How to…Hem a Garment without needle and thread!
Supplies:
Garment to be hemmed
Spray water bottle
Fusible fabric tape (Stitch Witchery®, Heat’n Bond®, or Steam-a-Seam®)
Iron and safe surface on which to use it (A table padded with towels will work)
Lightweight pressing cloth, such as a piece of neutral colored cotton
Ready, Set, Hem!
1. Pin your hem to the desired length. Place a row of pins close to and parallel to the
hem.
2. Lift up the unpinned edge of the hem and position the fusible tape between the layers of
fabric.
3. Place a damp pressing cloth over the area to be hemmed, then press your hot iron
on the damp cloth. Press—without moving the iron—for about 15 seconds.
4. Move the pressing cloth and iron each section of the hem, being careful not to pull or
stretch the fabric as you are fusing.
5. Once more around will finish the fusing! Iron on the right side of the fabric directly
onto the fabric you are hemming until you are sure the tape has melted.
The Pros:
If you know how to use an iron, it’s easy to use fusible fabric tape.
It’s great for emergency hem repair! Hems are neat and clean with no messy, uneven
stitches or dangling threads.
Use to fuse a trim, a patch, or an appliqué to a garment or home dec item. Fusible
web also comes by the yard when you need bigger pieces.
The ConS:
Fusible fabric tape can come undone after multiple trips through the dryer.
It shouldn’t be used on light, sheer fabrics because the tape becomes stiff after heat
activation.
Fabric that has been hemmed with it will not be able to stretch, so it is not useful for
most knits.
Youtube video: Hem with Stitch Witchery
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKyHNrAnW_w