Sewing Perfect Knit Hems with Thermoweb

If you’re a long time reader, you know I used to be on team no hem knits. I even converted some friends to join that team (looking at you Maddie!) I am still on team no hem knits for certain patterns – usually anything with a ruffle or flutter, but for normal knits, I am on team hem those knits now thanks to this Thermoweb Heat n Bond Soft Stretch Hem Tape.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

What is Hem Tape and How Do you Apply It?

My biggest frustration about hemming knits is the tunneling that happens when you go to sew the hem. Since finding the Heat n Bond Tape that has basically gone away completely! It provides extra support whether you’re using a twin needle or coverstitch machine for the hem to be really flat.

Applying it is SUPER easy! In my most recent knit project, I took some photos of just how easy it is. The Heat n Bond Tape is applied to hems prior to hemming and prior to folding up hem. It is fused using an iron. I generally find it easiest to apply the hem tape prior to sewing up side seams of a t-shirt of sewing up the sleeves as you apply it flat then instead of in the round. I just leave a gap at where the seam allowance is.

Step one is to apply the tape and fuse it to the fabric using your iron. You need just heat so I turn off the steam on my iron. Another option to apply it is the Cricut EasyPress.

Once the hem tape has been applied, I fold up the hem using my EZ Hem. This is a great tool for getting a crisp hem – just be careful as it’s made of metal so it gets hot!

So, do I need a Coverstitch Machine to get a professional knit hem?

Now it’s time to hem! I bought myself a Coverstitch Machine this summer and it’s been SO helpful. But, I think it’s not necessary. I do think it makes hemming knits a lot easier but using the hem tape alone allows for better more professional hems. If you want a look similar to a Coverstitch without one you can finish your hem with your serger before hemming so that it’s finished on the inside.

I bought the Bernette b42 Funlock and I’ve been really impressed with it. It is reasonably priced and still has the reliability of my Bernina Sewing Machine and Serger. And it’s Amazon Primeable 🙂

If you don’t have a coverstich machine, a double needle works too! I always use these Schmetz Twin Needles. I sewed up a hem using my double needle and it really looks just as good as the coverstitched version above!

So did I convert you?

This tool has been such a game changer for my knit garments. I hope you give the Heat n Bond Soft Stretch Tape a try. Let me know how it goes!

Thermoweb kindly sent me the materials for this post and compensated me in exchange for this post as part of their Ambassador program. But, as always, all opinions are my own.