Say Goodbye to Pesky Curls: The Ultimate Guide on How to Keep a Hem from Curling Up

Have you ever spent countless hours meticulously sewing a hem only to have it curl up after a few washes? It’s a frustrating and all too common problem for those who love to sew. But fear not, there are simple and effective ways to keep hems from curling up. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced seamstress, our guide will walk you through the steps to achieving perfectly flat hems every time. Say goodbye to pesky curls and hello to crisp and polished finishes. So gather your fabric, thread, and sewing tools as we dive into the secrets of preventing hems from curling up.

Hem curling is a common issue that many people encounter when sewing or altering clothing. Whether you are a novice or an experienced seamstress, keeping hems from curling up can be a frustrating and time-consuming task. However, with the right techniques and tools, this problem can easily be avoided. In this guide, we will discuss how to keep a hem from curling up so that you can achieve perfect hems every time.

Understanding Hem Curling

Before we dive into the solutions for preventing hem from curling, it is important to understand why it occurs in the first place. Hem curling happens when the fabric at the edge of the hem rolls towards the wrong side of the garment, creating a noticeable bulge. This issue is more commonly seen in lightweight and slippery fabrics such as silk, chiffon, and polyester.

One of the reasons for hem curling is the tension created between two different types of fabric. For example, if you are trying to sew a cotton hem onto a silk fabric, there will be uneven tension as both fabrics have different properties. Another factor that contributes to hem curling is incorrect stitching techniques or using unsuitable needle and thread for your fabric.

Preparation before Sewing

The key to preventing hem from curling is proper preparation before starting any sewing project. Before you even pick up your needle and thread, make sure to pre-wash and dry your fabric according to its care instructions. This will remove any excess sizing or shrinkage in the fabric that can cause it to curl later on.

Next, ensure that you have all the necessary tools for your project such as sharp scissors, pins or clips, an iron and ironing board. Having these tools ready will make your sewing process smoother and help prevent any mistakes that could lead to hem curling.

Choose the Right Needle and Thread

Using the correct needle and thread for your fabric is crucial in preventing hem curling. As a general rule of thumb, use a smaller and lighter needle for delicate fabrics such as silk and chiffon. For heavier fabrics like denim or wool, opt for a larger and stronger needle.

When it comes to thread, always choose the one recommended for your fabric type. For lightweight fabrics, use a high-quality lightweight thread. If you are working with heavier fabrics, go for heavy-duty thread that can withstand the weight of the fabric.

Proper Stitching Techniques

One of the main causes of hem curling is incorrect stitching techniques. To avoid this issue, start by folding and pinning or clipping your hem in place before sewing. This will help keep the fabric in place and prevent it from moving around while sewing.

Next, make sure to use small and even stitches along the edge of your hem. This will distribute the tension evenly on both sides of the fabric and prevent curling. Avoid long stitches or pulling too hard on the fabric as this can also contribute to hem curling.

Ironing Is Key

Ironing may seem like an insignificant step in sewing, but it plays a crucial role in preventing hem curling. After sewing your hem, always press it with an iron on medium heat to set the stitches in place. Make sure to use steam if necessary to smooth out any wrinkles and create a crisp edge.

For curved hems or hems on circular pieces like sleeves or cuffs, use a tailor’s ham or sleeve roll while pressing. This will help you achieve a professional finish without any unnecessary creases or wrinkles.

Alternative Methods

If you have tried all the above methods but still struggle with hem curling, there are some alternative techniques you can try. One method is using a fabric glue or adhesive tape to secure your hem in place before sewing. This can act as a temporary fix and prevent the fabric from curling while you sew.

Another technique is to use a lightweight interfacing on the inside of the hem. This will provide support and stability to the fabric, preventing it from curling.

Hem curling may be a common issue, but with proper preparation and techniques, it is easily avoidable. Remember to always choose the right needle and thread, use proper stitching techniques, and press your hems with an iron. If you still struggle with hem curling, try alternative methods such as using fabric glue or interfacing. With these tips, you can confidently sew perfect hems without any frustrating curled edges. Happy sewing!

What causes hems to curl up?

Hems are an essential part of any piece of clothing, serving as a way to finish off the raw edges and create clean, polished lines. However, sometimes these hems can become problematic when they start to curl up. This not only ruins the aesthetic of the garment but can also be very uncomfortable for the wearer. So, what causes hems to curl up in the first place?

One of the main culprits behind this issue is fabric tension. When sewing a hem, it is crucial to maintain consistent tension throughout the stitching process. If there is too much or too little tension, it can cause the fabric to take on a wave-like appearance and eventually lead to curling hems. This is often seen in lighter-weight fabrics such as chiffon, silk, or even jersey knits.

Another factor that contributes to curled-up hems is using incorrect sewing techniques or tools. For instance, using a dull needle can create too much friction on delicate fabrics and cause them to pucker and curl. Additionally, not properly finishing off your stitches by backstitching or tying off can lead to unraveling and ultimately result in curled-up hems.

Furthermore, fabric quality also plays a significant role in this issue. Low-quality fabrics tend to shrink or expand when exposed to moisture or heat, causing the hems to distort and curl up. This problem is particularly prevalent in rayon blends or synthetic materials like polyester.

Lastly, overhandling during sewing can also be a contributing factor. Fabric that has been stretched too much while stitching or handling excessively (e.g., during pressing) can end up with distorted edges that are prone to curling.

Preventing curled-up hems

Now that we know what causes hems to curl up let’s discuss how you can prevent this problem from happening in your next sewing project. The following are some useful tips that can help you avoid curling hems and create professional-looking garments.

– First and foremost, ensure that you have the correct fabric tension while sewing. You can test this by doing a sample stitch on a scrap piece of fabric and adjusting the tension as needed before working on the actual garment.

– Use sharp, high-quality needles that are appropriate for the fabric you are working with. This will minimize pulling or tugging on the fabric, preventing any unwanted distortions.

– Backstitch or tie off your stitches at the beginning and end of your seams to secure them in place. This will prevent any unraveling or shifting of stitches that could lead to curled-up hems.

– Always handle delicate fabrics with care to avoid overstretching or distorting them. Be gentle when pressing and avoid excessive heat or moisture that can cause shrinkage or expansion.

– Consider using stabilizers like interfacing or stabilizing tape when sewing lightweight fabrics. These will help support the fabric while stitching and prevent any warping or curling of hems.

How to fix already curled-up hems

Despite your best efforts, sometimes curled-up hems may still occur in your sewing project. But don’t fret; there are ways to fix this issue without having to start all over again.

One easy fix is simply steam pressing the curled part of the hem. This works well for medium-weight fabrics like cotton or linen. However, be careful not to overdo it as excessive heat can cause further damage to delicate fabrics.

Another way to fix curled-up hems is by using a product called ‘stitch witchery’ or fusible webbing tape. These products are ironed between two layers of fabric, creating an adhesive bond that holds down unruly hems effectively. However, it’s essential to use these products sparingly as they can add bulk if used excessively.

If your hems are unruly due to fabric shrinkage, you can try soaking the garment in lukewarm water and gently stretching out the distorted area while it is still damp. This should help restore the shape of the hem.

In severe cases, where the fabric is too damaged or distorted to save, you may need to remove the existing hem and resew it using proper techniques and precautions to prevent curling in the future.

In conclusion, curled-up hems can be a real nuisance in any sewing project. However, by understanding the root causes of this issue and taking preventive measures such as maintaining proper fabric tension and using appropriate sewing techniques and tools, you can avoid this problem altogether. In case your hems do end up curling, don’t despair; there are ways to fix them with a little bit of patience and careful handling. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create perfectly smooth and straight hems every time!

1. Why does the hem on my garment keep curling up?
The hem may be curling up due to the fabric being too light or stretchy, improper stitching, or not enough weight added to the hem.

2. How do I prevent a hem from curling up?
To prevent a hem from curling up, try using a heavier fabric or adding interfacing to the hem. Additionally, make sure the stitching is done properly and consider adding weights to the hem.

3. What is interfacing and how does it help with preventing hems from curling up?
Interfacing is a type of fabric used in sewing to add structure and stiffness to lightweight fabrics. It can be ironed or sewn onto the back of a fabric to prevent it from curling up.

4. Are there any alternative methods for keeping hems from curling up?
Yes, you can also try using double-sided fusible tape or adhesive hem tape to secure the edges of your garment’s hem and prevent it from curling up.

5. What type of stitches should I use when sewing a hem to avoid it from curling up?
Using straight or zigzag stitches are recommended for sewing hems as they provide more stability than decorative stitches which tend to be looser and can cause hems to curl up.

6. Can I use an iron to fix a curled-up hem?
Yes, if you notice your garment’s hem has already curled up, you can try ironing it with steam on medium heat while gently pulling down on the edges of the fabric. However, this may only provide a temporary fix and adding interfacing or weights may be necessary for a long-term solution.

In conclusion, keeping a hem from curling up is a common problem that many individuals face when sewing or wearing clothing with hems. While there is no one foolproof method to prevent this issue, there are several tried and true techniques that can help minimize or eliminate curling. By understanding the cause of hem curling and taking certain preventive measures, such as using quality fabrics and proper stitching techniques, one can achieve a professional-looking and flat hem.

Firstly, identifying the type of fabric used is essential in preventing hem curling. Some fabrics have a natural tendency to curl more than others, such as knits or lightweight materials. Prioritizing quality fabrics with good drape and weight can go a long way in ensuring a well-behaved hem.

Secondly, choosing the right stitching technique also plays a significant role in keeping hems from curling up. Blind stitching and clean finishing are popular options for preventing this issue. Taking the time to properly secure the hem with even stitching can make all the difference.

Thirdly, incorporating interfacing or stabilizers is an effective method for preventing hem curling. Whether it’s fusible or sew-in interfacing, adding this layer of support can provide stability to the fabric and keep hems from twisting.

Lastly, proper

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.