How to Use Instant Hem Tape

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

One-sided hem tape usually comes as lace tape. This kind of apparel support tool, or notion, may be easier to use than regular fusible web hem tape because you apply the tape over the edge, creating a natural and seamed finish. This is great for any garment care if the edges are frayed or the length is wrong. This tape also allows you to wash and dry clean your item. Always check the label or do a small test before using this tape.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Markingcloseup.png\/460px-Markingcloseup.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Markingcloseup.png\/728px-Markingcloseup.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":267,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":423,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    1
    Prepare the fabric or clothing that you plan to use. Mark where you would like the hem to be using a pin or any other means while you are wearing the pants. Flip the clothing article inside out to expose the inside of the garment. Using a ruler and a marking pen, mark where the pants will be folded. If you don’t have a washable pen or air erasable pen, chalk is a good substitute.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Cuttinglabeled.png\/460px-Cuttinglabeled.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/40\/Cuttinglabeled.png\/728px-Cuttinglabeled.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":257,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":407,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    2
    Cut the item a little longer than your desired length. Remember you will need to fold it and then apply the hem tape over. Depending on your tape width it can vary. Usually, it's about 25mm or 1 inch.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Folding2122.png\/460px-Folding2122.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Folding2122.png\/728px-Folding2122.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":257,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":407,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    3
    Fold the part you want to hem with the tape. All of the item should be inside out except the bottom where you will iron on the hem tape. Make sure the item is the length you want it to be.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/2021-12-03-111744.png\/460px-2021-12-03-111744.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/2021-12-03-111744.png\/728px-2021-12-03-111744.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":266,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":421,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    4
    Cut your adhesive tape to the length of the hem of the pants you will be covering. Cut a little more than necessary. Half an inch is more than enough.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Iron0.png\/460px-Iron0.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Iron0.png\/728px-Iron0.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":257,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":406,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    5
    Place the adhesive side down over the raw hem. Place the tape near the edge of the cut hem, straight and covering all of the edges.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Iron3.png\/460px-Iron3.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Iron3.png\/728px-Iron3.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":260,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":411,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    6
    Press the hem tape. If your material is not cotton, it is recommended to use a press cloth in between the iron and your item. Using your iron on medium heat (150*C or 302*F) press on the hem tape. Do not slide the iron. Only press applying your weight for about 10 seconds. Move on to the next section.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Finishedcloseup.png\/460px-Finishedcloseup.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Finishedcloseup.png\/728px-Finishedcloseup.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":300,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":475,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    7
    After you have completed the iron presses, wait for the material to cool. If you happen to make a mistake, take a damp press cloth and iron over the hem tape. After it has heated, you may peel the tape off gently. There may be residue left so it's best to try again with fresh tape.
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Before using any type of hem tape, check your clothing's label. Any items that say not to iron or iron on low heat, water-repellent clothes, leather, nylon, or very thin cloth may not be suitable for iron-on hems.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • When applying the iron, it should be a quick action seal. If it takes longer than 10 seconds, check the heat and match it with the garment's label.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • It is not recommended to press with high heat as the adhesive can become loose and tangled. Use low heat or air dry.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about tailoring clothes, check out our in-depth interview with Mia Danilowicz .

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use a Ratchet Strap
      Homemade Dawn Powerwash: Easy Recipe for Refills
      Moving a Vehicle’s Electric Power Seat Forward or Back Manually
      5 Ways to Reset Any Maytag Washing Machine
      How to
      Make a Drone
      How to
      Make a Smokeless Fire Pit
      How to
      Disassemble and Clean a Honeywell Quietset Tower Fan
      How to
      Fix a Leaky Sink Trap
      How to
      Paint on Plastic
      How to
      Get Spray Foam off Your Hands
      Safe & Effective Ways to Clean & Unclog Any Sink Drain
      How to
      Use a Light Timer
      How to
      Clean a USB C Charging Port
      How to
      Determine Door Swing
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 64,009 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement