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
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
September 14, 2022
Good information. Anything that makes life easier is good.
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
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
September 13, 2022
I’ve never tried this before, but am eager to do so now!
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
September 13, 2022
I always try to remember to go slow when sewing with knit fabrics.
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
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
September 13, 2022
I use a zig zag stitch to sew knits, so it has some stretch.
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
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
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
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
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
September 13, 2022
Good tip, thanks.
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
September 13, 2022
Sewing a hem on knits is a great tute!
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
September 13, 2022
Great tip with great results! Thanks!!
Vicki
September 13, 2022
Great tip! I just added coffee filters to my grocery list.
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
September 13, 2022
Depending on the knit, I use a longer stitch length which works for me.
Martha
September 13, 2022
My biggest challenge sewing with knits is that it stretches.
Jackie Lycke
September 13, 2022
Can’t wait to try
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
September 13, 2022
I’ve had trouble removing the tissue paper afterwards. Hoping the coffee filters will be easier.
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
September 13, 2022
This was cool.
Ruth Ann
September 13, 2022
I use a ballpoint needle and sometimes tissue paper.
Sue Lenth
September 13, 2022
Great tip, worked perfectly!
Bridgette
September 13, 2022
I have heard of the coffee filter tip
Janie K
September 13, 2022
Great tip. can’t wait to try it.
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
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
September 13, 2022
Good idea.
Kathy m
September 13, 2022
Love the tip using the coffee filter to sew the knit
Monique Deloney
September 13, 2022
Love the coffee filter tip. I have coffee filters in my sewing supplies
Diane
September 13, 2022
I use a walking foot when sewing on knits.
Roxanne Perez
September 13, 2022
I haven’t tried this yet.
Kimberly Chidsey
September 13, 2022
Using a coffee filter for hemming seems to be a very easy and cost effective means
Elizabeth Gosselin
September 13, 2022
I just learned something new today. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Linda
September 13, 2022
I keep forgetting about the coffee filter tip, will have to try it….Thanks
Jensen
September 13, 2022
I like using the coffee filter trick to hem knit fabrics.
Jensen
September 13, 2022
I like using the hemming knits tip by using a coffee filter.
Anne Haun
September 13, 2022
Love the coffee filter tip – never thought of that. Knits always scare me – no more!
Barbara Ann Gallagher
September 12, 2022
Awesome Thank You
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
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
August 30, 2022
Great tip! I have been avoiding knits and I can’t wait to try this on my next project.
Beverly
August 30, 2022
Always like a good sewing tip!
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
August 30, 2022
Great tip!
ann Marie mones
August 29, 2022
I love the coffee filter knit tip!
LeAnn
August 28, 2022
The tip about using coffee filters is really neat. I wouldn’t have thought of that.
Deb F
August 27, 2022
What a great tip! Keep’em coming. Thanks
designdreamer
August 26, 2022
I like to use a twin needle
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
August 26, 2022
Definitely giving this a try. Usually use water soluble stabilizer, but this looks easier!
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
August 26, 2022
Interesting trick with coffee filters.
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
August 25, 2022
Live all the sewing tips!!!
Rose
August 25, 2022
Great tips!
Barb
August 25, 2022
Coffee filters – YES!!!
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
August 25, 2022
I’ve not tried coffee filters yet. I tend to use tissue paper or tracing paper in a pinch.
Kathy
August 24, 2022
I like this idea of using coffee filters for knits
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
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
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
August 24, 2022
Using clear elastic to stabilize and prevent seams from stretching.
CarolHearne
August 23, 2022
Very helpful tips!
Marilyn
August 23, 2022
Great tips tysm
Susan
August 22, 2022
Great tip!
LeAnn
August 21, 2022
I love using coffee filters for little pieces!
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
August 20, 2022
Thanks so much. This will be very helpful.
Marilyn Fontenot
August 19, 2022
How to hem knits was helpful hints
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
August 19, 2022
I saved my old coffee filters. Now I have a use for them
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
August 19, 2022
thank you
Gail
August 19, 2022
Love this tip! Can’t wait to try it!!
Gwen
August 18, 2022
Thanks! This has been really helpful!
Cathy
August 18, 2022
Thanks for the reminder, I’d forgotten about this. I have used it in the past.
Cheryl Strayer
August 18, 2022
Great tip on using a coffee filter to stabilize the neck hem.
MARILU BADANI
August 18, 2022
This class really helped me to take out the fear of knitted fabric
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
August 18, 2022
I love the coffee filter tip, use it quite often, thanks
Rachel Grech
August 18, 2022
I’m so excited to try this tip!!
Arlene M Coleman
August 18, 2022
Wow! Can’t wait to try this – no more wavy hems!
Linda
August 17, 2022
WOW! That was great, I will use this tip from now on. Thank you.
Mae Lynn Beck
August 17, 2022
The coffee filter is the best tip ever. It works so well.
Natalie Manely
August 17, 2022
I am addicted to your site! Great patterns, tips, supplies and prices!
Sara D.
August 17, 2022
I love this coffee filter tip, thank you! What a great result!
BARBARA
August 17, 2022
awesome tips
Janet Vawter
August 17, 2022
I just tried this with fleece and it worked great!
Kathy Goldenbogen
August 17, 2022
WOW!!! Who’d of thought???
Love this tip. Can’t wait to try it
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.