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
Susie
August 17, 2022
Coffee filter trick works every time!
Sue D
August 17, 2022
Thanks for sharing this tip. Using the correct needle helps too.
Hannah
August 16, 2022
I like to use a longer stitch so it stretches with the fabric
Allie
August 16, 2022
I’ve found that serging the edge of a hem first can help it to not stretch out.
Dana Fricke
August 16, 2022
I love the tips!! When sewing knits I also like to make the stitch size a bit bigger, and sometimes I add the littlest bit of a zig zag, to add some extra stretch when dressing a doll!
Sarah Oswald
August 15, 2022
AWESOME idea thanks for sharing it.
Nanette Seale
August 14, 2022
Can’t wait to try this coffee filter method! Thanks for sharing this with all of us!
Carolyn
August 14, 2022
I wish i had more time and better machine. I am raising 3 grandbabies. I have trouble keeping the material from bunching up around the needle.
Grandma Freckles
August 14, 2022
These are great tips. I give them all trials.
Marjory
August 13, 2022
Good article. I sometimes use the soft double-sided iron-on strips to hold up the hem of a knit before sewing so that the knit cannot stretch.
Jill Ward
August 13, 2022
I tried a t-shirt for an 18 inch doll. It isn’t finished yet but is going well.
Judith Martinez
August 13, 2022
That’s pretty brilliant! I think that I have the best luck with knits when I don’t try to cut things out in multiple layers.
Kristie L.
August 13, 2022
I haven’t tried sewing with knits very much before so I don’t know any tips but I’ll try these.
ᕙ(＠°▽°＠)ᕗ
Nancy
August 12, 2022
OMG! Better hide this coffee filter tip from my DH otherwise he may figure out why we go through so many filters. I just keep telling him that he has been using more than one filter at a time because he doesn’t separate them carefully enough!
Ann
August 12, 2022
Tissue paper helps as well as a new ball point needle.
Sam
August 12, 2022
Using tissue paper to sew knits
Cathy
August 12, 2022
Always use ball point needle.
Donna Babinec
August 12, 2022
Use a NEW ballpoint needle. Any burrs on a used needle will snag the fabric.
Dorothy
August 12, 2022
My tip is to make sure you use a ballpoint needle with knits.
Kathy m
August 12, 2022
Love the tip I keep tissue paper to use for sewing knit I been member from beginning of SWC course and I have learned so much thanks SWC team for learning opportunities
Susan
August 12, 2022
This is a great tip, now if I know where I put those filters?
Jennifer
August 12, 2022
I don’t know that I have any tips, but this coffee filter thing looks pretty cool. Does it work for slippery fabrics, too?
Florence
August 12, 2022
Check needle size, make sure it’s a ballpoint and use tissue paper
Dorothy
August 12, 2022
I LOVED this sewing with knits tips. I’ve always had problems with the stretching. I’m going to try this!
Barb
August 12, 2022
Sewing with knits is always hard so I will try the coffee filter.
Lynn F.
August 12, 2022
The coffee filter stabilizer on knit necklines and armcye was a game changer for me. I never do a knitted neckline without using a coffee filter now. Perfect every time!!!
Monique Deloney
August 12, 2022
Favorite tip is using coffee filters
Great idea
Ronelle
August 12, 2022
This is amazing. I am always terrified to work with knits and this is going to help a lot. Thank you.
Stephanie Sheridan
August 12, 2022
How funny this question was asked, since I was just sewing with knits. Jammed my sewing machine. No magic to tell but do think sewing with knits is a universal question.
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Every thing OLD is New again! So here we go bringing back Knits in fashion !
Granny Sandy
August 10, 2020
going to try the coffee filter Thankyou for the tip!
Terry
August 09, 2020
My biggest sewing with knits tip is to put in a ball point machine needle. It glides through the knit fabric better instead of pulling at the threads.
Judith
August 09, 2020
Sewing with knits became so easy for me once I realized that I could press a bumpy hem with a steam iron (up and down motion) to smooth everything out. Serging seams, or an edge before I turn it also helps give me a clean look. And of course, using stabilizer of some kind is the way to get the whole line of stitches off to a great start!
Teresa-Jo
August 09, 2020
It’s been my advise to bring any knits that need hemming to the dry cleaner. I avoid using that fabric for my projects as well. But I will try the coffee filter trick and maybe enjoy my sewing future using knits!!
drwcarroll
August 09, 2020
I can’t wait to pull out all the knits that I purchased and was reluctant (scared) to sew, Watch out world…..I HAVE COFFEE FILTERS AND I’M NOT AFRAID TO USE THEM……
Patti
August 08, 2020
Thank you for all the tips. Going to try the coffee filter!
Marie
August 08, 2020
Thanks for the great knits sewing tip. I don’t have any tips I can think of at the moment.
Grannie Frannie
August 08, 2020
I started using either tissue paper or waxed paper to sew t-shirt knits with – it works like a charm and tears away completely.
Sandra L.
August 08, 2020
I have avoided sewing on knits like you would avoid the plague. They are scary and intimidating. I know after sewing for 60 plus years I should have attempted it by now but nope, hasn’t happened.
It’s on my bucket list of things to do but it keeps getting pushed the bottom of the list. I have promised myself after reading all the advice here that I will try sewing on knits before the end of this year. Great advice and I’ve used coffee filters for other projects so will give it a try.
Laurie
August 08, 2020
I don’t like to sew knit fabrics because they stretch so much and look uneven. I will try the coffee filter trick.
Rebecca
August 08, 2020
I have had successes using stretch needles, micro needles, and universal needles. I’ve also had success using stretch stitches. I’ve used tissue paper and liked it okay. I finally bought some coffee filters, but I haven’t tried them yet. I’m excited to give it a try.
Cristy
August 08, 2020
While sewing knits I always use a ballpoint needle and a piece of stabilizer or a coffee filter to get the first few stitches started! This helps tremendously! Good luck!
Patricia Shehan
August 08, 2020
I will try the coffee filter technique, I don’t usually like to sew on knits.
Darlene
August 08, 2020
Learned to use the coffee filter when sewing knits and have avoided many headaches.
kim
August 07, 2020
I am new to sewing with knits. I need all the help I can get.
Deb H
August 07, 2020
I usually avoid sewing knits because the fabric tends to stretch and gets mis-shaped. I am going to give the coffee filter a try. I have knit fabric to make T-shirts for my granddaughter’s doll
Bev Hiler
August 07, 2020
I would love to try the new coffee filter for sewing on knits as I am sure it will become my favorite technique. It is unbelievable how many tips I have learned from Pixie Faire. Thank you for sharing!
Rebekah
August 07, 2020
I’m following this, as I have very little experience with knits. I recently bought a needle especially for knits, but haven’t used it yet. Thanks for the great suggestions!
Linda
August 07, 2020
I can’t wait to try this. I have always had trouble with hemming knits. Thanks for the tip.
lisa
August 07, 2020
Thanks for the tip. I don’t sew with knits because I don’t know how.
Kim V
August 07, 2020
I look forward to trying this. Knits are always challenging. I always make sure I’m using a knit needle in my machine. Thank you.
Lee Ann
August 07, 2020
I am apprehensive sewing elastic to knits. Any good hints.
Karen
August 07, 2020
I will definitely use this tip! Thanks.
Joanne Salerno
August 07, 2020
What a great idea I can’t wait to try it. You always give the best tips and offers.
Thank you and God bless you and your business.
Dorothy
August 07, 2020
This is a very clever tip, because the filter tears off so smoothly after guiding the curved edge around without puckering or stretching. Thank you so much for this and other tips that you’ve shared with us.
Theresa
August 07, 2020
Great idea and just in time to try it out.?..I need tee shirts!
Andrea
August 07, 2020
Just watched the tutorial on using coffee filters to sew a seam on knits. Looks very interesting. I plan to try very soon.
Heidi Brown
August 07, 2020
I have plenty of knits to upcycle. The coffee filter tip is just what I need to get started working through my collection of fabrics.
Shirley
August 07, 2020
Thank-you for this awesome and helpful tip on sewing with knits!
Glenda
August 07, 2020
Thanks for the awesome tip! My biggest issue is sometimes when I start the seams and as others have said, the fabric is pulled down into the machine. The coffee filter should fix that😀
Bonny
August 07, 2020
I’ve always had trouble with knits stretching. I loved your tutorial on hemming knits with coffee filters!
rosemary Kelley
August 07, 2020
my biggest promble is my hems roll & streagle.what should i do ?
Margaret Goodman
August 07, 2020
My biggest challenge on knits is everything! Material stretches when I sew, stitching is not right tension and uneven stitches.
Bea
August 07, 2020
What a great tip!! thanks
Rebecca
August 07, 2020
My biggest issue with knits is those that are really thin and slippery like ITY or rayon. I’m definitely afraid of them.
Suzanne
August 07, 2020
Thanks for the tip! I will use coffee filters in place where I usually use tissue paper when I am sewing with vinyl. I love how nicely it tears off! I could use a giant coffee filter to do some hems on adult size clothing! I have the hardest time with that!
Chrislin Payne
August 07, 2020
Can’t wait to try this . Sewing knit circle skirts for my granddaughters now. Want to give them AG skirt, and Wellie to match. Thank you
Maureen MacLean
August 07, 2020
Can’t wait to try this trick. I tried a hem on a knit last night with a terrible result.
Joy
August 07, 2020
Thanks for the tip about hemming with a coffee filter. Enjoyed reading Ann’s helpful post.
Carol
August 07, 2020
I’ll try the filter next time. Like all the blog hints, very helpful.Thanks
Connie M
August 07, 2020
I always use a new needle, tear away stabilizer and hold the threads before I start to sew.
Rose
August 07, 2020
I sew alot with knits especially your great t-shirt patterns. I learned about a year ago to use the coffee filter to start my seam. This keeps the fabric from being sucked into the machine. Always have coffee filters on my sewing machine.
Connie
August 07, 2020
I was taught with tissue paper, but this was long before paper coffee filters. The coffee was “perked” and strong … i still don’t drink coffee.
Kay
August 07, 2020
I like to sew on knits. But, sometimes they jam in my machine. I will try the coffee filter. I always forget the ballpoint needle too!
Ruth Ann
August 07, 2020
Thanks for the tip about coffee filters! I don’t sew much on knits, but when I do I always use a ballpoint needle.
Christa
August 07, 2020
I usually avoid knits. My hint would be don’t forget the ballpoint needle. Thanks for the tutorial!
Peggy
August 07, 2020
I like to use a light tear away under my stretch fabric, it helps to keep it stabalized and feed through easier.
Kathy S
August 07, 2020
My biggest problem is bobbin tension. My machine is supposed to adjust automatically but doesn’t always look like it does.
Kate
August 07, 2020
What great tip, love sewing your patterns for my granddaughters!!
Jacque
August 07, 2020
I love the coffee filter in place of tissue paper which tends to tear. The tip I always give everyone is “sew with a relaxed bottom”. This just helps me remember to put the piece that needs to be eased in on the top. I very seldom get any little tucks.
Rhonda
August 07, 2020
I watched the video and can’t wait to try the coffee filter.
Joanne
August 07, 2020
I’ve learned to sew slowly on knits.
Alecia Simpson
August 07, 2020
I’d say my biggest challenge with sewing anything is figuring out the right tension. It’s always so hard to get it just right for anything I need to sew. Takes several tries and I always feel like I’m wasting my fabric. lol.
Connie
August 07, 2020
I was taught with tissue paper, but this was long before paper coffee filters. The coffee was “perked” and strong … i still don’t drink coffee.
Susie
August 17, 2022
Coffee filter trick works every time!