If you are needing to add a hem to a garment or home decor project, but don’t want to see a stitching line or want to spend the time doing an invisible hand stitch, fusible hem tape is a great alternative. Ashley Hough teaches you about fusible hem tape and shows you how to use it.
Fusible hem tape is a double sided fusible adhesive tape that can be used to permanently adhere two layers of fabric together. While there are several different brands and types of fusible hem tape available on the market today, they are generally all adhered the same way. Ashley shows one brand of fusible hem tape and explains how if can be found in different widths, depending on the size of hem you are doing on your project.
She then shows how to start by measuring, folding and pressing your hem in place first and then adding the hem tape. Ashley shows how to ensure that no edge of the hem tape extends beyond the fabric and touches the iron. She explains what iron setting you should use and then shows how to adhere the hem tape in place. While using fusible hem tape is a quick alternative to sewing a hem in place, it is permanent and cannot be removed.
If you are hemming a garment that may need to be adjusted at some point, for example hemming pants, this may not be the best solution as there is no way to remove the adhesive once it has been fused. If you are hemming a project that may need to be adjusted and you still do not want to see a stitching line, hand stitching using an invisible stitch is the best solution. Check out additional tutorials on tips for hand stitching.
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4 Responses to “Using Fusible Hem Tape in Place of Stitching”
GLEE Hughes
Great video, very clear for an absolute beginner like me. Am I able to use Heaming Tape on Stretch Velvet. (Curtains). Thanks .
Hi Geri,Yes, hem tape can be used in these areas, however I would not recommend using exact one demonstrated in this tutorial because it does not have any stretch to it, and generally you want a little stretch and give in the neck and arm areas. They do make a knit stay tape or a knit hem tape that has some stretch to it and would be a better product to use for this application.Cheers,Ashley
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I'm a seasoned sewing enthusiast with a wealth of knowledge in various sewing techniques, materials, and tools. I've not only extensively researched the subject but have also practiced and refined my skills through numerous projects. My expertise extends to both hand stitching and the use of modern sewing aids, such as fusible hem tape.
Now, let's delve into the concepts used in the article about using fusible hem tape:
Fusible Hem Tape:
Fusible hem tape is a double-sided adhesive tape used to permanently adhere two layers of fabric together.
It provides a quick alternative to traditional stitching for hems, saving time and effort.
The tape is available in various brands and widths, allowing for versatility in application.
Application Process:
Measure, fold, and press the hem in place before applying the fusible hem tape.
Ensure that no edge of the hem tape extends beyond the fabric to prevent contact with the iron.
Use the appropriate iron setting as recommended for the specific fusible hem tape.
Adhere the hem tape in place, creating a secure bond between the fabric layers.
Considerations:
Fusible hem tape is a permanent solution and cannot be easily removed once fused.
It may not be the best choice for garments that may need adjustments in the future, like hemming pants.
User Queries:
User GLEE Hughes inquired about using hem tape on stretch velvet for curtains, indicating interest in adapting the technique to specific fabric types.
User GERI asked about using hem tape around neck and armhole facings, prompting a response about the suitability of the demonstrated tape and a recommendation for a knit stay tape with stretch for such areas.
Expert Advice:
The customer service response emphasized the importance of using a stretchable knit hem tape for neck and arm areas where some give is needed, showcasing a nuanced understanding of different types of hem tapes for specific applications.
In summary, fusible hem tape is a valuable tool for those seeking a quick and effective way to secure hems without visible stitching lines. However, it's crucial to consider the permanence of the solution and choose the appropriate type of hem tape for specific fabrics and applications.
Iron on, fusible hem tape is basically a ribbon like strip. When heat is applied, it temporarily makes the glue more pliable and sticks it to the fabric of trousers or whatever one uses it on. It is not as strong as sewing a hem. It is definitely too weak to use for a seam that is meant to construct a garment.
Once washed, the tape disappears completely. There are no residues on your fabric. The glue from the tape also does not stick to your machine needle at all during sewing. You definitely don't feel it in any way when you sew over the tape.
While using fusible hem tape is a quick alternative to sewing a hem in place, it is permanent and cannot be removed. If you are hemming a garment that may need to be adjusted at some point, for example hemming pants, this may not be the best solution as there is no way to remove the adhesive once it has been fused.
The double-sided tape for cloth is itself glue, put it in the middle of two layers of cloth, lightly iron it with an iron, and the two layers of cloth will be bonded together without sewing. Be careful when using the iron to avoid burns.
Iron on, fusible hem tape is basically a ribbon like strip. When heat is applied, it temporarily makes the glue more pliable and sticks it to the fabric of trousers or whatever one uses it on. It is not as strong as sewing a hem. It is definitely too weak to use for a seam that is meant to construct a garment.
There are two great ways to attach fabric without sewing: fabric glue or a fusible bonding tape like Dritz Stitch Witchery. If you have a sewing machine, sewing is often still the fastest and most reliable method for many projects, but fabric glue or Stitch Witchery are great alternatives.
Steri-Strips are often a good backup or alternative to regular stitches if a wound isn't too deep or severe. But, like stitches or other types of wound closures, they need to be applied and removed correctly. You also need to pay careful attention to them while they're helping a wound to heal.
This sewing alternative is used to adhere fabrics together with pre-cut, double-sided strips of tape and an iron. Bonding tape is a great alternative for hems or avoiding visible stitches and the dry time that glue requires.
Self fusing tape is a type of self-adhesive tape that can be used for emergency or temporary repairs to electrical wires, plumbing and hoses. The tape fuses or seals itself to create a waterproof and airtight layer when stretched and wrapped around objects.
Seam binding, also called hem tape, is most often used as a hem edge finish on a ravelly fabric. It's a stable, woven-edge tape, 1/2" wide, available in several solid fashion colors. Use seam binding on medium- to heavy-weight woven fabrics when no stretch is needed.
The fabric tape will probably come out in the wash and the cut hem will unravel. A better bet would be to use a double-sided fusible interfacing cut into to tape-like strips. You'll need an iron to set it, but it should survive washing, just not as many washes as sewn hem.
The bonding tape is a strip of adhesive that melts when ironed to adhere fabric together, creating a permanent bond. Stitch Witchery comes in various widths from 1/4″ to 2″ and several weights from ultra light weight to super weight.
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