I need advice on how to hem tshirts. I keep getting wavy results. I use my serger to finish the raw edge, but when I turn it under is when I have stitching problems. I'm clueless about how to fix this problem!

as you hem the garment put under your fabric some wash-a-way stabilizer ( small bit you have left over from other projects) this will keep it from stretching then wash out the stabilizer and press, works for me.

1 comment

by pennyhal2 22 Feb 2020

Thanks! I do have some "stick on" vilene. I bet that would work well.

A good press with lots of steam should help. You can even spray the hem with a mist of water. Steam works wonders

I like to press the hem under before I stitch it. Usually I use a coverstitch machine to stitch the hem in place, without serging. At a pinch you can use a ballpoint twin needle, after serging the edge. Try not to stretch the fabric as you sew. Press with steam again after sewing

2 comments

by oldandgrey 20 Feb 2020

Use ballpoint twin needles and a roller foot, loosen off the tension a little and work from the right side wide hem turned to the wrong side, sew slowly and let the machine take the fabric through. should look like as if it hat been covered stitch. good luck

by pennyhal2 22 Feb 2020

Thanks! I never thought to use a ballpoint needle.

Do not pull the fabric and use a ballpoint needle and a stretch stitch on your machine.

As for the serger if you pull the fabric as it goes through that will make it wavy.

1 comment

by pennyhal2 22 Feb 2020

Thanks! I think I have a stretch stitch! I'll have to get out the handbook and see what stitch that is!

Hi. I had the exact same problem. It seems to be much better when I use a walking foot to sew the hem down. Hope this helps you as well.

1 comment

by pennyhal2 22 Feb 2020

Which side of the tshirt do you put facing the feed dogs.

Do you have a differential feed on your serger that can be adjusted?

1 comment

by pennyhal2 22 Feb 2020

Yes, Thanks! I haven't used it, but I'll give it a try.