How To Sew A Hem On Knit Fabrics - The Coffee Filter Trick

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! 

Commenting below and confirming your entry in the widget above gives you one entry method, the other methods are listed in the widget above, be sure to enter in as many ways as you can to receive the maximum amount of entries to win one PF Gift Card!

Thanks, everyone!

The Pixie Faire Team


100 Comments

Holly
Holly

September 14, 2022

My biggest problem sewing with knits is that my sewing machine is vintage and no longer does any stitch but straight…I’ll have to try the filter thing along with slightly looser seams and see.

Jo
Jo

September 14, 2022

Good information. Anything that makes life easier is good.

Kim
Kim

September 14, 2022

I have to try this. I’ve never really sewn with knits, they scare me, but maybe this will help. My neighbor had a bunch of coffee filters in her yard sale so II got them. Wish me luck!

Kathy
Kathy

September 14, 2022

A good needle, a stretch stitch and holding my thread ends when I start are always best for me when I sew knits

Charlotte
Charlotte

September 13, 2022

I’ve never tried this before, but am eager to do so now!

Mary R.
Mary R.

September 13, 2022

I haven’t sewn on knits in a while. I always used a new ball point needle whenever I started a new project. Love all of your tips and ideas.

Ginger
Ginger

September 13, 2022

I always try to remember to go slow when sewing with knit fabrics.

Jackie
Jackie

September 13, 2022

I’ve used plain paper as a stablelzer especially when sewing yarn for doll hair as in Raggedy Ann. I think the coffee filter has a texture that would handle more easily.

Jackie
Jackie

September 13, 2022

I’ve used plain paper as a stablelzer especially when sewing yarn for doll hair as in Raggedy Ann. I think the coffee filter has a texture that would handle more easily.

Diane R
Diane R

September 13, 2022

I use a zig zag stitch to sew knits, so it has some stretch.

Lory
Lory

September 13, 2022

the trick (for me) to sewing a hem on stretchy fabric, is to not pull on the fabric. Just push it through to the other side of the needle. Sometimes have to pull gently from behind the needle

Laura
Laura

September 13, 2022

I use Wash-away Wonder Tape when hemming knits. I place it on the edge of the hem allowance and it sticks them in place. No shifting of layers or rippling/stretching of fabric while stitching. And it washes right out afterwards.

Hollea
Hollea

September 13, 2022

Wow I never knew about the coffee filter trick what a great idea and I will try it out on my next knit project.

Joanne
Joanne

September 13, 2022

I use the thin paper that comes with interfacing on the bolts. I rotary cut 1 " strips (ish) and store in a shopping bag, hanging in closet on hook. I tear off a section as I need it. Also, I use a size 8 needle to sew thin knits. Always pressing after sewing hems. It helps to shrink it some.

Joanne
Joanne

September 13, 2022

I use the thin paper that comes with interfacing on the bolts. I rotary cut 1 " strips (ish) and store in a shopping bag, hanging in closet on hook. I tear off a section as I need it. Also, I use a size 8 needle to sew thin knits. Always pressing after sewing hems. It helps to shrink it some.

Karen
Karen

September 13, 2022

Good tip, thanks.

Cheri
Cheri

September 13, 2022

Thanks for the coffee filter tip! I am currently working on a knit dress and I will definitely try this tomorrow!

Debra
Debra

September 13, 2022

Sewing a hem on knits is a great tute!

Fran R
Fran R

September 13, 2022

Along with the ballpoint needles and using a straight stitch foot and throat plate I re-use gift wrap tissue paper strips under the fabric for smooth stitching.

Linda
Linda

September 13, 2022

Great tip with great results! Thanks!!

Vicki
Vicki

September 13, 2022

Great tip! I just added coffee filters to my grocery list.

Kay
Kay

September 13, 2022

Using a stabilizer is a great Idea! I will try it next time. Having a serger to finish edges has made me less fearful of sewing with knits. My finished projects always look so much more professional.

LAURIE
LAURIE

September 13, 2022

Depending on the knit, I use a longer stitch length which works for me.

Martha
Martha

September 13, 2022

My biggest challenge sewing with knits is that it stretches.

Jackie Lycke
Jackie Lycke

September 13, 2022

Can’t wait to try

Carol E
Carol E

September 13, 2022

I like the coffee filter idea though I haven’t tried it. I think it will work better than tissue paper because it is sturdier than the tissue paper. I would also use a ball point needle as well.

Rebecca
Rebecca

September 13, 2022

I’ve had trouble removing the tissue paper afterwards. Hoping the coffee filters will be easier.

Linda
Linda

September 13, 2022

I wish I had known this simple trick before-it would have saved me a lot of stress trying to sew knits!!

MYRNA GODDARD
MYRNA GODDARD

September 13, 2022

This was cool.

Ruth Ann
Ruth Ann

September 13, 2022

I use a ballpoint needle and sometimes tissue paper.

Sue Lenth
Sue Lenth

September 13, 2022

Great tip, worked perfectly!

Bridgette
Bridgette

September 13, 2022

I have heard of the coffee filter tip

Janie K
Janie K

September 13, 2022

Great tip. can’t wait to try it.

Lee
Lee

September 13, 2022

Great tips! I’ve always used tissue paper with no problems, but I have a bazillion coffee filters left over from making masks. Definitely giving this one a try.

Donna Landreth
Donna Landreth

September 13, 2022

My favorite tip was using a stretch knit needle, but I believe I will use your tip using coffee filters. Sounds like an awesome idea. Thank you Cinnamon for the awesome giveaways.❤️😘💋

Stephanie G
Stephanie G

September 13, 2022

Good idea.

Kathy  m
Kathy m

September 13, 2022

Love the tip using the coffee filter to sew the knit

Monique Deloney
Monique Deloney

September 13, 2022

Love the coffee filter tip. I have coffee filters in my sewing supplies

Diane
Diane

September 13, 2022

I use a walking foot when sewing on knits.

Roxanne Perez
Roxanne Perez

September 13, 2022

I haven’t tried this yet.

Kimberly Chidsey
Kimberly Chidsey

September 13, 2022

Using a coffee filter for hemming seems to be a very easy and cost effective means

Elizabeth Gosselin
Elizabeth Gosselin

September 13, 2022

I just learned something new today. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Linda
Linda

September 13, 2022

I keep forgetting about the coffee filter tip, will have to try it….Thanks

Jensen
Jensen

September 13, 2022

I like using the coffee filter trick to hem knit fabrics.

Jensen
Jensen

September 13, 2022

I like using the hemming knits tip by using a coffee filter.

Anne Haun
Anne Haun

September 13, 2022

Love the coffee filter tip – never thought of that. Knits always scare me – no more!

Barbara Ann Gallagher
Barbara Ann Gallagher

September 12, 2022

Awesome Thank You

Denise A
Denise A

August 30, 2022

I like to use the coffee filter trick, as well. Also, a ballpoint, stretch, or jersey needle, and a longer stitch length than I would normally use.

LissandraMia
LissandraMia

August 30, 2022

Oh I heard of using paper or tracing paper, and I have used pattern paper from a roll, but like the coffee filter tip. Still not fond of sewing knits though.

Rox
Rox

August 30, 2022

Great tip! I have been avoiding knits and I can’t wait to try this on my next project.

Beverly
Beverly

August 30, 2022

Always like a good sewing tip!

April
April

August 30, 2022

I love the coffee filter tip I made two tops one not using the filter and one with, ended up throwing away the first one because I couldn’t stand looking at the difference

Allison
Allison

August 30, 2022

Great tip!

ann Marie mones
ann Marie mones

August 29, 2022

I love the coffee filter knit tip!

LeAnn
LeAnn

August 28, 2022

The tip about using coffee filters is really neat. I wouldn’t have thought of that.

Deb F
Deb F

August 27, 2022

What a great tip! Keep’em coming. Thanks

designdreamer
designdreamer

August 26, 2022

I like to use a twin needle

Julie
Julie

August 26, 2022

I had bought some coffee filters at the dollar store when I first heard this hint. Really helped tame some of those hard-to-sew knits.

Yvonne
Yvonne

August 26, 2022

Definitely giving this a try. Usually use water soluble stabilizer, but this looks easier!

Jane
Jane

August 26, 2022

I used to sew knits all the time then 1 day my machine started skipping stitches and knotting up. I was frustrated and avoid knits altogether. I just figured that the fabric had changed somewhat and was no longer compatible with my machine.

Joanne
Joanne

August 26, 2022

Interesting trick with coffee filters.

Rebecca
Rebecca

August 25, 2022

I’ve used tissue paper in the past, but often have a hard time removing it from the stitches afterwards.

Susan manring
Susan manring

August 25, 2022

Live all the sewing tips!!!

Rose
Rose

August 25, 2022

Great tips!

Barb
Barb

August 25, 2022

Coffee filters – YES!!!

Margaret Goodman
Margaret Goodman

August 25, 2022

I have heard about using tissue paper, but coffee filters would be sturdier. Will try that! I am a little timid about sewing knits. So far I have only sewn on stable knits. I recently got a serger. Hope this will help me try more knits, especially jersey.

Heather
Heather

August 25, 2022

I’ve not tried coffee filters yet. I tend to use tissue paper or tracing paper in a pinch.

Kathy
Kathy

August 24, 2022

I like this idea of using coffee filters for knits

Patricia
Patricia

August 24, 2022

Knits are extremely difficult for me. I have used newspaper before, but the coffee filter is a LOT cleaner idea! HA! HA! Thanks for all you do at Pixie Faire!

Kate
Kate

August 24, 2022

I love the coffee filter idea. I’ve used various types of paper before, but I am excited to try the coffee filters (even though I don’t drink coffee. Luckily, filters aren’t expensive.)

Linda
Linda

August 24, 2022

I use the coffee filter trick all the time after seeing this tip on PixieFaire.com. It really works for me.

Jeannie
Jeannie

August 24, 2022

Using clear elastic to stabilize and prevent seams from stretching.

CarolHearne
CarolHearne

August 23, 2022

Very helpful tips!

Marilyn
Marilyn

August 23, 2022

Great tips tysm

Susan
Susan

August 22, 2022

Great tip!

LeAnn
LeAnn

August 21, 2022

I love using coffee filters for little pieces!

Alisa Oram
Alisa Oram

August 20, 2022

I didn’t really enjoy sewing with knits until I bought the Master Class Course, Sewing with Knits. I’m excited to try the coffee filter method. Looks like it works wonders. I was amazed also, how using steam will help the material if it’s a little stretched.

linda
linda

August 20, 2022

Thanks so much. This will be very helpful.

Marilyn Fontenot
Marilyn Fontenot

August 19, 2022

How to hem knits was helpful hints

Laurie
Laurie

August 19, 2022

I use a little larger stitch length, a single hole plate and use my jeans foot on my Bernina.

Anna Kelley
Anna Kelley

August 19, 2022

I saved my old coffee filters. Now I have a use for them

Carol
Carol

August 19, 2022

I love this tip! I have used the coffee filters with other fine fabrics, stops the bird’s nest of threads from happening.

anita
anita

August 19, 2022

thank you

Gail
Gail

August 19, 2022

Love this tip! Can’t wait to try it!!

Gwen
Gwen

August 18, 2022

Thanks! This has been really helpful!

Cathy
Cathy

August 18, 2022

Thanks for the reminder, I’d forgotten about this. I have used it in the past.

Cheryl Strayer
Cheryl Strayer

August 18, 2022

Great tip on using a coffee filter to stabilize the neck hem.

MARILU BADANI
MARILU BADANI

August 18, 2022

This class really helped me to take out the fear of knitted fabric

Linda Fry-Goachee
Linda Fry-Goachee

August 18, 2022

I quit sewing with knits because I wasn’t happy with the end product. This is very exciting and I can’t wait to use it.

Carol
Carol

August 18, 2022

I love the coffee filter tip, use it quite often, thanks

Rachel Grech
Rachel Grech

August 18, 2022

I’m so excited to try this tip!!

Arlene M Coleman
Arlene M Coleman

August 18, 2022

Wow! Can’t wait to try this – no more wavy hems!

Linda
Linda

August 17, 2022

WOW! That was great, I will use this tip from now on. Thank you.

Mae Lynn Beck
Mae Lynn Beck

August 17, 2022

The coffee filter is the best tip ever. It works so well.

Natalie Manely
Natalie Manely

August 17, 2022

I am addicted to your site! Great patterns, tips, supplies and prices!

Sara D.
Sara D.

August 17, 2022

I love this coffee filter tip, thank you! What a great result!

BARBARA
BARBARA

August 17, 2022

awesome tips

Janet Vawter
Janet Vawter

August 17, 2022

I just tried this with fleece and it worked great!

Kathy Goldenbogen
Kathy Goldenbogen

August 17, 2022

WOW!!! Who’d of thought???
Love this tip. Can’t wait to try it

Heidi
Heidi

August 17, 2022

Use a stabilizer and ballpoint needle.

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