Transform Your Old T-Shirts: Shorten Length, Revamp Your Wardrobe

If you're tired of your t-shirts being too long, you're not alone. Many people have taken to shortening their t-shirts at home, and you can too! Whether you're looking to save money or want to learn a new skill, shortening a t-shirt is a great way to customise your wardrobe. In this guide, we'll cover everything from the tools you'll need to the step-by-step process of hemming your t-shirts. So get ready to roll up your sleeves and give your old tees a new lease of life!

Hemming a T-shirt by hand

Preparing to Cut and Fold the Hem

Turn the T-shirt inside out and measure the desired width of the hem. It is recommended to keep the new hem's width consistent with the previous one. After deciding on the width, cut the T-shirt, leaving an extra half-inch of fabric. This extra fabric will be folded during the hemming process, ensuring the shirt doesn't become too short.

Ironing the Hem

Now, fold the extra half-inch of fabric and iron the garment. This step is crucial for achieving a sharp and crisp finish. Be careful not to overheat the iron, as it can damage the fabric.

Choosing a Stitch

When it comes to selecting a stitch, the slip stitch is an excellent option for beginners. It is easy to master and gives your T-shirt a neat appearance from both sides. Choose a thread that matches the colour of your T-shirt, and thread the needle.

Sewing the Hem

Start by stitching twice in the same place to secure the knot. With the needle pointed left, skim the garment from left to right or right to left. Sew a 1/4"-1/2" long stitch in the upper fold of the hem, ensuring you don't pierce through to the right side of the cloth. Bring the needle out of the fold and pick up a small bit of the fabric. Thread the needle through the hole and pierce back into the fold where your last stitch was. Repeat this process, sewing a 1/4"-1/2" long stitch each time, until the hem is complete. Finally, secure your work by making a knot inside the first layer of the fabric.

Tips for a Professional Finish

For a more professional finish, consider the following:

• Press your seams to give your hem a polished look.
• Finish seam allowances to prevent fraying, breaking threads, and wear and tear on your garments.
• If your T-shirt has a collar, don't skip the understitching to maintain a neat appearance.
• Keep your hems and cuffs wider for a more substantial look and the option to lengthen your garment.
• Stay stitching is essential for curved necklines to prevent sagging or stretching.

Using a sewing machine

Step 1: Mark the New Length

Turn your T-shirt inside out and try it on. Use chalk or a washable fabric marker to mark the new length on the inside of the shirt. If you don't have chalk or a marker, you can use a sewing pin to mark the spot.

Step 2: Measure and Cut

Take the shirt off, lay it flat, and measure a line across the bottom of the shirt that is exactly 1/2" longer than your previous mark. This extra 1/2" will be used to create the new hem. Cut the bottom of the shirt along this line.

Step 3: Fold and Press the Hem

With the shirt still inside out, fold the bottom edge of the shirt up by 1/2" to create the new hem. Use an iron to gently press this fold. This will create a neat, 1/2"-deep single fold around the bottom edge of the T-shirt.

Step 4: Secure the Hem

Use sewing pins or quilting clips to hold the ironed fold firmly in place. This will ensure that the hem stays in place while you sew.

Step 5: Thread the Sewing Machine

Thread your sewing machine with cotton or polyester thread that matches the main colour of the shirt. If possible, use a ballpoint needle in your sewing machine to avoid any pulled threads.

Step 6: Choose the Right Stitch

Set your machine to an almost-flat zigzag stitch or, preferably, a stretch stitch. If your machine doesn't have a stretch stitch option, you can use a zigzag stitch, which allows the fabric to stretch due to its V-shaped up-and-down stitches.

Step 7: Sew the Hem

Start sewing at the side seam of the shirt and work your way around the bottom edge, holding the new folded hem in place as you go. Sew back and forth over the start and end of your sewing a few times to prevent unraveling.

Step 8: Finish Up

Snip off any excess or loose threads, and your shirt is now ready to wear!

DIY techniques for hemstitching

Hemstitching is a great way to secure the raw edge of a T-shirt into tidy bundles, and it can be done by hand with a simple needle and thread. It is a popular DIY hobby that has been around for a long time but is now making a comeback as people seek a creative outlet away from technology.

There are a few different techniques for hemstitching, and it can be used to create a neat edge on a variety of fabrics, from vintage handkerchiefs to modern tablecloths. One technique is to group threads together to create bead-like openings and a neat edge. This can be done by pulling out a few threads and then decorating the remaining ones with needleweaving and other decorative stitches. This technique is called drawn thread work. For this, it is best to use a thread that matches the fabric colour so that the holes are highlighted. It is also important to choose a thread of a similar thickness to the fabric threads.

Another technique is to use hemstitching to secure the raw edge of a T-shirt. This can be done by following these steps:

• Weave three picks, leaving a tail of thread that is approximately three times the width of the fabric.
• Thread the yarn tail onto a needle and bring it over and then under four warp ends. Pass the needle behind these warp ends and through the loop created by the start of the tail. Pull tight.
• Moving to one side, pass the needle behind three weft picks in the space between the first group of stitched warp ends and the rest of the warp.
• Pass the needle over and then under the next four warp ends, pulling tight.
• Repeat steps 3 and 4 across the length of the warp until you reach the final bundle.
• Secure the last group of warp threads by passing the needle through the loop created by the tail.
• Tuck the remaining yarn into the warp and continue weaving.

When hemstitching, it is important to consider the number of threads in each bundle. Depending on the thickness of the ends, three to six threads per group is usually a good starting point. If the warp does not divide evenly, extra ends can be put into the selvedge bundles, or they can be spread out evenly.

The best machines for hemming

Hemming machines can be a great addition to your sewing kit, especially if you are looking to shorten the length of a t-shirt. Here are some of the best machines for hemming:

Brother CS7000X

The Brother CS7000X is a compact, computerized sewing machine that offers a wide range of features and accessories. It comes with 70 pre-programmed stitches, including decorative and specialty stitches, and 10 presser feet, such as a walking foot and a blind-stitch foot, which are rarely included with beginner-level machines. The CS7000X also has an impressive range of accessories, including an extension table that snaps into grooves on the machine for stability. It is easy to use and intuitive, making it a great option for beginners. However, it has a plastic casing that may not be as durable as some higher-end machines.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is a quiet, versatile, and user-friendly machine that comes with a variety of features and accessories. It offers 600 stitches, including decorative stitches and multiple alphabets, and 13 presser feet, including a walking foot. One of its standout features is the automatic thread cutter, which saves time and keeps your workspace tidy. The Quantum Stylist has a sleek, modern design and comes with a hard storage case. It is more expensive than the Brother CS7000X but is still a good value for a dedicated sewist.

Janome HD1000

The Janome HD1000 is a powerful mechanical sewing machine that can handle heavy fabrics and multilayered projects with ease. It has an all-metal base and a presser foot that can lift extra high to accommodate thick materials. However, it has limited options for stretch stitches, and its four-step buttonhole function is not as user-friendly as the automatic buttonholers on computerized machines. This machine is ideal for those who primarily need straight stitches and want a sturdy, functional machine.

EverSewn Sparrow 30s

The EverSewn Sparrow 30s is a computerized sewing machine that comes with a wealth of accessories, including nine presser feet, a walking foot, and an extension table. It has 310 stitches, including multiple alphabets, and useful features like a built-in thread cutter. The Sparrow 30s has adjustable presser-foot pressure, which is rare at this price point. However, its availability can be spotty, and it may not be the best choice for sewing knits, as it jammed during testing with this type of fabric.

Handheld Sewing Machines

For quick and simple hemming, a handheld sewing machine can be a convenient option. These battery-operated or USB-rechargeable devices are typically lightweight and portable, making them ideal for travel or small projects. While they may not have the same power and features as full-size machines, they can be useful for beginners or those who don't sew frequently. Examples include the Singer Stitch Quick and the Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine.

Shortening different materials

For those with a steady hand and a good eye, shortening a shirt can be a DIY project. The first step is to measure the shirt's length and then cut it to the desired size, leaving some extra fabric for a hem and seam allowance. This is crucial for comfort and ease of movement. The amount of extra fabric needed will depend on the fit you're aiming for. For a longer fit, cut the back piece longer than the front. If you prefer a shorter fit, keep the front and back pieces equal in length.

After cutting, the raw edge can be left as is for a casual look, or you can create a hem by turning the edge inside and ironing it for a smooth fold. This extra step gives a more polished finish to your garment. Once you're happy with the fold, stitch around the edge, and you're done!

If you don't have access to a sewing machine or are in a hurry, there are temporary solutions to shorten your shirt. One option is to use safety pins to fold and secure the excess fabric. Tape is another quick fix, but be sure to use transparent tape or tape that matches the exact colour of your shirt to avoid any unsightly outlines.

Frequently asked questions