How to Remove Hem Marks

Co-authored by Shaelynn Haning

Last Updated: August 29, 2024 References

Old hemlines can leave an unsightly crease on your clothes, but that's nothing an iron and a borax solution can't handle. Use a stitch remover to take out the seam first so the hem marks are as small as possible. With a little heat and pressure, you can get rid of slight or noticeable hem marks. Just remember to let your garments dry afterward to avoid wrinkles.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Taking out the Hem

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1
Purchase a stitch remover. Although hems can be removed with scissors, you risk damaging the fabric. Stitch removers can be found at most fabric or craft stores. Use them as you work to avoid stretching or cutting your fabric, which can make the mark removal process harder. ^{[1]
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- Stitch removers are also known as seam rippers.
Choose a stitch near one side of your hem's end. Hook the stitch with your seam ripper and pull it up. Given enough force, this should break the thread. ^{[2]
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3
Skip ahead several stitches and pull on the seam. Three or four stitches ahead is usually sufficient. Set the stitch remover aside and pull on the seam with your fingers. Continue pulling on the seam until the tail end of the string is removed from the fabric. Cut the string with a sharp pair of scissors for a clean break. ^{[3]
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- Avoid breaking the string as you pull to keep from damaging the fabric.
Continue breaking stitches as you work up the hem until you have removed it entirely. Once you're finished, smooth your garment as much as you can to avoid more creasing. Fold your garment away until you are ready to iron away the hem marks. ^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Applying a Borax Solution

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All-purpose borax solutions work well for removing hem lines. Mix two tablespoons (1 oz) of borax with two tablespoons (1 oz) of white vinegar in a bowl. Add two cups (16 oz) of hot water and a small squirt of dish soap to complete the solution. ^{[5]
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You will achieve best results if you can iron the hemlines as directly as possible. While turning your garment inside out, check the tag for its fabric material. If it's made of a delicate material (like satin), remember to use a low setting on your iron. ^{[6]
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3
Dip a clean cloth into the solution. Wring your rag out after dipping it in the solution. Ideally, your garment will be slightly damp but not soaked. Continue squeezing the cloth until it no longer drips over the solution bowl.
- Alternatively, you can fill a spray bottle with the borax solution and apply it liberally to the garment.
The borax solution will help your fabric absorb the heat and return to its natural shape. Rub the garment in circular motions until the entire hemline is damp. Covering the entire garment in solution is not necessary.

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Ironing Away the Creases

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Make sure the garment is completely flat on the board. The garment's hemlines should be facing upward so it is ready to iron. If your garment has hems on both sides, iron both sides separately. ^{[7]
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Garments, particularly those made of delicate fabrics, may not be able to withstand the full heat of the iron. Regardless of the fabric, lay a cloth flatly over the garment. Smooth the cloth out with your hands to evenly iron your garment. ^{[8]
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3
Press the cloth with your iron. Slowly move your iron over the fabric in a straight, repeated line. Remove the fabric after ironing for several minutes to monitor your progress. Keep ironing until the marks are removed completely. ^{[9]
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- Spray starch onto the garment to remove particularly stubborn hem marks.
- Don't hold the iron in one spot for too long, which can burn the fabric.
4
Give your fabric time to dry. Air dry your garment by placing it on a flat, hard surface. When it has dried, use a clothes brush to iron out any wrinkles from drying. Inspect the fabric for any hem marks you may have missed. If you find any, iron the fabric again.
- Do not scrub the fabric with your clothes brush, which can damage or crease the fabric. Instead, use a firm sweeping motion.

Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Covering or Fading Difficult-to-Remove Hem Marks

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1
Try scratching away hem marks. If a hot iron cannot remove your hemlines, use a spoon or nail to scratch your hem marks off. Drag your spoon or nail across the hem marks from left to right repeatedly until you notice the marks visibly fading.
- Scratching will usually not remove the hem marks but may mask their visibility.
- Press the fabric with steam to keep the hem marks from reappearing later.
2
Embroider over unsightly hem marks. If you've tried to iron out the hem marks and can't make any headway, embroider a design by hand or with a machine over the marks. Choose a design that you love and can completely cover the hem marks. ^{[10]
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- You can take your clothing item to a seamstress if you have never embroidered before.
3
Color over your hem marks with a pen or marker. If you cannot get rid of stubborn hem marks, you can camouflage with a permanent marker or pen. Choose a marker in a matching color of your fabric and fill in the hem marks with the marker.
- If you choose the wrong color by accident, use rubbing alcohol, nail polish remover, or a gentle stain remover to remove the pen or marker from your fabric.
4
Place an iron on patch over the hem mark. If you don't know how to embroider but want to cover up the hem marks, iron on a patch or applique. Pick a durable iron-on patch that can cover your hem marks entirely and is machine washable. ^{[11]
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- If you'd prefer not to add a design to your fabric, choose a patch that matches your fabric's color and can blend in well.

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What is the best way to mark a garment?

Shaelynn Haning
Professional Tailor & Business Owner
Shaelynn Haning is a Tailor & Business Owner based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Shaelynn is the founder of the highest-rated and most-reviewed alterations and tailoring service in Oklahoma, Tallgrass Tailor, employing a team of skilled craftsmen and women from across the country and the world. Shaelynn is a member of the State of Oklahoma Education Careers and Technologies Board and a member of both the Custom Tailors and Designers Association and the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals. She is the host of The Sew Show with Shae, an entertaining and educational sewing channel posting weekly videos on YouTube. Shaelynn earned her BS in Apparel Design and Product Development from Marist College.

Shaelynn Haning

Professional Tailor & Business Owner

Expert Answer

I suggest that you use something that can be removed by heat or water-soluble markers. Heat pens are the best way to mark a garment so that you don't get into the issue of having to clean marks from a permanent pen or chalk.

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There are holes left after removing an old hem. What can I do?

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After you have removed the hem, wet the pant-leg where the holes are. Place a clean, dry handkerchief over the holes and steam the handkerchief. It should close them. If this is polyester or a blend of polyester, turn the fabric inside out, or the heat from the iron will melt the fabric and make it shiny. Be careful that the iron is not overheated when you press.

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Will borax take the color out of clothing?

Community Answer

Most detergents can cause colors to fade over time, including borax. Limited applications, however, will not cause fading in most cases.

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Wash your hands after using the borax solution.

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Warnings

Avoid handling borax or a clothes iron around small children to prevent accidents.

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Borax can be hazardous if in contact with eyes or ingested. Avoid touching your face while handling borax. ^{[12]
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Things You'll Need

Stitch remover
Borax
Vinegar
Water
Cloth
Clothes iron
Starch
Ironing board

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How to Remove Hem Marks

Steps

Taking out the Hem

Applying a Borax Solution

Ironing Away the Creases

Covering or Fading Difficult-to-Remove Hem Marks

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

Things You'll Need

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Expert Interview

References

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