How to Hem a T-shirt With a Serger
Hemming a t-shirt is usually a bit challenging as you have to ensure your openings are stretchy enough so that you can pull it on and off the body.
If you hem a t-shirt the same as you will weave it, you might end up with a wavy t-shirt or even risk getting your stitches to pop when trying to stretch the t-shirt over the head. In the article, I’ll be sharing a few tips on how to hem a T-shirt with a serger.
How to Hem a T-shirt with a serger?
Contents
Start by making a pattern by using modifications that make it match with your server. Set up your serger as you prepare to start. Fold your T-shirts and press the hems on both sleeves. The next step is to set your stitching length and stitch the hem of your T-shirt. Lastly, serge your T-shirt and your seam to complete the process.
Hemming a T-shirt with a serger can be a bit complicated. There are a few intricate details you must take into consideration to ensure you do a great job. Follow the step by step guide below to hem your T-shirt.
9 Steps To Hem A T-shirt With A Serger
Step 1: First, you need to make a pattern by using certain modifications to make it match with the serger.
If the pattern contains curved hems, use a ruler so you can straighten the bottom of your T-shirt back, sleeves, and bottom. As usual, add some allowance to each hem. It should equal a maximum depth of 1 1/4 inch.
Check all the seams patterns against the allowance. It would help if you trimmed any extra to make each seam 1/4 –inch allowance. The design has a 5/8 –inch seam allowance on the main seams and a 3/8 –inch space on the neck. Remember to trim the similar seam to ?-inches.
Cut all the pieces that you need using a nap. Mark every notch and all matching markings with washable chalk where you’re going to cut or snip the notches.
Step 2: Set up the serger using one needle on your left. Use a three-thread stitch to thread your machine. To begin with the setting, try to balance a three-thread stitch.
Mark the balanced setting of your stitch when starting so that you can refer when you’re serging the T-shirt seams.
Step 3: When you’re ready to hem your bottom and sleeve hems, prepare as follows: Fold your T-shirt and press the hems intensely on both sleeves, back, and front.
Step 4: You need to set up the length of your stitch. It would be best if you used the standard serger foot in place of a blind hem foot.
If you do this, the serger will handle the tension like the flatlock serger stitch. Using this kind of setting will alter the pressure and make the blind stitch flat.
Tension numbers have a slight variation, but generally, the tension of the needle should be very loose.
Your top looper is supposed to be the average setting, while the lower looper should be tighter. Remember, at this stage. You don’t have the right needle in your serger.
Step 5: Cut the remaining part so that you can use it to test the stitching by wrapping and compressing the T-shirt. To sew your blind, you need to wrap your fabric for the second time. But, this time, fold it towards the outer part of your hem where it meets the right part of your T-shirt using a scant that extends towards the right.
Secure the hem and the wrong side with pins perpendicularly, make sure that the garment is siding up. Be careful not to push the second wrap. Otherwise, it will stain the right section of the fabric.
To sew your hem, balance each wheel of your blind. This will make the adjustable instruction to follow the wrap and make it hard for the needle to pierce the wrapped part.
Step 6: Stitch the hems of your T-shirt by using the method described above. When stitching, carefully and slightly skim the part that extends past the blades. By all means, avoid stretching your fabric, take care, and smoothen it from the back foot as you sew.
Step 7: After you’re done with sewing, open the hem out and push it slowly to flatten stitches of your T-shirt smoothly.
Step 8: Wind up with the T-shirt by setting up a three-thread, balanced stitch, and use your left seam needle of about 1/4- inch to stitch.
Step 9: Lastly, Serge the T-shirt seams as listed below, serge your seams together with the right sides.
- Serge every shoulder seam as you press it to the back.
- Serge the middle back seam to allow a neckband. Flatten it towards any part. Fold it twice together with the wrong side and push gently.
- Serge it with a neckline as you match all the markings, stretch the band to secure it.
- Serge the sleeve to the armholes as you push the seam far from the shoulder.
- From a single hemmed edge, serge the side seams to one another.
- Push the hems to the back of your fabric. Tack the loose seams down at the bottom and sleeve hemline by using tiny hand stitches so that they can remain flat.
And Hurrah! You’ve finished. Yes, you did it.
What Are The Uses Of Serged Hems?
- Serged hems can stitch two different pieces of a garment together, living a clean edge that will not fray because it trims while it’s stitching.
- Apply the hem settings for your serger so that you can come up with a neatly folded hem on your T-shirt.
- Use different settings of your serger to develop a stretchy edge on your fabric. This will make the edge of your hem wavy or ruffled.
How To Make Your Work Easier When Hemming With A Serger
- The serger can cut down the garment as you stitch it, so you should never be worried about the raw edge being a little wavy or uneven.
- Use a corresponding thread that will cover the serged hem. Alternatively, you can go with a contrasting thread that will make the seam come out the best. Smooth threads do the best work as they give a stunning popping color for things like dish towels or cloth napkins.
However, it won’t be so impressive on a T-shirt. If you wish, you can place a thread with a different color on every spool of your serger so that you can develop a variegated effect.
- If you want any references or guidelines, check out the stitch card to get different options and ideas of the seam.
Whether you have little or no experience on hemming T-shirts with a serger, this step by step guide will help you accomplish just that.
A serger can help you develop a neat hemmed edge using only one step. It’s much better compared to ancient hems; however, like any serger, you need to master your way around it. But, once you know every part of the machine, you won’t have much problems.
Related Questions
Can you hem pants using a serger?
If you own a serger, you can make any alterations. A serger isn’t meant for knits only. You can use it for any finishes. Thus, hemming your pants with a serger will be easier and flawless.
How do you hem a maxi dress?
Measure and cut the material you’ll like to use on the bottom of the dress. Then, put your dress on a table and fold the new raw edges entirely and press to secure it tightly. Finally, wrap it for the second time and press it again.
What stitch will be required to hem a shirt?
A zigzag stitch will be best from the right side of your T-shirt. Don’t stretch your garment. The zigzag stitch comes with an inbuilt stretch that is ideal for stitching elastic and knits.
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