Tools and Materials
Hemming a shirt doesn’t need to be a complex task. All you will require to get the job done is fabric scissors, iron and ironing board, tailor’s chalk, and a few pins. Tailor’s chalk is an important tool for marking fabric, being temporary and allowing for easy removal from the fabric. You can get it from any fabric shop. And although a sewing machine will make the task faster and easier, you need not worry if you lack one, you can still successfully hem your shirt without the use of one.
Measuring and Marking the Material
Once you have your fabric and tools ready, you need to measure and mark the fabric. Decide how much you want to take in. The general rule is to take in 5 cm (2 inches). This can be done keeping the skirt flat and measuring 5 cm (2 inches) up from the hem, and then marking it with tailor’s chalk. Do this all around the hem. Let the fabric drop to the ground and flatten it from side to side, so that the line you drew is visible. The first two pins will form an anchor for your fabric. Pin the fabric in several places close to the chalk line in order to keep it in place. It will prevent it from slipping as you work.
Ironing and Cutting
Now you can begin to fold the fabric. Start at one end and fold it back upwards, pressing it until it is flat and all the creases are smooth. Press the fold with your iron for a few seconds. Once done, move back and forth around the hem, folding and ironing where necessary. When finished, your material should be tightly pressed. Now you can carefully snip the excess material at an angle. This will create a V-shape so that you can again press the fabric flat.
Stitching
Now all you have to do is stitch the hem in place. This can be done using a zigzag stitch, backstitch, or overlapping stitches. This will securely fasten the fabric in place and you should have a neat and professional-looking hem. Once you are finished, simply clip the thread and you can slip your shirt on.
Tips for Successful Hemming Without Sewing Machine
Working with fabric scissors and tailor’s chalk can be tricky. Here are a few tips to help you achieve success:
- Use a straight edge ruler to extend the tailor’s chalk line. This will help to ensure an even cut and an accurate fold line.
- When snipping the excess material, make sure to always cut at an angle. Chopping straight is liable to leave fraying and can result in an offer finished.
- Press the fabric several times with the iron. This will ensure a smooth finish and will help to keep the fabric folded.
- If you don’t have thread in the desired color, pull out some of the yarn from the fabric instead, to use as thread. It should match in color and texture.
- It is best to work with a thinner fabric when hemming without a sewing machine. Thicker materials are more difficult to work with and can be harder to keep in place.
Things to Consider
When hemming a shirt without a sewing machine, you should always consider the fabric material. It is best to experiment on smaller lengths of fabric first in order to ensure accuracy. Also, don’t be afraid to take your time. Tackling the job too quickly could result in a poorly hemmed shirt that won’t look great.
Advantages of Hemming Without Sewing Machine
Hemming without a sewing machine is both cost effective and convenient. Not everyone wants to purchase a sewing machine and learn how to use it. Hemming without one is therefore an easy and quick way of producing professional looking garments with minimal effort and cost. Plus, you can tailor clothes for immediate use, rather than waiting for long shipping times for a sewing machine.
Seam Allowances
A seam allowance is an important factor to consider when hemming. Be sure to add an extra 1.25 cm (0.5 inches) at the hem, so that you have enough fabric to work with. Usually, the pattern will provide you with the correct seam allowance size.
Alternatives
If your fabric is lightweight, you can hem it with no stitches at all. All you need to do is iron on a strip of fusible bonding webbing, and then fold and press the fabric in place. This will cause the fabric to stick together, creating a finished hem. Of course, this won’t work with thicker materials, and the bond will eventually wear away after multiple washes.
