Introduction:

A sweater’s rolling hem is a common annoyance for many people, and it can deter wearers from making the most of their outfit. Sweater hems that roll up tend to ruin the overall look, making your attire appear messy. Thankfully, there are several ways to keep a sweater hem from rolling. By learning these techniques, you can keep your sweaters looking polished and put together.

1. Blocking:

This is a technique used in knitting to set the shape of the garment. Blocking relaxes the fibers and helps them lay flat, stopping them from rolling up. To block your sweater, dampen it and then lay it flat on a towel or blocking mat, shaping the hem so it lies straight. Allow the sweater to air dry.

2. Starching:

Another solution to stop hem rolling is using starch spray on your sweater. Apply the starch spray on the underside of the hem and iron on medium heat until it’s dry. The starch will stiffen the fabric and help prevent it from rolling up.

3. Sewing a Hem Guard:

Sewing a strip of fabric or ribbon along the inside hem creates an extra barrier against rolling. Choose a fabric or ribbon that matches or coordinates with your sweater and hand sew it in place along the inside edge of the hem.

4. Steam Wrangling:

Steaming can help flatten out rolled hems but takes repeated effort for lasting results. Hold your steamer at a slight distance from your sweater and work slowly along with the hem – this will soften the fabric while maintaining its integrity.

5. Using Hemming Tape:

Hemming tape is an adhesive strip that fuses fabrics together when heated with an iron. Place the strip between the lower edge of your sweater and fold over a small section so that its width encases part of the strip, then press with an iron to fuse it in place. This will add weight and stability to the hem, preventing it from rolling.

6. Elastic Waist Tamer:

Sew a thin elastic band along the inside edge of your sweater’s rolling hem. As you wear it, the stretch of the elastic will help to counteract any shifting and maintain a flat, unrolled appearance.

7. Crochet Edge:

Add a crochet border along the bottom edge of your sweater for a decorative touch that also disguises rolled hems. Choose a simple crochet stitch and yarn that complements your sweater for best results.

8. Double Hemming:

Instead of a single fold, consider folding the hem twice at approximately the same width and sewing it neatly in place. This creates a double-layered structure that reduces the possibility of rolling.

9. Use Fabric Weights:

Attach small fabric weights or beads to the corners of your hem to keep it from rolling up due to its weight pulling it down.

10. Adjust Washing Techniques:

Avoid aggressive machine washing and instead, hand-wash your sweater gently with cold water and mild detergent. Lay the clothing flat while drying instead of hanging or using the drier. This method helps fibers maintain their intended shape, lessening hem curling chances.

Conclusion:

By employing one or more of these techniques, you can maintain a neat appearance on your sweaters without worrying about those pesky rolling hems. Keep your wardrobe looking smart year-round by mastering these methods!