Recommended Free Tools
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Free scan · under a minute
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
Free scan · Windows 10 & 11
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
Free scan · exact hardware match
ThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
To hem a T-shirt without stretching or rippling the edge, fold and press the hem allowance, then sew it with a stitch that can stretch—usually a narrow zigzag, compatible twin needle, or coverstitch. Feed the fabric evenly without pulling it, and test your stitch on a scrap first: knit fabrics and machine settings vary.
Why knit hems go wavy
The main challenge is preventing the shirt’s edge from stretching as it passes through the machine. Pulling or pushing the knit while sewing can distort the hem; once stretched, it may stay wavy. The hem also needs enough give for the garment to move over the body. A straight stitch can restrict that stretch or break when the fabric is pulled, except where the hem circumference is very large. Threads’ T-shirt guide identifies edge stretching as the central problem in hemming knits.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsChoose a stitch for the look and stretch you need
Compare the visible finish, stretch, and whether the raw allowance edge is covered. No single stitch is best for every knit; fabric weight, stretch, recovery, and intended use all matter.
| Finish | Appearance and construction | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Narrow zigzag or stretch stitch | Visible stitching; the zigzag shape accommodates movement. | A practical home-machine option. |
| Twin needle | Two parallel rows on the right side and a zigzag-like underside. Stretch can be limited, so test first. | A familiar T-shirt look on a compatible machine. |
| Coverstitch | Two or more parallel top rows and a looper stitch underneath that can cover the raw allowance edge; designed for a stretchy finish. | Frequent knit sewing or a production-style finish; specialized equipment is not essential for a basic hem. |
| Machine stretch blind hem | A narrow zigzag bite helps preserve stretch while keeping the stitch nearly invisible from the right side. | A discreet finish on knits, including skirts and dresses. |
| Hand catchstitch or blind catchstitch | A low-visibility hand-sewn stretch hem. | Hand sewing or when machine topstitching is not wanted. |
Check your sewing-machine manual before using a twin needle; machines differ in compatibility and setup. Whichever finish you choose, sew a test on a scrap of the same fabric and check both how it looks and whether the hem stretches and recovers without popping stitches.
How to sew the hem
- Fold and press. Decide on the hem allowance, fold it to the wrong side, and press the fold so it stays aligned. The right allowance depends on the garment and fabric; avoid stretching the edge as you handle it.
- Stabilize if needed. If the folded edge is hard to control, test fusible knit stay tape on a scrap, then use it to hold the allowance in place. Threads describes double-sided fusible tape for stabilizing a T-shirt hem and limiting stretch during stitching in its T-shirt guide. Tape is optional, and its effect should be checked on the specific fabric.
- Set up and test the stitch. Select a narrow zigzag for a basic machine finish, a compatible twin needle for parallel rows, a stretch blind-hem stitch for a discreet finish, or a coverstitch machine if you have one. Test on a fabric scrap before sewing the garment.
- Guide without pulling. Keep the fabric flat and let the machine feed it; do not stretch or push it through. In Brother’s coverstitch tutorial, Brother Sews Blogger Angela Wolf warns: “DO NOT STRETCH THE FABRIC!”
- Inspect the result. Check that the hem lies flat and still has enough stretch for the garment. If it ripples, stop and troubleshoot before sewing farther.
How to troubleshoot a wavy hem
- Check how the fabric was fed. If you pulled or pushed the knit, that may have stretched the edge. Try another test seam, guiding the fabric evenly without tension.
- Adjust the machine only as applicable. Brother’s coverstitch guidance identifies stitch length, differential feed, and presser-foot pressure as possible adjustments for waviness. The available controls and suitable settings depend on the machine, so consult its manual rather than applying a universal setting.
- Try steaming or blocking. Threads discusses steaming or blocking as a possible way to help restore shape after sewing distortion. It is not guaranteed to work for every fiber or finish, so test carefully.
When a ready-to-wear-style finish makes sense
A coverstitch is a useful choice when you want parallel rows on the outside and a looper finish on the underside, especially if you sew knits often. It is not a requirement: a well-tested twin-needle or narrow-zigzag hem can be made on a compatible household machine. Choose by the result you want and the equipment you have, rather than buying a specialized machine for a single hem.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 10 Genuine
- System
Rank #4
- 4X LONGER LIFE WITH TITANIUM COATING — Titanium-coated needles are super strong and last up to 4 times longer than regular sewing machine needles, delivering exceptional durability and value for high-volume sewing projects
- DESIGNED FOR ALL WEIGHTS OF KNIT FABRIC — Ball point tip is specifically engineered to slide between knit fabric fibers rather than piercing through them, preventing snags, runs, and fabric damage on lightweight to heavyweight knit fabrics including jersey, interlock, and fleece
- ASSORTED SIZES FOR EVERY KNIT PROJECT — Includes 5 needles in three sizes: (2) Size 80/11 for lightweight knits, (2) Size 90/14 for medium weight knits, and (1) Size 100/16 for heavyweight knits, so you always have the right needle for your fabric
- REDUCES HEAT & MINIMIZES THREAD BREAKAGE — The titanium coating reflects heat away from the thread even at high sewing speeds, helping to minimize thread breakage and ensure smooth, consistent stitching from start to finish
- COMPATIBLE WITH MOST SEWING MACHINES — Universally designed to fit SINGER, Brother, Kenmore, Janome, and other quality sewing machine brands; 5-count pack comes ready to use straight out of the package
Rank #3
- 27 Unique Built-in Stitches: The Brother XM2701 sewing machine includes 27 built-in stitches including decorative, blind hem, zigzag, and stretch stitches and an auto-size buttonhole
- Automatic Needle Threader and Drop-in Top Bobbin: This beginner sewing machine is also great for experienced users; it includes an automatic needle threader that perfectly pushes thread through the needle and a convenient, jam resistant drop-in top bobbin
- Included Accessories: The XM2701 comes with 6 sewing feet, 3-piece needle set, twin needle, 4 bobbins, manual and more
- Versatile Free Arm: This free arm sewing machine is a simple sewing machine, perfect for a wide range of everyday sewing projects, and users from beginners to advanced
- At Your Side Support: The XM2701 small sewing machine comes with Brother At your side support offering free technical support via online, live chat or phone for the life of your machine
Rank #2
- Superior Control & Consistency: The SCHMETZ Jersey Ball Point needle features a rounded medium ball point design that glides between fabric fibers instead of piercing them, helping prevent snags, runs, and holes on delicate knits and stretch fabrics
- Skip-Free Stitches: Engineered for effortless sewing on jersey and some stretch fabric. This needle reduces skipped stitches, puckered seams, and uneven stitching
- Fabric-Friendly Performance: Ideal for cotton knitwear, bouclé, gauze, jersey, knit fabric, corsetry fabrics, sweatshirt fabric, tulle, and faux fur, the Jersey Needle protects delicate fibers while stitching for a flawless finish
- Professional Precision: These precision engineered needles deliver smooth penetration, and consistent performance on heavy and lightweight knit projects, so you can create with confidence
- Compatible with All Machines: Compatible with all home sewing machines brands, including Brother, Singer, Juki, Bernina, and Husqvarna
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →
