hem, folded it over to length, stabalized it and then twin needled the hem? I never think my sewing is good enough and my ex-husband's wife asked me to hem a couple of pair of knit pants for her. LOL One big Greek family! Just wantedd your opinion. Thanks!

[@Thelaststitch]

Hi! Yes I do serge the seam sometimes when hemming on a sewing machine, it also helps keep the fabric from stretching out

[@shericreates]

Last Stitch Thanks for the reply. I just got your book from Amazon this morning!! I am so excited! Your book is amazing! A picture with each step. I know how much work it is to write a book. Thanks you so much!

[@shirettejohnson8326]

Thanks for great tips!

[@Thelaststitch]

+Shirette Johnson You're welcome!

[@maribellelebre6809]

These are some very smart tips! Thank you/ :)

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!

[@loubeylou3819]

Very helpful thank you x

[@jessdoeslife__]

Such a helpful video! Thank you for sharing x

[@Thelaststitch]

You're welcome! I'm happy to hear you found it helpful, there are so many hacks to try and I wanted to share all the stuff I learned the hard way :-)

[@mariacoelho4581]

Hi I just want to know how you do the invisible hem that you can't see nothing outside,I know the other hem but you can see it outside.Im talking about when you buy the skirts or other readymade stuff .Is there a special blind hem machine or they do it by hand.please let me know.thanks .

[@Thelaststitch]

There are 3 ways that I know of: 1. In the professional setting, they use a dedicated blind hem machine. 2. You can do it on a serger using a special presser foot (the stitches are visible though, like small vertical lines.. 3. You can use the blind hem stitch on the sewing machine (but serge the edges first if you have one)

[@bsfb3ar]

WHERE DO YOU BUY ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF TAPE DO HEY HAVE DIFFERENT NAME ? THANKS

[@johairmohammad4596]

thank you for the great Ideas, can I use the twin needles in the normal sewing machine like janome 415m? thank you very much.

[@Thelaststitch]

Absolutely, they will work on all regular home sewing machines, just make sure it sits tight in the slot as they might be a bit loose on some machines

[@annenerobertson124]

Wow, thanks!!

[@Thelaststitch]

Happy to hear you liked it!

[@Elkycreates]

Would you recommend using a triple stitch for hems?

[@angiepihera]

Does the fusible interfacing you use stretch? What kind is it?

[@Thelaststitch]

Yes it's a light-weight stretch fusible. There are many knit fusibles available, but sometimes harder to find compared to regular interfacing

[@aarioncain5799]

I really need a stretchy straight stitch. How can I do this on a regular sewing machine? I need a single stitch not a triple. If This can only be achieved on a certain machine what is this machine called? I've tried slightly pulling on the fabric as it feeds under the presser foot but this produces pickers. Thanks.

[@Thelaststitch]

Hi! It's done using a coverstitch machine, with either 1, 2 or 3 rows of stitching, I've done lots of videos and even written a book about it (Master the Coverstitch Machine) that you can check out. It sews a straight stitch with stretch and no puckers, which a sewing machine cannot do unfortunately

[@aarioncain5799]

@@Thelaststitch Thanks.

[@missmatti]

Johanna would you recommend wondertape if you alter a knitted cashmere cardigan or something or do you think its more suited for like lycras etc? I am looking for something to stabilise a seam when altering a knitted cardigan.

[@Thelaststitch]

I have not tried it, but in theory it could work as long as it still dissolves in water when used on cashmere

[@missmatti]

Last Stitch I might need to do a sample and try it out! Will report back!

[@eileenmccallum1239]

I would like o put a side split in a knit top I am making it is 95% poly 5% spandex do you happen to have a video or anything on your blog to show how o do this. Many thanks

[@Thelaststitch]

+Eileen McCallum What you need is to over cast the seam allowance the length of the slit, using a serger or a sewing machins stretch stitch. Then sew the side seam using a stretch seam or serger seam until you reach the slit. Fold and gently press the seam allowances of the slit and topstitch them from the right side. Then do the hemming. Also this Sunday I'm publishing a video on how I made a wrap dress and in it I show how a slit opening for the ties is made on real DVF wrap dress and that is another way to do it.

[@Thelaststitch]

Also you might have to clip the seam allowances where the seam ends to allow for a good fold

[@eileenmccallum1239]

Thank you. I followed your instructions and it turned out beautifully. Do you happen to have a blog or video on how to sew a v neck in a knit fabric, would I have to use the same fabric or could I use a stable twill tape or ribbon on the inside facing. Also I took your advice and used wonder tape and it is fantastic. Thank you for your great tips.

[@Thelaststitch]

+Eileen McCallum Awesome to hear 👍

[@vero-lee4594]

Yes but how do I sew a "FLARE" pant knit (viscose) fabric

[@Thelaststitch]

Using the methods described in the video, plus basting the hem before you start. Cut the hem allowance straight, not flared out. You could even do it slanted inwards to remove excess fabric and hope for the best. A coverstitch is superior for this kind of sewing, but with a sewing machine just try on samples which of the methods in the video you like the best on your chosen fabric. The wondertape or spraystarch would be my best bets.

[@madelaineanonymous5350]

****Thank You****

[@Thelaststitch]

You are welcome :-)

[@antoniologar7117]

A stretch already

[@ramos8]

Hugh grant sister?

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

The problem I have with hemming knits is that the fabric edge, after cutting, rolls up.

[@mi13estrellas]

what type of coverstitch machine do you recommend? any favorites and reasons why.

[@Thelaststitch]

I don't feel confident recommending one, since everyone seems to have a favorite and while I'm happy with the Janome for the most part, others have been less satisfied. Though the Baby Lock CS machines seems pretty universally liked, but they cost loads. Check out the Coverstitch/Coverlock Facebook group, there are loads of great info there and discussions on many machines