Hemming the sleeves of a T-shirt is simple, inexpensive and takes little time. This article offers tips on how to hem the sleeves, but also some sewing tricks in general. As with all things, the following tips apply to a basic shirt with plain fabric. The more delicate fabrics, such as organza or velvet, will require different techniques than those presented in this article. Consult a sewing manual to find tips that are right for you and learn how to sew on these fabrics. The following information will be fine for hemming most common t-shirts and other basic projects.
Steps
Step 1. The following tips will be useful for you to understand how to hem the sleeves, but also for other similar projects
Step 2. Buy a spool of thread
Take advantage of the opportunity to also buy a scrap of fabric. Choose a thread that matches the fabric. If you can't find any remnants, take a shirt with you to the store. Then choose a thread of a matching color.
Step 3. Choose a good quality thread
The strand should be smooth and have a thin appearance. Bad quality thread, on the other hand, will tend to be thick and rough. By using high quality material your project will look more refined and will also have greater resistance. Also, a well-made thread is easier to use with a sewing machine, which will have fewer problems with sewing tension.
Step 4. Most sewing machines have standard settings that you can use to make a blind hem
You can also use a straight stitch. Choose a length of 25-30 cm for the hem you will need to sew. It will be the standard stitch length for most sewing projects.
Step 5. Choose the type of hem you need
A rolled hem will work well for most t-shirt sleeves. The following steps will show you how to make such a hem.
Method 1 of 3: Cuffed Hem
Step 1. Make the hem using a seam gauge
Step 2. Turn up the hem and pin it to the fabric
Use sewing pins to secure the hem. For thinner fabrics, be sure to use very sharp pins to prevent the fabric from fraying.
Step 3. Iron the hem with a lot of steam
Use an ironing cloth to protect more delicate fabrics.
Step 4. Turn the hem again at the same height, gradually removing the pins
Then secure it with more pins to make a double hem.
Step 5. Press the hem once again
Remember to use a clean cloth, if necessary, to protect more delicate fabrics.
Step 6. Sew the hem by hand using a blind stitch, or select the blind stitch on your sewing machine, or use a simple straight stitch on the sewing machine and make the hem
Method 2 of 3: Single Pleat Edge with Finishes
Step 1. Make a single fold hem
A single fold hem will feature a zigzag edge that will work for almost any fabric. It will consist of an edge finished with a zigzag stitch, ironed and sewn with a cross stitch or blind stitch. This type of hem reduces volume and works for most fabrics.
Step 2. You can also make an overlock stitch instead of using the zig zag stitch
Method 3 of 3: Scalloped hem
Step 1. Sew a scalloped hem
A scalloped hem will work very well for knits or linens. You can also create a small folded hem (7.5-20cm) and sew it with a zigzag stitch, or use the zigzag stitch as the sole edge. The sleeve will be finished right through the zig zag stitch. When the hem is finished, it will be soft and wavy. It is a hem suitable for feminine clothing and is a very quick technique to put into practice. You can also make the hem with an overlock stitch; indeed, the overlock machine is much more suitable for this type of hem than a sewing machine.
