Do you have a fear of sewing hems on knit fabrics? Don't fret, many of us do too! In this post, I'm excited to share with you a quick and easy tip to sewing a hemline on knits with no stress at all! The secret is the use of a coffee filter as a stabilizer - seriously, it works! After trying this, I'm pretty sure you'll never go back to your old method and you will have the confidence to sew knits without fear!
This exciting sewing tip is being shared with you as an excerpt from the full Sewing With Knits MasterClass course. This is one of our most popular courses, if you haven't already checked it out I encourage you to take a peek and pick up a copy of the course today, or join the Sewing With Cinnamon community for more sewing tips, tricks, and community interaction.
Now onto the tutorial... All you need is a plain coffee filter (white or natural) and a knit fabric project to test this out. It can be any sewing project, it doesn't have to be just for dolls. Although, if it's larger than the coffee filter, you'll probably need several to get the job done!
Wasn't that amazing? Are you ready to try this out yourself?
Applying this method can help you approach sewing patterns designed for knit fabrics with confidence! Be sure to check out our Summertime Styles With Knit Fabrics to see more patterns where you can apply your new skills! Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
We'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and tell us - your favorite "Sewing With Knits tip" or share with us your biggest Sewing With Knits challenge!
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Thanks, everyone!
The Pixie Faire Team
100 Comments
Connie Grandon
October 26, 2022
A wonderful tip for doing the doll clothes! I will use this for my shirt patterns.
Connie Grandon
October 26, 2022
A wonderful tip for doing the doll clothes! I will use this for my shirt patterns.
Lorraine
September 30, 2022
Fancy up a simple T-shirt by applying lace appliques around the neckline . Always use Ball Point needles or stretch needles. Tear away stabilizer works great on knits and not so apt to dull your needle.
Patricia
September 30, 2022
Not going to make up any stories as I hate sewing on knit….SO! whoever came up with the coffee filter method is a ‘genius’ in MY opinion! I’ve used newspaper before and the ink gets all over what you’re working on AND regular notebook paper is stiff and hard to work with. So….the coffee-filter person, THANK YOU! and hooray!
Cathy
September 30, 2022
I am very new to doll clothes making, and have struggled a bit. Can’t wait to try this tip!
Linda J. Smith
September 23, 2022
Will try your coffee filter trick. Right know I use the pull the knits as you sew (from the way they taught sewing knits in the 60’s.
Dianne
September 23, 2022
Coffee filters….so many uses and this is brilliant! Thank you
Dianne
September 23, 2022
Coffee filters….so many uses and this is brilliant! Thank you
Pat G.
September 23, 2022
My tip: When you buy knits, look for stable ones that are easier to work with.
Dorothy
September 23, 2022
This is a great tip, and works every time. Thanks!
Pat
September 23, 2022
Great tip about using the coffee filter to sew on knits – I’m going to give that a try right away.
Janet
September 23, 2022
I’ve never heard of this in my many years of sewing. Can’t wait to try it!
Joy
September 23, 2022
Amazing idea
Dorene
September 23, 2022
I have avoided sewing with knit fabric in the past but with this tip, I want to try now.
Jacque
September 23, 2022
Hemming knits is always challenging. I will definitely try this.
Laura
September 23, 2022
Will definitely try this!!! All these years struggling with knits!
Dotti G
September 23, 2022
I will try this – knits always seem to stretch for me.
Dianne
September 23, 2022
I like to use thin stretch lace to hem my doll tops.
BevM
September 23, 2022
I have used tissue paper and waxed paper. And, of course, tear-away embroidery stabilizer. I will try coffee filters now.
Patti M
September 23, 2022
My biggest tip is as always use the correct needle for the fabric choice.
Pat
September 23, 2022
I love this tip! I will be trying it later today
Carol
September 23, 2022
Great tip! I have used regular paper, but end up having to use tweezers to pull out the bits that do not tear out.
Deb
September 23, 2022
Will try this!
Janie
September 23, 2022
I’m definitely trying the coffee filter tip! I have lots of filters I have somehow accumulated (?) and am glad to have a use!
Monya
September 21, 2022
Love this tip, thank you I’m going to try it !
Tina
September 21, 2022
The coffee filter tip is a good one. I have used newspaper, and scrap paper to sew with knits.
Terry
September 18, 2022
My favorite tip is using a zigzag stitch for knits. I do find, though, that I have to change which zigzag stitch to use depending on the type of knit fabric.
KateEl
September 17, 2022
Always good to find out more easy ways to sew!! Thanks.
CynthiaW
September 17, 2022
If you do machine embroidery and have scraps of wash-away stabilizer, that also works like the coffee filters
Marjory
September 16, 2022
Coffee filter tip is great
Elizabeth Nichplson
September 16, 2022
I will definitely have to try a coffee filter next time..thanks!
Sue D
September 16, 2022
Love this tip—will definitely give this a try.
LizT
September 16, 2022
Great tip, I will try this coffee filter tip next time I sew knits.
pam
September 16, 2022
I just bought the new Viking S 600 serger.
Hemming knits are a breeze! I use the cover
stitch. I even hemmed my husband’s work
pants. (heavy cotton twill)
Rose
September 16, 2022
Thank you!
Darlene
September 16, 2022
Tried this,,,works great. Thanks.
Ellen
September 16, 2022
Love the tip about using a coffee filter!
Ellen
September 16, 2022
Love the tip about using a coffee filter!
Maureen
September 16, 2022
What a super idea! I would have never thought of that and it certainly will be tried soon on my next knit project! Thanks!!
Roslyn
September 16, 2022
Great idea!
Susan
September 16, 2022
Tape and ball point needles esp. long seams.
Leslie
September 16, 2022
Thanks for the tip…Will try this!
Patricia Herlich
September 16, 2022
Great tip can’t wait to try it
Janice
September 16, 2022
Thank you for the tip! It is fun learning something new.
Mary Jo Creech
September 16, 2022
I am excited to try this out!
Janice
September 16, 2022
Use the right needle. Knit for knit fabric.
Cristy Estep
September 16, 2022
My favorite is the coffee filter trick!
Carol
September 16, 2022
Sewing with a narrow zigzag helps me.
Cath
September 16, 2022
My MIL used to sew wedding dresses and formal wear for all the ladies of her small town, lovely things. She used a lot of hem tapes, ribbons, braids, and trims and had lots of left over ends and pieces. Years later I am still using her hem tapes for the doll hems. It’s thin so it’s not bulky on the doll clothes, And I seem to have the right colors to match.
We don’t drink coffee, but I do paper pieced quilting. The foundation sheets work great for controlling fabrics.
Happy stitching! Thanks for the opportunities and tips!
trish
September 16, 2022
Using a zigzag stitch helps also.
Grace
September 16, 2022
So smart! Will be using this!
Rita Banner
September 16, 2022
The coffee filter tip is a game changer. Before hearing this tip, I was using tissue paper, which was much harder to pick out of the seams.
Mary Cox
September 15, 2022
The coffee filter tip is my favorite tip for sewing on knits. It is also great for sewing buttonholes.
Melinda
September 15, 2022
I had NEVER thought of the coffee filter trick . . . and now that hubby is only drinking Keurig cups, I have absconded with the coffee filters ;)
Christine
September 15, 2022
Holy cow I never thought of using a coffee filter! That is an amazing idea, I’ll have to try it next time.
Cynthia P
September 15, 2022
Steaming the knit when it gets stretched out tip has helped me.
Beverly
September 15, 2022
Love the tip…but remember to go back to basics…open your owner’s manual and check for hints on how to set your machine / attachemnt for sewing stretchy fabric…not just knits. Mine works even on stretchy toweling, velvets, denims & such. Good Luck!
Karen
September 15, 2022
Doesn’t have to be complicated, little tricks make sewing such fun.
geri
September 15, 2022
My tip is to use a new needle before you start. A lot if stitch problems can be corrected with just a change of needle.
Maureen A
September 15, 2022
I love the coffee filter tip, it was a game changer when I took this class.
Debbie
September 15, 2022
I have used tear away and notebook paper as stabilizers for knit fabric. But I do like the coffee filter idea and will definitely give it a try. Thanks!
Cathy
September 14, 2022
ball point needles
Dorothy
September 14, 2022
I love the coffee filter as a stabilizer. I’ve tried other papers, but never this. I’ll give it a try. Thanks
Cheryl B
September 14, 2022
I have used stabilizer in the past to help.
Stephanie S.
September 14, 2022
Well I have say that it is a channel to sew on knits. I will read the tutorial and hopefully get some help.
Laura
September 14, 2022
I’ve been using the coffee filter hack for a long time, I think from one of your courses. The hardest thing for me is to keep a curved seam straight using the coffee filter so I traced the curved edge on the coffee filter before pinning it in place and let the edge of the foot follow the line.
Cheryl
September 14, 2022
Using the correct needle makes a difference. I am looking forward to trying the coffee filter tip! thank you
Michelle
September 14, 2022
Have lots of patience, use the correct needle and the coffee filter works great!
Tamara
September 14, 2022
I have also found Steam a Seam Lite to be helpful with knits. I sew over it.
Karen Hurd
September 14, 2022
I tried this coffee filter method and it works spendidly!
Rebekah
September 14, 2022
Great idea – I will definitely try using a coffee filter next time I sew with knits!
Cheryl
September 14, 2022
I always have trouble with stitching hems on knit fabrics. I will definitely give this easy a hack a try!
Barb
September 14, 2022
This will be very useful and I will definitely try it.
Florence
September 14, 2022
I like sewing with knits. Tissue paper or coffee filters work great if you need a bit of help. They work best with a straight stitch though.
Judy McLellan
September 14, 2022
Love this tip on hemming knits with a coffee filter.
Leonora
September 14, 2022
will definitely be trying this
LaNan
September 14, 2022
Good info and such a common item to achieve great end product!
Teena
September 14, 2022
All of the tips have been so helpful! The coffee filter trick is a game-changer if you haven’t ever been taught how to use something like this. Steaming the finished seams, using the stretch needle, and the clear elastic are also all great tips. Thank you for this!
Connie
September 14, 2022
Good information!
Heidi
September 14, 2022
Use ballpoint needle.
Laura
September 14, 2022
I like this idea and will try it next time I hem knits by machine!
June
September 14, 2022
I’ve used coffee filter for a long time and really like how neat the seams look..
Jennifer
September 14, 2022
Don’t sew knits much, maybe because of difficulty, so this tip of the coffee filters will be helpful next time I try.
Mary C
September 14, 2022
Coffee filter stabilizer is my favorite
Nancy Curitti
September 14, 2022
This a great tip. I have a 50+ year old sewing machine so these kind of tips help greatly.
Diane
September 14, 2022
awesome tip. have to try it !!
Cora
September 14, 2022
Great tip
Linda Cerra
September 14, 2022
I will definitely try this as I refrain from knits at the present time. Thanks for the tip
Dorothy Surdick
September 14, 2022
I have used tissue paper in the past which has never been a satisfactory option. The coffee filter looks like it will work much better.
Toni C
September 14, 2022
Like the idea of coffee filters. Always used tissue paper under lace and knits, but the texture of filter papers is less slippery.
Kathleen A
September 14, 2022
I am always forgetting to pick up coffee filters when shopping. So I use tissue paper. But I’ll be adding the filters to my list!
Joy
September 14, 2022
Tossing garment in dryer will correct any stretching in fabric.
Susan Fritz
September 14, 2022
It is definitely worth a try. Thanks!
Lori
September 14, 2022
Who would guess that something as simple as a coffee filter could change how you sew! Brilliant idea!!
Thank you
Bessie Cook
September 14, 2022
Great information. I use the stretch stitch on my machine. Using this with the stretch stitch might be even better.
Norma Middendorf
September 14, 2022
I like to use the stretch stitch on my machine and a stretch needle.
CdnCrafter
September 14, 2022
Ball point needles are great for sewing with knits
Cindie D
September 14, 2022
Awesome! I have a knit that I need to sew a hem on! I am going to use this technique!
Kristen L.
September 14, 2022
I don’t sew with knits very often but next time I’ll definitely try the coffee filter tip 😉
Jane
September 14, 2022
Looking forward to trying a coffee filter – great use for them as I no longer can drink coffee! Will continue to use a ball point needle and zigzag stitch.
Connie Grandon
October 26, 2022
A wonderful tip for doing the doll clothes! I will use this for my shirt patterns.