Two Easy Tricks for Beautiful Knit Fabric Hems

When it comes to sewing with knit fabric, you either love it or hate it. Fortunately, I’m in the first camp. In fact, I learned to sew in high school using stretch fabric that I would drape and pin on myself to make my homecoming and prom dresses. And I have to say—despite my lack of formal training—the results were pretty fantastic. I loved how forgiving it was in the fit department, if I made my gown a wee bit too small no one would be the wiser, not even myself. Anything woven, on the other hand, would have told a different (probably Frankenstein-y) story.

One of the first steps to conquering the pliable textile is to work with its unruly behavior. Often, it’s a battle to hem a knit dress, but luckily when you stop fighting it, the outcome is quite beautiful. This particular trick works best with a serger, but will also work with a regular sewing machine. While hemming, simply pull the fabric lightly and you will create a lovely lettuce leaf effect that’s perfect for scarves or whimsical frocks. Try it with a strip of fabric to see what I mean. Note: The harder you pull the more intricate the curled edges will be, but don’t pull so hard you break your needle!

Not a fan of the effect and hoping for a streamlined finish? Don’t fret, there’s a simple solution for that, too. Hit up your nearest gifty retailer and stock up on tissue paper. Next time you’re about to face off with a slippery neckline or armhole all you have to do is place a sheet under the fabric. It’s seriously miraculous. Bye-bye wonky uneven edging!

Soon, you’ll fall in love with that stretch as much as I have! If you’re looking for inspiring ways to test out your skills, first take a look at these fab fabric options, then turn to the queen of knits: Diane von Furstenberg. Here are a few of my recent favorites from her collection:

Swoon-worthy, right?