How to Use Hemming Tape – No Sew Hems

Hemming tape is a method of securing a hem that uses a thin, double-sided strip of webbing with heat-activated glue. It comes in a roll of tape and can stick to fabric on both sides. This tutorial will show you how to use hemming tape on both woven and knit fabrics and will also give you some alternatives.

What is Hemming Tape

Hemming tape is a double-sided fusible tape used to create a no-sew hem. When heat from an iron is applied, the adhesive melts and bonds the folded fabric together. Hemming tape is ideal if you are in a hurry and for emergencies when you need to make a quick repair to hems. Simply measure the spot to hem, put the tape in between the garment and the hem, and press in place. The heat of the iron and the bonding on the tape do the trick of sealing the hem. No-sew hems!

Read about more hems in the complete how to sew a hem guide.

Best Fabrics for Hemming Tape:

Fabric	Result
Cotton	Excellent bonding
Linen	Strong hold
Rayon	Works well
Polyester blends	Use pressing cloth
Knit fabrics	Helps stabilize hems

Avoid using hemming tape on very thick fabrics such as denim or heavy wool.

How to Use Hemming Tape (Step by Step)

Where to Buy Hemming Tape? Hemming tape is widely available at any fabric shop or haberdashery. Also, check your local supermarket or department store for a small sewing section. For online options, try Amazon, or eBay.

Follow these steps for the simple process of applying hemming tape.

1. Prewash the Item

Make sure your fabric or garment is pre-washed and ready to accept the hemming tape.  Avoid using fabric softener for the first application because it will affect the bonding glue, and the tape will not stick as firmly.

2. Shorten the Hem if Necessary

If you are using hemming tape to shorten a pair of jeans, pants, or a skirt, measure your required length and then add at least 1 1/4 inch (3cm) for seam allowance on the hem. Most hemming tapes are 1 inch (2.5cm). For jeans, don’t forget to wash them first in case they shrink.

3. Finish the Edge

The edge can be left raw or if you have a sewing machine, finished with a zig-zag stitch. Sergers are often used to stop the edge from fraying. Pinking shears cut the edge in a zig-zag pattern reducing fraying.

💡PRO TIP: For those of you who are not sewers, don’t worry too much about leaving a straight raw edge. The hemming tape will do a good job of sealing the fabric edges and minimizing fraying in most fabrics.

4. Cut the Hemming Tape

Cut the tape the length of the fabric that needs hemming. If it is a repair to a hem, measure the portion to be repaired and cut the tape accordingly. 

5. Press the Hem Tape

Press the hem area and insert the tape between the hem and the wrong side of the garment. The hemming tape is the same on both sides.

The hem should be pressed up by the width of the tape and 1/8 inch (3mm) extra. My tape was 1 inch (2.5cm) so I pressed the hem up 1 1/8 inch (2.8cm). You don’t want any of the tape to come above the hem as it will ruin your iron.

Follow the pressing instructions. If there is a long area to be hemmed press and hem in small portions. The iron will need to be hot so use a cotton pressing cloth between it and the fabric if your garment is delicate or made from anything synthetic. You don’t want to melt your fabric!

How to Use Hemming Tape Tips

1. Practice on a scrap to get the iron temperature and the fabric, as well as tape insertion all correct.   
2. Press down with the iron firmly. Hold for a short while and then release. 
3. Do not iron over and over, this is a press and release motion. 
4. Use a pressing cloth for delicate fabrics. 
5. On your test sample let the fabric cool and see if it has set.  If the hem peels away the iron was not hot enough. 
6. Take care NOT to have the hemming web exposed. It will stick to the iron.  The glue of the hemming web is difficult to remove.
7. When you feel confident to apply the tape to your hem, start the process in stages.  It is important to keep it smooth at all times and not let it get twisted. 
8. Gently iron on both sides of the hem and be sure there are no wrinkles or tucks that may spoil the overall look of your hem.

💡ACCIDENTS – What if I make a mistake? You might be thinking. Hemming web is permanent. You may be able to pull it apart and then use some fabric cleaner to remove the glue. However, it is made to stick and the residue of the glue stays on the fabric. This means it is important to be as careful as possible. 

How to Use Hem Tape for Knit Fabric

Hemming tape can be used for knit fabric in exactly the same way. See the difference it can make to the puckering on knit hems. It gives stability and a firm edge to even sewn edges.

Alternatives to Hemming Tape

If you can’t get hemming tape then the next best option is a simple hand stitch. Read hemming stitch for 7 easy options. If you are an absolute beginner at sewing, skip straight to the running stitch section of the article.

Hemming Tape FAQs

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In Conclusion

Learning how to use hemming tape is an easy way to create quick and professional-looking hems without sewing. This simple fusible tape bonds fabric together with heat, making it perfect for emergency repairs or fast clothing alterations. Hemming tape works well on many fabrics, including cotton, linen, and knit fabrics. With careful measuring, proper pressing, and the right iron temperature, you can create durable no-sew hems for pants, skirts, dresses, and other garments.

Once you master this simple technique, hemming tape will become a useful tool for quick clothing repairs and easy fabric alterations.

More Hem Articles

1. GENERAL HEMS – How to Sew a Hem 
2. NARROW HEMS – Sew a Narrow Hem
3. ROLLED HEM FOOT – How to Use a Rolled Hem Foot
4. WIDE HEMS – How to Sew Wide Hems
5. CIRCULAR HEMS – How to Sew Round Hems
6. BLIND HEMS – How to Sew a Blind Hem
7. RUFFLED HEMS – Lettuce Hems
8. KNIT FABRIC HEMS – How to Hem Knit Fabric, Catch Stitch
9. KNIT HEMS – Twin Needle
10. SQUARE HEMS – How to Sew Mitered Corners
11. HAND HEMS – Hemming Stitch
12. NO SEW HEMS – How to Use Hemming Tape
13. SIMPLE HEMS – Single Fold Hems
14. DOUBLE HEMS – Double Fold Hems
15. BIAS – Bias Tape Hems
16. SCALLOPS – Scalloped Edges
17. INVISIBLE HEMS – Blind Hem Stitch

Hems on Clothing

1. Hemming a Dress
2. Hem a Skirt
3. Hemming Pants