Ever go to a tailor and have no idea what word(s) she/he just said? Well, we are here to bring a little education into the wide world of tailoring with a little terminology talk. Check back every week for a new term.
Next up: Hem Tape
Hem tape is a strip of lightweight fabric that is sewn to the raw edge of the bottom of a garment, and then stitched through in order to finish off the item at the desired length. It’s particularly important when you are hemming any thicker fabrics (wool, for example), to minimize the bulk that extra seam allowance at the hem can create.
Our favorite brand of hem tape (shout out to Hug Snug!) had an added bonus as well. Hemming any A-line dresses or skirts can be slightly problematic, as the cut edge has a greater circumference than the folded edge of the finished length. The beauty of Hug Snug is that you can sew the hem as you normally would, and then use an iron to shrink the Hug Snug down to the same circumference of the garment (erasing any excess fabric gaps that occur when hemming A-line skirts). Trust me- it makes your clothes look better on the outside AND inside!
Hem tape on the inside of a wool skirt that we hemmed.
The result!
