How to quilt Getting Started How to Make a T-Shirt Hem When you're working with T-shirts, it's important to choose the right needle and thread to accomodate the stretchy fabric. By American Patchwork & Quilting Editors American Patchwork & Quilting Editors American Patchwork & Quilting® magazine and AllPeopleQuilt.com have been the go-to resource for quilters to learn a new skill or simply sew something that brings pride and accomplishment. Our staff has over 70 years of quilting experience, and works with skilled editors, copy editors, quilt testers, and technical editors to ensure each pattern and article is accurate and up-to-date. We're passionate about quilting, and know that it's not just a hobby — it's a lifestyle. We strive to connect with other quilters and provide content that inspires them in their sewing space. American Patchwork & Quilting's Editorial Guidelines Published on August 29, 2017 Ready-to-wear Ts are hemmed with a serger. To duplicate the look with a regular sewing machine all you need is a twin needle and two spools of thread and a bobbin. The twin needle is a specialty-needle for the machine. Twin needles are two needles mounted on one shaft. When shopping for a twin needle, look for a package marked Twin Needle/Stretch in either 2.5 or 4.0 mm. Stretch needles have a ball point and a specially designed eye and scarf (the part of the needle just above the eye) that prevent skipped stitches. The numbers 2.5 and 4.0mm refer to the distance between the needles. The larger the number, the greater the distance between the needles. Remove the presser foot and test the opening in the throat plate to see if it will accept the wider needle set-up. You may need to change the presser foot and the throat plate. Our finished sample shows two colors of thread in the upper threading, a third in the bobbin. Usually you will use three matching threads. Thread the upper machine with one spool at a time, making certain that each thread passes through tension disks. Position the spools on individual spool pins with one spool (green thread) feeding off the top (or left) and the other spool (red thread) feeding off the bottom (or right). Install bobbin as usual. Working with the inside of the T-shirt facing up, turn up the cut edge the desired amount for the hem; press. With the outside of the T-shirt facing up, pin hem in place. Using a stitch guide to keep stitching straight, sew to make the hem, removing pins before you sew over them. The single bobbin thread catches both top threads and zigzags between the two rows. Using the stretch needle builds in "give" in order that the hemmed fabric can be stretched without fear of popping hemstitches. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit