Master the Art of Hemming: A Beginner's Guide to Hemming a Knitted Sweater

When we think of knitting, cozy sweaters are often the first thing that comes to mind. And while there’s nothing quite like cuddling up in a handmade knit sweater, sometimes they can be a bit too long for our liking. Enter the art of hemming. Whether it’s to shorten the sleeves or bring in the length, knowing how to properly hem a knitted sweater is a valuable skill for any knitter or sweater lover. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of hemming a knitted sweater, so you can achieve the perfect fit without compromising on style. So put your needles down for a moment and let’s dive into the world of hemming knitted garments.

When it comes to crafting your own knitted sweater, you want to ensure that every detail is perfect. One of the most important aspects of a well-made sweater is the hem. A properly hemmed sweater not only enhances the appearance of the garment but also ensures a secure and comfortable fit. Hemming a knitted sweater may seem intimidating, especially for those who are new to knitting. However, with the right techniques and a little practice, you can successfully hem your own knitted sweater like a pro.

Understanding Hemming in Knitting

Before diving into the process of hemming a knitted sweater, it’s essential to understand what hemming actually means in knitting. In simple terms, hemming is essentially folding over the fabric at the bottom edge and stitching it down to create a finished edge. In traditional sewing, this would involve folding over and stitching down along raw edges of fabric. However, in knitting, hemming is done by turning up the bottom edge of the knitting and joining it with another row.

Reasons for Hemming a Knitted Sweater

The primary reason for hemming a knitted sweater is to create a clean and finished look on the garment’s edges. This helps prevent unraveling of stitches and adds stability to your garment’s structure. Additionally, some sweaters may require hems to help maintain their shape or adjust their length.

Choosing Your Hem Style

There are two common types of hems used in knitting – folded hems and ribbed hems. Folded hems involve turning up the bottom edge of the knitting into itself before securing it with stitches. This type of hem creates minimal bulk and works best on lighter weight fabrics. Ribbed hems are created by knitting ribbing along with your main fabric in two contrasting colors or patterns. This type of hem adds stretchiness and is useful for heavier weight fabrics.

Tools and Materials Required for Hemming

– Yarn, preferably a thinner yarn than the one used for the main fabric
– Knitting needles of appropriate size
– Stitch markers
– Darning needle
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Pins (optional)

Step-by-step Guide to Hem a Knitted Sweater

1. Prepare Your Sweater

Before hemming your knitted sweater, you need to ensure that all ends are woven in and any necessary blocking is done to get the proper shape of your garment. If your sweater has sleeves, it’s best to hem them before working on the body.

2. Measure and Mark

Using a measuring tape, determine how much length you want to add or reduce for your sweater. Once you have determined the desired length, use stitch markers or pins along the edge of your knitting to mark where you will fold up your hem.

3. Create Your Fold

Pick up stitches along the marked edge using a smaller needle than the one you used for knitting your main fabric. This will create a smoother transition between your turned-up hem and the rest of your sweater. After picking up stitches, fold over along marked edges and secure with pins if needed.

4. Knit Your Hem

Work on knitting your hem in either ribbed pattern or stockinette stitch depending on which style you chose for your sweater. Continue until the hem is long enough to reach its original length before folding, or about half an inch shorter if you prefer a tighter fit.

5. Join Your Hem With The Main Body

Carefully remove any pins or stitch markers from your hem and continue knitting with both yarns. Once the main body and hem are joined, knit at least one row in the main fabric pattern to maintain consistency.

6. Finish Your Hem

To secure your hem, you can add a few extra stitches at the side seams or use a darning needle to weave in the loose ends. You can also opt for a more seamless finish by using the knit line method to join your hem.

Tips and Tricks

– When choosing yarn for hems, use a thinner yarn than the main fabric for best results.
– Use stretchy cast on methods like a long-tail cast on or twisted German cast on to accommodate for ribbing patterns.
– If your sweater has pockets, make sure to take them into account before marking and knitting your hem.
– Practice with scrap yarn before attempting to hem your actual sweater, especially if you are new to knitting.

Conclusion

Hemming is an essential step in creating a well-made knitted sweater. By understanding different types of hems and following this step-by-step guide, you can easily create a polished look for your garment. With time and practice, hemming will become second nature, and you’ll be able to add unique

What is Hemming?

Hemming is a sewing technique that involves folding and sewing the edge of a fabric or garment to create a clean and smooth finish. It is commonly used for finishing raw edges, but can also be applied as a decorative element to add structure and definition to a piece of clothing.

When it comes to hemming a knitted sweater, the process may seem daunting at first. However, with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve professional-looking results that will elevate your hand-knitted creation. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to hem a knitted sweater like a pro.

Tools for Hemming a Knitted Sweater

Before we dive into the actual process of hemming, it’s important to have all the necessary tools at hand. Here are some basic tools you will need to hem your knitted sweater:

Sewing needles – Choose needles that are suitable for sewing on knit fabrics. Ballpoint needles work best as they slide between the yarns without damaging them.

Sewing thread – You can use regular sewing thread or opt for a matching color to your knitted sweater for a more seamless finish.

Pins – These will come in handy when securing the folded edges before sewing.

Scissors – Use sharp scissors or fabric shears to cut through knit fabric neatly.

Tape measure – This will help ensure accurate measurements while hemming.

Ruler or yardstick – This will serve as a guide when folding the edges of your knitted sweater.

Preparations before Hemming

Before diving into hemming, there are some preparations you need to make beforehand. The first step is to try on your knitted sweater and determine the desired length of your hemline. Once you have decided on the length, you will need to:

Wash and block your knitted sweater – This step is important as it helps the yarn relax and adjust to its final shape and size.

Pin the hemline – Use pins to mark the desired hem length around the entire circumference of your sweater.

Trim excess yarn – If there are any long or loose yarns at the bottom edge of your sweater, trim them with scissors.

Hemming Techniques for Knitted Sweaters

There are several techniques for hemming a knitted sweater, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are three techniques that you can use to hem your knitted sweater:

Interlock Hem

The interlock hem is a simple technique that involves folding the edge of your knitted sweater twice to create a neat finish on both sides. To hem your knitted sweater using this technique, follow these steps:

1. Fold up the raw edge of your knitted fabric to meet the first pin marking, making sure it’s even all around.

2. Using pins, secure the folded edge in place.

3. Fold up again to meet the second pin marking and secure with pins.

4. Using a hand sewing needle and thread, stitch along the top folded edge using an invisible whip stitch or a ladder stitch.

5. Repeat on the other side for a clean finish.

Double Fold Hem

The double fold hem is another easy technique that results in a thicker, more structured hemline. For this method, you will need to:

1. Fold up one inch of fabric towards the wrong side of your sweater along the first pin marking.

2. Secure with pins and repeat on all sides.

3. Use a zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch on your sewing machine to secure the folded edge.

4. Trim any excess fabric, and fold up again by an inch, creating a double-folded hem.

5. Using a sewing machine or hand stitch, sew along the bottom edge of the hemline.

Rolled Hem

A rolled hem is a popular choice for adding a decorative touch to your knitted sweater. It creates a soft, delicate look that is perfect for lightweight sweaters. Here’s how you can create a rolled hem:

1. Start by folding up the edge of your sweater by ½ inch.

2. Use pins to secure in place and repeat around all edges.

3. Using an overlock or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, stitch along the top edge of the hemline.

4. Trim off any excess fabric and continue folding and stitching until you reach the desired length of your hemline.

Additional Tips for Hemming Knitted Sweaters

Always iron or steam your hemline before securing it with stitches. This will help create a crisp finish.

For a more secure hold, you can use fabric glue along with sewing stitches.

If you’re using a thicker or heavy yarn, opt for larger needles or pins

Q: What tools do I need to hem a knitted sweater?
A: To hem a knitted sweater, you will need sharp scissors, sewing needles, sewing thread that matches the color of your sweater, pins, and a measuring tape.

Q: How long should the length of my knitted sweater be for proper hemming?
A: The length of your knitted sweater will depend on your personal preference. However, it is recommended to leave at least 1-2 inches of extra fabric for a neat and secure hem.

Q: Can I hem my knitted sweater by hand or do I need a sewing machine?
A: Hemming a knitted sweater can be done both by hand or with a sewing machine. If you are experienced in hand sewing, you can achieve a clean and professional-looking hem. However, using a sewing machine can save time and provide more precise stitches.

Q: How do I determine the right length for my sleeves when hemming a knitted sweater?
A: To determine the right length for your sleeves, measure the desired length from the shoulder seam down to your wrist. Make sure to leave an extra inch for the hem. Before cutting your sleeves, try on the sweater to ensure that the length is appropriate.

Q: Can I use regular needle and thread to hem my knitted sweater?
A: It is recommended to use speciality knitting needles when hemming a knitted sweater as they are designed specifically to avoid snagging or damaging delicate knit fabric. However, if you do not have speciality needles available, you can use sharp regular needles and thread with caution.

Q: Are there any tips for achieving smooth and even stitches when hemming my knitted sweater?
A: One tip is to use pins to secure the fabric in place before stitching. This will help prevent any shifting or bunching of the fabric while sewing. Another tip is to use a smaller needle and thin thread for a more delicate stitch that will be less visible on the knitted fabric.

In conclusion, hemming a knitted sweater is a task that requires attention to detail and proper techniques in order to achieve a clean and professional finish. Start by choosing the right method for your sweater, whether it be hand sewing or using a machine. Next, prep your sweater by blocking it and marking the desired hem length. Carefully sew your hem, making sure to maintain consistency and avoid any pulling or bunching of the fabric. Once finished, give the hem a good press to ensure it lays flat. Hemming a knitted sweater may seem daunting at first, but with practice and patience, anyone can achieve a polished result.

Some valuable key takeaways from this process include always taking the time to properly measure and mark before sewing, being gentle with the delicate knit fabric to avoid any damage, and using proper techniques such as blind stitching or twin needle stitching for a neat and durable finish. Additionally, paying attention to the type of yarn and knitting pattern are important factors in determining the best approach for hemming.

Another aspect to consider is that different types of knits may require different methods of hemming. For example, ribbed knits may need extra stretching while sewing in order to maintain its stretchiness.

Overall, learning how to hem a knitted sweater is an

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.

Master the Art of Hemming: A Beginner’s Guide to Hemming a Knitted Sweater