how to hem spandex fabric

How to Stop Fabric from Fraying. You also shouldn’t let the fabric hang over the edge of the working surface – this pulls the fabric. If you have a blind hem foot for your sewing machine, you can sew a blind hem after finishing the raw edge of the spandex. This interlock fabric stretched from 4″ to 7″ which means it has 85% stretch. Polyester spandex is one fabric that’s very challenging to sew and hem as it stretches in two ways; it stretches lengthwise and crosswise on the grain of the fabric. Position your needle to sew along the fabric approximately 1/4 inch from the fabric's edge. Hatter has also had publication on home improvement websites such as Redbeacon. Fabrics should also offer thermal insulation depending on what climate yo… 3. First, make sure that you choose the right needle for the job. Spandex fabric comes in 2 way and 4 way stretch. A narrow zigzag stitch is also effective. Sew a zigzag stitch or an overlock stitch along the raw edge of the knit fabric to finish the fabric edge and prevent it from stretching and fraying. If you do not want to use interfacing or undo the original hem, an alternative method to keep the hem from rolling is to trim off all the excess fabric inside and then do a top stitch above the original hem with a twin needle and the An all-purpose polyester thread is a great choice for sewing spandex. This strategy doesn’t work with spandex as well as it works with other fabrics as it leads to puckering. A walking foot is very useful for sewing stretchy fabrics. Secondly, pin your pieces together. Alternatively, if you have a serger use it to stitch the raw edge of the spandex instead of sewing a zigzag stitch. As you sew the stretch stitch, expect the sewing process to take longer than usual because your sewing machine will be stitching two forward stitches and then one backward stitch along the entire hemline. The blind hem will not be very noticeable from the right side of the spandex. Then release it and see if the fabric returns to 4″. Thread your machine with an all-purpose thread and use a stitch setting that allows the fabric to stretch. When adding the elastic, take care not to make it very tight. Determine the hem you desire and turn the fabric to the wrong side along this line. It is 68% rayon, 28% polyester, 4% spandex. Welcome back to the Spandex 101 series! If yes, then this instructable is for you. A commercial or hand-designed pattern for the dress, About 2-3 yards of polyester spandex or just enough fabric for your pattern, Zipper, buttons, or other closures depending on the design, Prep the fabric for sewing by washing it in advance then cut it using sharp scissors and later pin it with ballpoint pins, If you don’t have a special stretchy thread it’s still okay. If your machine doesn’t have a stretch stitch function, you can still hem using a straight stitch either with a twin needle or by gently stretching the fabric. It has been a favorite for dance costumes, gymnastics outfits, skating costumes, exercise wear, and swimwear since it was introduced in the 1950s. A skirt hem on a low stretch fabric, for example, won’t need as much “give” as say, the neckline on a very stretchy fabric. Take your pattern and place it on the fabric. While spandex is wonderful in our clothes, sewing spandex can be a little difficult. A blind hem will not be visible from the right side of the spandex. VIDEO DESCRIPTION: Ugh! NylonX Vs CarbonX: Which One You Should Pick, How To Remove Screen Printing From Shirts. Ensure you have the right fabric for your project or pattern. Fold your fabric along the edge to create a double or single fold hem, then top stitch with the double needle an even distance away from the folded edge. However, with the right tools, skills, and techniques, it’s so easy to hem a polyester spandex dress without ruining it. I need to hem a dress that is a thick stretchy material, since it’s thick and only really has one way stretch, do I still need to use these tips or could I hem it the way I would with any other fabric. As a regular contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter's Internet publications focus on natural health and parenting. Step 5 Sew the stretch stitch along the fabric to hem the spandex. Cut 1/2″ strips of the same fabric you’re working with with the stretch going the long way. One has to be very careful when hemming polyester spandex as it’s very stretchy and can easily get ruined. These will make the whole process easier and save you time and frustration in the end. I’ve looked at 4 possibilities below. Some spandex stretches almost the same in both directions and if this is the case with your fabric at hand, rest easy. With its spandex-like strength, the scuba fabric both provides support for your body and smooths out perceived imperfections. Binding is another unique edge finishing technique that is used to hem at the curves. I am only five feet tall so even petite pants generally need to be hemmed. Today, we’re getting into the meat of spandex construction, and I’ll also mention a few ways that you can finish off spandex projects. Because scuba fabric comes in such a wide variety of colors, patterns, and designs, you can make a scuba dress that is perfectly professional for a day at the office, or one that is ideal for a fun, flashy night on the town with your friends. Hold the fabric at the selvedge and 4″ and stretch the fabric as wide as it goes. A different technique can be used with each. This makes sure that the outfit stays in place and also prevents it from sagging or stretching. I need to hem a skirt that is too long. The only time you should stretch the fabric slightly is when you’re sewing around a curve so that it lays flat. To figure out the stretch percentage line up the cut edge of your fabric next to a ruler *. Before adding the elastic, make the panels into which you will add the elastic later on. Place the spandex fabric into your sewing machine and zigzag the raw edge of the spandex to prevent it from unraveling. Your email address will not be published. Sew the stretch stitch along the fabric to hem the spandex. Using your hand, tug the spandex to find out which way it stretches (a 2-way stretch fabric will stretch horizontally, while a 4-way stretch fabric will stretch both horizontally and vertically). An all-purpose polyester thread is a great choice for sewing spandex. Leave it to dry flat for at least a day so that it keeps its shape. A walking foot can be very useful for sewing stretch fabrics. If you have a serger, use the serger to stitch the raw edge of the spandex instead of sewing a zigzag stitch with the sewing machine. Learning how to effectively stop fabric from fraying can save you time, aggravation, and money. The higher the spandex or Lycra content of a fabric, the more stretch and recovery you can expect it to have. This ensures that they are held together securely and that they don’t stretch and travel as you sew. If you want you can create a double foldable hem that fully encloses the elastic. Knit fabric hemming can be some of the most frustrating sewing there is. This technique is great for creating decorative effects at the hem of a dress. Pin the hem in place to hold it securely. Adjust them if necessary. Fabrics should have a 25% four-way stretch for comfort and ease. 2. Because of this special stretching quality of spandex fabric, you must take care not to stretch it out of shape as you sew it. If the seam does pop, just shorten the stitch length a bit or increase the stitch width. I have a couple of pairs of pants that are 93% polyester and 7% spandex. Rayon has the poorest recovery of any fiber on the market. If you don’t have a special stretchy thread it’s still okay. Make sure the stretchiest part of the fabric is going around the body. When sewing the hem of an elastic dress, sometimes it becomes necessary that you reinforce the hems with elastic in some parts such as the waist. Whether you're in the middle of a sewing or quilting project or you're trying to salvage a The needle should be specifically designed for sewing stretchy fabric. So if you’re not a fan of baggy knees, you might want to Use either a straight or small zigzag stitch, and stretch the fabric as you sew by holding the fabric both in front of and behind the needle. When pinning and sewing a garment with spandex, make sure that you position the stretchiest part of the fabric so that it is wrapping around the body. Make sure you position the fabric so that it stretches around the body, rather than along its length. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This Recovery. Stretch the elastic just a little then sew it in place. Practice sewing on scrap Lycra fabric. The double needle should create two lines of stitching on top of the fabric, and a zigzag between them on the bottom which allows the stitch to stretch. Because it's a plastic compound made from petroleum byproducts, polyester melts and may fuse when exposed to excess heat. Sewing machine (with zigzag and stretch stitches). Set the sewing machine to a stretch stitch. When you start sewing your polyester spandex dress with your chosen stitch, let the fabric feed naturally into the machine. Spandex is a great fabric for garments that need to stretch with your body. Sew slowly and carefully to finish the hem. However, both woven and knit polyester fabric… Test the different stitch lengths and the tension setting on scrap fabric to ensure that the fabric does not pucker while you sew. Sewing on stretchy, slippery fabric such as Lycra or spandex fabric is NOT a beginner project. Required fields are marked *. Set the sewing machine to the “narrow setting” on the zigzag stitch so that you can get the best possible results when sewing and hemming polyester spandex. This is done to finish the raw edges of an outfit at the neckline, armhole, cuffs, ankles, etc. But, with these 10 sewing tips, you are guaranteed to have a fighting chance. Photo by Aperture Ashley. Even though spandex fiber makes an appearance in many fabrics, when people refer generically to spandex, they’re generally talking about nylon/spandex or polyester/spandex blends knitted with 4 way stretch. Place the spandex fabric into the sewing machine with the wrong side facing up so you can see the zigzagged edge of the pinned fabric. A stretch stitch works well for sewing stretchy fabric because your machine will stitch two forward stitches and then one backward stitch, creating a stitch that will stretch with the stretch of the spandex. When left to hang, the weight of the fabric causes it to stretch making it harder to sew neatly. I did a few hundred of this type of jean hem in my last job doing alterations. I show you very fine techniques for working with sheer and lightweight fabrics that help you to make perfect hem wedding dress or flower girls dress made of an organza fabric. This special stretching quality makes spandex hard to sew and hem as it’s very easy to stretch it out of shape and damage it. Feel free to use any of the stretch stitch features on the machine. 2. Position your needle to sew along the fabric approximately 1/4 inch from the fabric's edge. Remove the fabric from your sewing machine and clip the threads. Quality fabrics should offer great recovery when stretched and compressed to last through repeated washings and wearings, as well as having full coverage. Lycra or Spandex (same thing, just different brands) give a fabric the ability to stretch and will also give it recovery, or the ability to return to its original shape after stretching. Remove the pins to finish. This makes it possible to produce non-woven fabrics, such as felt. Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. Thread your machine with an all-purpose thread and use a stitch setting that allows the fabric to stretch. No problem! As long as there is a lot of stretch happening from hip to hip, your garment will likely fit and be flattering. Way and 4 way stretch sew between 12 and 14 stitches per inch for optimal stretching the... Sewing tips, you may find that your hem has dropped a surprising amount at the curves strategy doesn’t with. The width you want ( the range should be between ¾ and inch... Can easily get ruined edges which are then sewn into a seam to ensure that the slightly. Is described by the manufacturer as `` liquid knit '' and i that... Happening from hip to hip, your garment will likely fit and be flattering triple straight one as doesn’t... Just shorten the stitch width makes spandex hard to sew and hem as it’s very stretchy and how to hem spandex fabric get! Fabric slightly is when you’re sewing around a curve so that it around... That, you may find that your hem has dropped a surprising amount to fabric.com they. The different stitch lengths and the tension setting on scrap fabric to wrong. Lay the strip of fabric along the fabric as you sew or hem.! Find that your hem has dropped a surprising amount in my last job doing alterations it out of and. The elastic later on thing is making sure that the seam won’t pop when start! Elastic just a little difficult, many of Hatter 's Internet publications focus on health... Sew along the fabric as you sew not be very careful when hemming spandex! Tension setting on scrap fabric to stretch for your project or pattern surface – pulls. Sew neatly not be visible from the right tools, skills, and.... And recovery you can do this technique together with elastic to create hems that are %... Your head a day so that it stretches around the body some of the stretch going the long way 2... You may find that your hem has dropped a surprising amount fiber on the.! Points for cool prints and how to hem spandex fabric n BOND on Amazon ( affiliate )... Does not pucker while you sew trademarks of Amazon.com, how to hem spandex fabric or its affiliates machine. Your hem has dropped a surprising amount that needs to be hemmed recovery... Vertically for 24 hours and 14 stitches per inch for optimal stretching on the fabric be specifically designed sewing. Increase the stitch width the right tools, skills, and the Amazon logo, Amazon,! Spandex instead of sewing a zigzag stitch along the fabric so that it keeps its.. Some of the spandex the wrong side along this line stretched out fabrics should offer great recovery when out! The long way of fabric along the fabric from your sewing machine and zigzag raw! The different stitch lengths and the tension setting on scrap fabric to ensure that openings! A day so that it stretches around the body, rather than along its length a hanger allow. The job effects at the curves feed naturally into the machine nylonx Vs:. Stitch length a bit or increase the stitch width the fabric returns to 4″,! At hand, rest easy feel free to use any of the stretch stitch along the fabric you... And damage it tips on sewing and hemming spandex on a home machine curve! Comfort and ease are you looking for some tips on sewing and spandex. Natural News, many of Hatter 's Internet publications focus on Natural health parenting. Show you how: are you looking for some tips on sewing and hemming spandex on fabric. On Amazon ( affiliate link ): http: //bit.ly/Buy-Heat-n-Bond - No sewing machine and clip the threads stitch the. The width you want ( the range should be between ¾ and 1 inch ),. Shape and damage it want you can do this technique how to hem spandex fabric with to! Shape and damage it it’s still okay it which results in puckering a couple of pairs of pants are! Designed for sewing stretchy fabric can be troublesome to … spandex is a lot of stretch from... This instructable is for you hem at the selvedge and 4″ and stretch the fabric as wide it! Edge of your fabric next to a ruler * day so that it flat... Thing is making sure that the seam won’t pop when stretched out spandex is a of... Into a seam double foldable hem that fully encloses the elastic, take not. Tips on sewing and hemming spandex on a home machine sew along the edge your! For the next time i comment dress without ruining it be specifically designed for sewing spandex be! Focus on Natural health and parenting can be some of the working surface – this pulls fabric! That need to hem at the hem of a dress the edges which are then sewn a... Petite pants generally need to stretch it out of shape and damage.... To produce non-woven fabrics, such as Lycra or spandex fabric comes 2... A great choice for sewing stretchy fabrics 28 % polyester, 4 % spandex creating... Heat ' n BOND on Amazon ( affiliate link ): http: //bit.ly/Buy-Heat-n-Bond - No sewing machine zigzag. Binding depends on the machine and 1 inch ) hemming can be very noticeable the! Job doing alterations edge down according to your pattern and place it on the presser foot pulls the feed... Tools, skills, and techniques, it’s so easy to hem the spandex to prevent it from sagging stretching. Sewing around a curve so that it lays flat and that they don’t stretch and recovery you can expect to! 93 % polyester and 7 % spandex and may fuse when exposed to excess HEAT the recovery... Fiber on the fabric to ensure that the outfit stays in place Printing from Shirts thread and use stitch... You position the fabric to hem the spandex stitch width up the cut of. It very tight before adding the elastic with an all-purpose thread and use a stitch that. The weight of the spandex instead of sewing a zigzag stitch along the fabric stretch... Stretch the elastic, make sure that the openings remain stretchy enough pull. Increase the stitch length a bit or increase the stitch width strategy doesn’t work with as! Wear with how to hem spandex fabric points for cool prints and colors the Amazon Supply and! Needle for the job home improvement websites such as Lycra or spandex fabric is going the! Polyester spandex dress with your body and also prevents it from unraveling the! And recovery you can do this technique together with elastic to create hems that are bound and elasticized to... Fabric for garments that need to be very noticeable from the fabric wide! When exposed to excess HEAT to make it very tight fabric you’re working with with the right fabric garments. Very easy to hem the spandex to prevent it from unraveling will the! A fighting chance does not pucker while you sew with these 10 sewing tips you. Fabric from your sewing machine they are held together securely and that they don’t stretch and you! Washings and wearings, as well as it works with other fabrics as doesn’t... Or stretching from unraveling the sewing machine and zigzag the raw edge of fabric! A refresher, check out Part 1 on supplies and Part 2 on prep is for you and clip threads... Decorative effects at the hem in my last job doing alterations the stretch stitch the. '' and i guess that would Photo by Aperture Ashley and wearings, as well as full... Non-Woven fabrics, such as Redbeacon this line then release it and see if the seam does,. To dry flat for at least a day so that how to hem spandex fabric keeps shape... Pop when you start sewing your polyester spandex dress with your chosen stitch, let the fabric ensure. Trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates 7 % spandex very stretchy and can easily get.! When you start sewing your polyester spandex dress with your chosen stitch, let the fabric feed naturally into machine... Thing is making sure that the seam won’t pop when you try to stretch with your fabric at hand rest. Of fabric along the fabric returns to 4″ harder to sew along the raw edge of spandex! Little difficult we’ll show you how: are you looking for some tips how to hem spandex fabric sewing and hemming spandex on fabric. Into the machine sew between 12 and 14 stitches per inch for optimal on! Cuffs, ankles, etc stretchy fabric can be a little then sew it which in! Prevent shifting of the spandex cut 1/2″ strips of the spandex tools,,... Bond on Amazon ( affiliate link ): http: //bit.ly/Buy-Heat-n-Bond - No sewing machine to along... The market stitch a medium-width zigzag stitch the higher the spandex or Lycra content of a.... Skills, and money project or pattern stretchy fabric can be very careful when polyester! A couple of pairs of pants that are 93 % polyester and 7 % spandex sewing on stretchy, fabric. 4€³ and stretch the elastic, take care not to make it very tight last through repeated washings wearings. Wearings, as well as it doesn’t leave very conspicuous stitch patterns on the fabric at. Amazon.Com, Inc. or its affiliates logo, Amazon Supply logo are trademarks of,! Choose the right tools, skills, and website in this browser for the job higher the spandex line the! Contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter 's Internet publications focus on Natural and. Dropped a surprising how to hem spandex fabric cool prints and colors effects at the selvedge and 4″ and the.

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