Hello! Welcome back to Peekaboo Pages! Today I’m bringing you a tutorial on how to hem a circle skirt in both woven and knit.
How to Hem a Circle Skirt in Woven or Knit Fabric
First up – let’s learn how to hem knit circle skirts! For my example, I’m using the Madeline Peplum Top. from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop. The Madeline has a variety of options – including a fish tail dress, circle skirt dress, and circle skirt peplum.
Tools Needed to Hem a Knit Fabric Circle Skirt
The tools and notions I use when hemming a knit circle skirt are Best Press, Wash Away Wonder Tape, and a Dritz Ezy-Hem Gauge.
Instructions for How to Hem Knit Circle Skirts
Hem a Knit Circle Skirt Step 1: When hemming a knit circle skirt, first serge around the bottom with the differential turned up just slightly. I find it helps my hem lay flatter. Next, using the curved edge of my hem gauge, press the hem up while also using Best Press spray starch.
Hem a Knit Circle Skirt Step 2: After pressing, apply Wonder Tape to the edge of the hem. Next, peel off the paper backing and finger-press the hem back into place.
Hem a Knit Circle Skirt Step 3: Then stitch around the hem using your favorite stretch stitch. I chose to use the lightning bolt stitch on my machine this time.
Hem a Knit Circle Skirt Step 4: After sewing, press the hem again. You’re done! That’s really all you need to do when hemming a circle skirt with knit fabric.
How to Hem a Circle Skirt: Woven Circle Skirts
Now onto hemming woven skirts! For my example, I’m using the Wildflower Dress with a twirl skirt. I have found the easiest way to hem a woven circle skirt is with single-fold bias tape. For this example, I’m using store-bought bias tape, but homemade bias tape can be used as well. If you’re looking to make your own bias tape then take a look at our tutorial HERE.
How to Hem a Woven Circle Skirt Step 1: Attach the bias tape to the right side of the skirt using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave the first two inches of bias tape unattached.
How to Hem a Woven Circle Skirt Step 2: When you reach the end of the skirt, fold under the final end of the bias tape and overlap it with the beginning to cover the raw ends.
How to Hem a Woven Circle Skirt Step 3: After the bias tape is stitched all the way around the right side of the skirt, iron the bias tape to the wrong side of the skirt.
How to Hem a Woven Circle Skirt Step 4: Finally, top stitch making sure to catch the edge of the bias tape. I top stitched with a 3/8″ seam allowance.
How to Hem a Woven Circle Skirt Step 5: Using the bias tape method will leave a slightly longer skirt than the pattern is designed for because the entire hem allowance isn’t being folded up.
If you prefer a shorter skirt, trim the skirt before attaching the bias tape. The bias tape also adds a fun pop of color along the inside of the skirt.
There you have it! Now you know how to hem a circle skirt when sewing with either knit or woven fabric. I hope this tutorial helps you to hem circle skirts more professionally. If you enjoyed this tutorial, you might also enjoy our tutorial on How to Sew a Blind Hem.
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One Response
If I don’t have a serger would zig zag stitch work ok around the knit? Not sure what loosening the differential would be equivalent to (if anything) on a regular machine.