This is my favorite method for hemming knits – using the blind stitch hem. This method is neat and sturdy and works for pretty much all knits except very stretchy lycra jerseys. I have hemmed everything from rib knits to thick sweater knits with good results.
To get the best result you do need a serger, but it can work without if the knit is stable (like double knits and sweatshirt knits). Serging the edge keeps the fabric from growing, which is especially important when you are hemming thin rib knits and interlock fabrics.
1. First serge the edge with a flatlook seam.
Make sure that the differential feed is set high, you don’t want the knit to grow. If you don’t have a serger, just leave the hem raw.
2. Fold and press the hem allowance
3. Cut a snip in the fold to create an even hem.
4. Press the clipped seam the opposite way.
6. Fold the hem over and press again.
The hem looks really flat now.
7. Set up your sewing machine for invisible blind stitch hemming.
The thread should match the fabric. Sew the seam making sure the seam is even and that it catches the fabric (but not too much). Also don’t stretch the fabric when sewing, as this will distort the hem.
8. Press the hem.
The stitching will now be close to invisible on the hem. And on fluffy sweater fabrics the stitches will be completely hidden. Also the finish on the inside will look really neat too as the flatlook seam hides the blind hem stitches. I hope you found this tutorial on hemming knits useful!
8 Comments
Ann's Fashion Studio
November 1, 2009 at 3:40 pmIt does look "perfect" 🙂 Thank you for sharing it.
Faye Lewis
November 1, 2009 at 4:55 pmNeat! I want to give that a try, hope I can do it.
sdBev
November 1, 2009 at 7:05 pmPerfect! Only slightly different from what I already do, so it will be easy for me to adapt. Always love to learn about professional finishes. Thank you for sharing.
eword10
November 2, 2009 at 1:48 amThanks for posting this. I have put it in my file of tutorials. Best wishes for your new shop!
Sue
November 2, 2009 at 3:21 amThanks for the tutorial – I will give it a go!
Johanna
November 2, 2009 at 7:33 amGlad you find the tutorial helpful! For really stretchy knits you can use regular zigzag when blind hemming, but it won't be as neat.
Video: Sewing a cardigan - The Last Stitch
June 17, 2019 at 7:06 am[…] How to hem knits with a blind hem stitch […]
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August 19, 2019 at 12:07 pmIt is truly a great and helpful piece of info,Excellent blog,Thanks for sharing.