Hemming a soft tank top can be a simple task, requiring only a few tools and some patience. The first step is to decide on the desired length of the tank top and mark this point. Then, a crucial step is to iron the fabric to ensure a smooth surface for cutting and hemming. Depending on the fabric and desired finish, different methods can be employed, such as using a sewing machine, hem tape, or even decorative lace or trim. For a basic hem, the fabric is folded under, secured with pins, and then sewn along the edge, either by hand or with a machine. The process is simple yet effective and can give your old tank tops a new lease of life.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Tools | Sewing machine, serger, scissors, iron, straight pins, washable fabric marker, thread, needle, fabric glue, lace, ribbon, pom-pom trim, fabric stabilizer, rubber band |
Techniques | Sewing, cutting, knotting, ironing, stitching, using fusible hem tape, using fabric glue, using a pre-made hem |
Considerations | Type of material, design of the shirt, fit, time and materials available, type of stitch, length of the tank top |
What You'll Learn
Using a sewing machine
Hemming a soft tank top with a sewing machine is a quick and easy way to get professional-looking results. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Preparation:
- Turn the tank top inside out and try it on. Use chalk or a washable fabric marker to mark your desired length on the inside of the tank top.
- Take off the tank top and lay it flat. Using a measuring tape, measure and mark a line that is exactly 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) longer than your previous mark. This extra length is necessary to create a neat hem.
- With the markings facing up, cut off the bottom of the tank top along the line you just drew.
- Measure another 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) from the new bottom edge of the tank top.
- Fold the bottom edge of the fabric upwards to meet the new line. This creates a single, neat fold with a depth of 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) around the bottom edge of the tank top.
- Gently press this fold with an iron to set it in place.
- Use sewing pins or quilting clips to secure the fold and keep it firm.
Sewing:
- Thread your sewing machine with cotton or polyester thread that matches the colour of the tank top.
- Set your sewing machine to an almost-flat zigzag stitch or, if available, a stretch stitch. The zigzag or stretch stitch is important when working with stretchy fabric like knits to prevent the stitches from breaking when the fabric is stretched.
- Start sewing at the side seam of the tank top. Sew around the bottom edge, holding the new folded hem in place as you go.
- When you reach the end, stitch backwards for about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) to create a knot and secure your stitching.
- Cut the threads and your new hem is complete!
Your soft tank top now has a professionally-finished hem that will last through multiple washes.
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Hand-stitching a hem
Hemming a soft tank top by hand is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. First, turn the tank top inside out and put it on. Use chalk or a washable fabric marker to mark the desired length of the tank top on the inside. Take the tank top off and lay it flat, then measure and mark a line that is 1/2 inch longer than your previous mark. Cut off the bottom of the tank top along this new line.
Next, fold the raw edge of the fabric up towards the inside of the tank top, creating a neat 1/2-inch deep single fold around the bottom edge. Use an iron to gently press this fold and hold it in place with sewing pins or quilting clips. Cut a length of thread that matches the colour of the tank top and use it to thread a needle.
Now, you will sew a hemstitch by hand. Starting from the inside of the tank top, insert the needle and make a tiny stitch where the top of the folded edge meets the regular fabric, pushing the needle in from right to left. Pull this stitch tight. Move the needle half an inch to the right and make another tiny stitch on the very top of the folded edge, this time pushing the needle from left to right. These two stitches together should form a flat "V". Repeat this "V" stitching pattern around the entire folded edge.
Finally, tie off the thread inside the folded edge to secure the hem. Trim any excess thread and turn the tank top right side out. Your hand-stitched hem is now complete!
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Using hem tape
Hem tape is a useful tool for quick hems and repairs. It is a double-sided thin strip of webbing with heat-activated glue. It is ideal for emergencies when you need to make a quick repair to hems. It is permanent and designed to be washed.
Step One - Preparation
- Prewash your fabric or garment. Avoid using fabric softener as it will affect the bonding glue, and the tape will not stick as firmly.
- If you are using hemming tape to shorten a garment, measure your required length and then add seam allowance on the hem. Most hemming tapes are 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- The edge can be left raw or, if you have a sewing machine, finished with a zig-zag stitch. Alternatively, use pinking shears to cut the edge in a zig-zag pattern to reduce fraying.
Step Two - Cutting the Hemming Tape
- Cut the tape to the length of the fabric that needs hemming.
- Press the hem area and insert the tape between the hem and the wrong side of the garment.
- Press the hem up by the width of the tape and â…› inch (3mm) extra.
- Follow the pressing instructions. If there is a long area to be hemmed, press and hem in small portions. Use a cotton pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric if your garment is delicate or synthetic.
Step Three - Pressing a Hem with Tape
- Practice on a scrap of fabric to get the iron temperature, fabric, and tape insertion correct.
- Press down with the iron firmly. Hold briefly, then release.
- Do not iron over and over; use a press and release motion.
- Use a pressing cloth for delicate fabrics.
- Let the fabric cool and check if the hemming tape has set. If the hem peels away, the iron was not hot enough.
- Be careful not to have the hemming web exposed, as it will stick to the iron and be difficult to remove.
- When you feel confident, start applying the tape to your hem in stages, keeping the tape smooth at all times.
- Gently iron on both sides of the hem and ensure there are no wrinkles or tucks that may spoil the overall look.
Accidents with Hemming Tape
Hemming web is permanent. If you make a mistake, you may be able to pull it apart and use some fabric cleaner to remove the glue. However, it is challenging, and the glue residue will remain on the fabric.
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Leaving an unfinished edge
Firstly, decide on the new length you want for your tank top. This can be done by putting on the tank top inside out and marking where you would like it to end.
Secondly, take off the tank top and cut off the excess fabric, following the markings made in the previous step.
Finally, roll the raw edge between your fingers. The cut edge will naturally curl up on itself due to the nature of knit material.
It is important to note that this method will not give a neat, professional finish, but it works great on cutoff tank tops if you are going for a scruffy look.
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Using a pre-made hem
Step 1: Prepare the Shirts
For this method, you will need two tank tops in contrasting colors with the same width at the hem. Choose one tank top as your primary shirt, which is the one you want to hem. The other shirt will be used just for its hem.
Step 2: Cut the Hem Shirt
Measure three inches up from the bottom of the hem shirt. Cut the shirt along this line, keeping the three-inch circle intact. Set aside the rest of the hem shirt, as you will only need this small portion for the hem.
Step 3: Mark the Desired Length
Try on your primary shirt and determine how short you would like it to be. Subtract two and a half inches from that point and draw a line or mark a circle around the shirt at that point. This will be the new length of your tank top.
Step 4: Cut the Excess Fabric
Using fabric scissors, carefully cut off the excess fabric below the line you drew in the previous step. Make sure to cut as straight as possible to ensure a neat finish.
Step 5: Attach the Pre-made Hem
Now, take the three-inch hem piece that you cut from the other shirt. Pin this hem to the raw edge of your primary shirt, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Make sure to align the seams and edges carefully.
Step 6: Sew the Hem
Using a sewing machine or hand-stitching, sew all the way around the circle, approximately half an inch from the raw edges. This will attach the pre-made hem to your tank top.
Step 7: Finish and Press
Turn your tank top right side out and admire your new hem! Press the seam with an iron to ensure it lies flat and neat. Now your tank top has a professional-looking finish without the need for traditional hemming techniques.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to hem a tank top is to use a sewing machine to create a new, permanent hem at a shorter length. You can also use other methods such as hem tape, stitching by hand, or decorative methods like adding lace or trim.
You can use hem tape or fabric glue to create a semi-permanent hem. Hem tape will give you neater results than fabric glue, which often leaks through and leaves crunchy stains.
You should use either a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch if your machine has that option. This will help to accommodate the stretchiness of the fabric.