How to Hem a Shirt Sleeve

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Hemming a shirt sleeve is easy, economical and takes little time. This article has tips on hemming shirt sleeves and for sewing in general. As with all things, the following tips are for a basic shirt made from basic fabric. Finer fabrics such as sheers or velvets will require different hemming techniques than those given here. Check a sewing book for tips on how to sew these fabrics. The following information will work for most basic shirts or any other basic hemming project.

Steps

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    Buy a spool of thread . Take a scrap of fabric with you when you go to purchase the thread. Select a thread that closely matches the fabric scrap. If you do not have a fabric scrap, take the shirt with you to the store. Once again select a thread that closely matches the color of the fabric.
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    Select a good, quality thread . Quality thread will be smooth and look fine. Poor quality thread is usually thick and coarse. Using a top quality thread will add extra polish to any project while adding durability. Also a quality thread is kinder to your sewing machine which means the sewing machine will have fewer problems with sewing tension.
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    You can also use a straight stitch to hem. Select 10 to 12 inches (25.4 to 30.5 cm) for sewing hems. This is the standard stitch length for almost all sewing projects.
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    Most shirt sleeves can be hemmed using a turned-up hem. The following steps will guide you through sewing a turned up hem.
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Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Turned-Up Hem

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    Use sewing pins to pin up the hem. For fine fabrics be sure to use sharp fine pins to protect the fabric from developing holes.
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    Press the hem using lots of steam. Use a pressing cloth to protect delicate fabrics.
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    Turn the hem up again matching the turned up width, while removing the pins as you go, and pin the hem again to make a double-folded hem. Pin this hem.
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    Remember to use a pressing cloth , if needed, to protect fine fabrics.
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    using an invisible hemming stitch , or select the invisible hemming stitch on your sewing machine, or use a straight machine stitch to sew your sleeve hem in place.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Single Fold Hem with Edge Finish

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    A single fold hem that has a zigzagged edge and is good for almost all types of fabrics. The hem is edge finished with a zigzag stitch, turned up, pressed and sewn with a catch stitch or a blind hemming stitch. This type of hem reduces bulk and works with most fabrics.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Lettuce Edge

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    Sewing a lettuce edge hem works very well for knits or lingerie. You can either turn up a small (3/8-inch) hem and sew a zigzag stitch or use the zigzag stitch as the only hem. The sleeve will be edge finished with the zigzag stitch. When the hem is finished it will be wavy and look like a frilly lettuce leaf. This hem is good for feminine clothing and is a quick hemming finish. You could also serge edge the hem and, in fact, the serger does a better job than the sewing machine when sewing this hem.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I do a straight stitch?
    Maudy Paden
    Sewing & Tailoring Expert
    Maudy Paden is a Sewing & Alterations Specialist based in Sarasota, Florida. She provides a tailoring concierge service, where she offers in home/office fittings and pick up/delivery for alterations. She has over 30 years of sewing experience. Before starting her business in Florida, she ran her clothing alteration shop for 14 years in Vermilion, Ohio. Maudy has a wide tailoring repertoire; wedding dressings, formalwear, suiting, professional clothing, off-the-rack, ready-to-wear, clothing repairs, and patches all fit her skill set.  In all her work, she follows the high-quality standard outlined by the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals. She received an MA in Lay Ministry at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and a BA in Religious Studies from Wittenberg University.
    Maudy Paden
    Sewing & Tailoring Expert
    Expert Answer
    To do a straight stitch, align the fabric layers, thread the needle, and bring it up from the underside. Then, push the needle down through the fabric, forming a straight line. Repeat this process, maintaining even stitches along the desired seam or edge.
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  • Question
    How do I finish the low edge of a short sleeve?
    T. Chinsen
    Top Answerer
    A fast finished edge to a sleeve is to add lace. Fabric and craft stores carry dollar deals on lace spools. They are 3 - 4 yards (2.74 - 3.66 meters), depending on the width of the lace. Decorative stitching with embroidery thread is another option. Use a machine decorative stitch if your sewing machine has that option. A simple zigzag stitch with varied width and length can provide a fun edging.
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  • Question
    What are some ways of finishing a long sleeved shirt?
    Egodrpaicr
    Community Answer
    Hemming a long sleeve shirt should work the same way as hemming a short sleeved one. As long as you measure to the length you want, the techniques would likely work the same.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Sewing pins
      • Sewing needles either hand or machine
      • Hemming gauge
      • Thread
      • Iron
      • Ironing board
      • Sleeve board is nice as you can fit those tiny sleeves when it comes to pressing
      • Pressing cloth for fine fabrics

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about sewing and alterations, check out our in-depth interview with Maudy Paden .

      References

      1. Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing
      2. About.com [1]
      3. Wild Ginger Patternmaking software User's Guide. Wild Ginger [2] sells patternmaking software for both commercial and home use.

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