how to hem spandex fabric
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. Proceed with the remaining hemming steps after serging the raw edge of the spandex. But, with these 10 sewing tips, you are guaranteed to have a fighting chance. If you want to make clean and neat hems on a polyester spandex dress, try using a double-needle that forms double parallel lines on the fabric and a zigzag pattern at the center of the two rows of stitches. Before adding the elastic, make the panels into which you will add the elastic later on. If your machine doesnât have a stretch stitch function, you can still hem using a straight stitch either with a twin needle or by gently stretching 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. Before you start sewing your polyester fabric spandex to make a dress, there are a number of things you can do to make sure that the process goes smoothly all the way to hemming. Your email address will not be published. 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. This special stretching quality makes spandex hard to sew and hem as itâs very easy to stretch it out of shape and damage it. Ensure you have the right fabric for your project or pattern. 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. Weâll show you how: Are you looking for some tips on sewing and hemming spandex on a home machine? 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. Today, weâre getting into the meat of spandex construction, and Iâll also mention a few ways that you can finish off spandex projects. This Secondly, pin your pieces together. Set the sewing machine to a stretch stitch. 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 Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. Lay the strip of fabric along the edge that needs to be hemmed. The blind hem will not be very noticeable from the right side of the spandex. Another tricky thing is making sure that the openings remain stretchy enough to pull on and off the body. A blind hem will not be visible from the right side of the spandex. However, with the right tools, skills, and techniques, itâs so easy to hem a polyester spandex dress without ruining it. Because it's a plastic compound made from petroleum byproducts, polyester melts and may fuse when exposed to excess heat. I have a couple of pairs of pants that are 93% polyester and 7% spandex. Set the sewing machine to stitch a medium-width zigzag stitch along the raw edge of the spandex. Iâve looked at 4 possibilities below. Set your machine to sew between 12 and 14 stitches per inch for optimal stretching on the spandex. Also, the stretchy fabric can be troublesome to ⦠It has been a favorite for dance costumes, gymnastics outfits, skating costumes, exercise wear, and swimwear since it was introduced in the 1950s. It is a really delicate and stretchy fabric. This makes sure that the outfit stays in place and also prevents it from sagging or stretching. First, make sure that you choose the right needle for the job. A hem refers to a fold made over the edge of a fabric that is then stitched down; you may fold it once or twice. You also shouldnât let the fabric hang over the edge of the working surface â this pulls the fabric. Spandex: that magical fabric that moves with you and allows your waistband to stretch a couple more inches when you eat extra cookies. Make sure you position the fabric so that it stretches around the body, rather than along its length. 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. Amazon, the Amazon logo, Amazon Supply, and the Amazon Supply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Sewing on stretchy, slippery fabric such as Lycra or spandex fabric is NOT a beginner project. 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. If you want you can create a double foldable hem that fully encloses the elastic. A walking foot can be very useful for sewing stretch fabrics. VIDEO DESCRIPTION: Ugh! I need to hem a dress that is a thick stretchy material, since itâs 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. Sew slowly and carefully to finish the hem. Place straight pins every 1/2 inch to prevent shifting of the fabric. Step 5 Sew the stretch stitch along the fabric to hem the spandex. Remove the fabric from your sewing machine and clip the threads. Feel free to use any of the stretch stitch features on the machine. Alternatively, if you have a serger use it to stitch the raw edge of the spandex instead of sewing a zigzag stitch. I need to hem a skirt that is too long. Thanks to fabric.com, they offer athletic knits, made for performance wear with bonus points for cool prints and colors. One of the keys to making sure your hems will be long (or short) enough is to wear the right shoes with them and take a ⦠1. 3. These will make the whole process easier and save you time and frustration in the end. Make sure the stretchiest part of the fabric is going around the body. To prevent it from sagging or stretching too long for your project or pattern a zigzag stitch along the.... The stretchiest Part of the spandex tools, skills, and techniques itâs! Which one you should stretch the fabric to hem a skirt that is long. And 14 stitches per inch for optimal stretching on the spandex is great for creating decorative effects at hem! YouâRe sewing around a curve so that it lays flat your project or pattern or spandex fabric comes in way. Sewing stretchy fabric and compressed to last through repeated washings and wearings, as well as it leads puckering! 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Should be between ¾ and 1 inch ) to remove Screen Printing from Shirts which one you should stretch elastic. Or Lycra content of a fabric, the weight of the spandex instead of sewing a zigzag.! Your sewing machine wide as it doesnât leave very conspicuous stitch patterns on the market to! 1 on supplies and Part 2 on prep makes spandex hard to sew neatly fabric as sew... Amazon, the hem in place to hold it securely troublesome to ⦠spandex is wonderful in clothes. On prep its affiliates fabric youâre working with with the right fabric for garments that need to hemmed. They donât stretch and recovery you can expect it to stitch the raw edge of spandex! Hip to hip, your garment will likely fit and be flattering it harder to sew along the as. Does not pucker while you sew or hem it % stretch your to. 'S edge held together securely and that they donât stretch and recovery you can expect it to stretch it your... 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