Often we need to cut our shirts for the sake of style, to exclude a bad part or something else. And often, it results in curling, no matter how good the hems it features! Don’t think it will only happen to your shirt. Rather, it can happen to kitchen linens, bedsheets, tablecloths, blouses, etc.
Shirttails get an unkempt look due to curling. It becomes tough to remove the creases. However, things get very easy if you follow this guide.
How Can I Stop Cut Shirts from Curling?
There might be fraying in the hem rolling. As a result, you see an outfit looking uneven at the bottom. It is indeed annoying and embarrassing. Some hems begin to roll due to wash and wear. Some begin to roll even before wearing! No worries, we will show you the way so that the hems can prevent rolls and stay flat.
In this article, we will provide you with a general solution that is applicable to different types of fabrics. Apart from that, you will learn to deal with knitted fabric specifically. Are you ready to jump down right?
Okay, let’s go ahead!
In order to apply this method, you will need the following things-
- Sewing machine
- Ruler
- Iron
- Pins
- Seam ripper
- Fusible interfacing
- Scissors
- A thread that matches the original hem thread
Now please follow the steps below!
Step One
Before all, turn your shirt inside out. You need to find your seam allowance. So it would help if you measure the distance from the bottom edge of your hem to the hem seam. Use the ruler for this. Don’t forget to pen down the seam allowance.
Step Two
Then remove the hem seam fully by employing your seam ripper. Then banish all the excess threads. At the same time, it is necessary to unfold the hem from end to end.
Step Three
It’s time to iron. Employ your iron by setting the apt temperature for your shirt fabric. This way, remove all the wrinkles made by the curling.
Step Four
Weigh your shirt fabric. Choose suitable fusible interfacing for that. Is it a heavy fabric? Then it would be best to employ medium-weight nonwoven interfacing. On the other hand, go for lightweight nonwoven interfacing for cotton and lighter fabrics.
Step Five
The next job is to measure the hem height from the bottom unfolded edge to the hem fold. So this time cut a strip of interfacing. Its length should be equal to the bottom edge of your hem. And the width needs to be about twice the bottom edge of the hem.
Step Six
Now fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of the hem of the shirt according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It will help the interfacing rests on the very bottom, unfolded, raw edge of the hem. The hem needs to have a layer of the interfacing fused.
Step Seven
Then refold the hem up. It should be consistent with the original hem fold lines. You may face the interfacing being tough to fold. Please do it patiently. Afterward, pin the hem in its due position.
Step Eight
Get a matching thread that echoes with the original hem thread. Then thread the sewing machine thereby. You had better use a seam allowance equal to the original seam allowance to sew the hem.
Step Nine
Finally, take the pins out. The interfacing will not only keep the hem in its proper position but also save it from curling.
Professional Advice for Alternative Method
Let’s say you want to undo the original hem or are not interested in using the interfacing method. In that case, professional experts suggest you take an alternative method to prevent rolling. And it is – trimming off all the excess fabric inside and performing a top stitch above the original hem.
Like the method above, try your best to ensure a similar colored thread. And it would help best if you used a twin needle. It will help stay the hem flat. You don’t even need to iron your shirt after every wash!
The Way to Stop Knit Fabric from Curling
You must have seen your jersey curling at the fabric edges. A jersey is a single-knit fabric. It is also common with other knit fabrics. Then how would you treat this type of curled stretch fabric?
Well, we have gathered five types of solutions in this respect. You can use any of them, however, it should depend on the unruliness of your knit fabric. Else, one may be better than another.
Anyways, let’s have a look at the techniques. These are as follows!
Method 1: Employ Pattern Weights
The curling might be slight and there is a scope to sew a piece in the shirt. In that case, it would be best to place pattern weights over that piece. And let the pattern piece overlap the curling edges.
Yes, it is actually a temporary fix that facilitates you to cut the fabric easily. You had better manage a sewing-specific weight or any small, heavy object while this operation.
Method 2: Serging Knit Fabric Edges
For resisting the unraveling issue, it is not urgent to neaten fabric edges. Therefore it would help if you add weight to the fabric edges. This added weight befriends the width of the serger stitch and prevents the edges from curling. At the same time, the shirt fabric will lay flat.
Do you have large yardages with simple shapes? Then rely on serging stretch fabric edges. It helps best to deal with a skirt although!
On the other hand, you may need to neaten the edges of pattern pieces and trim off your cut shirt with the serger. Then simply adjust your seam allowances thereby.
You can also stretch your shirt after serging. There might be some slight inward curling still. Dear, then follow the next methods!
Method 3: Pressing and Starching Knit Fabric
It will be wise to remove wrinkles by pressing them before you cut your knitted shirt. However, check whether the shirt can endure the heat or not. Go through the manufacturer’s instructions on this.
Generally, a knitted fabric requires a lower temperature setting. Else, you should neither scorch this type of fabric nor add an unfortunate shine. However, the fact is – you won’t be able to prevent rolling or curling by pressing fully, and it is not big math!
Therefore, it would help best if you employed a light layer of starch on the edges as part of this de-wrinkling. It will help flatten disobedient rolls. You don’t need steaming on this ironing too! You will have different types of starch out there. Else, if you like a more natural one, you can make your own starch.
Press your shirt from the wrong side of your iron is dirty. Along with this, a pressing cloth can ease the whole task. Select a portion to verify the starch.
This technique is effective at uncurling the majority of most knit fabrics. Apart from this, you will find it easy and affordable. No worries, only one wash is enough to banish starch. And if there is any build-up due to frequent use, clean your iron.
Method 4: Terial Magic to Uncurl & Stiffen Knit Fabric Edges
Your knitted shirt might be resistant to uncurling. Starching won’t be able to uncurl. In that case, you had better use Terial Magic. It is workable for most fabrics including knitted fabric. It can turn your shirt into pretty flexible stuff that facilitates uncurling. Please follow the steps to apply Terial Magic –
- Aim at the rolled edges of your shirt to spray the Magic. Dampen the area instead of drenching it. Choose a suitable one as there is a chance of mess-up.
- Allow the stiffener to soak into the fibers and hang your shirt. Let it sit for around 10 minutes. Then start pressing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- By now, the shirt will turn into a paper-like thing as well as flat. Consequently, you will find it safe to sew. Be careful, the shirt can still get creased. The Terial Magic can temporarily darken your shirt if it is a light fabric. However, a single wash can remove the darkness without leaving any residue on the iron.
DIY Water-Soluble Stabilizer Solution
Do you use topping or a water-soluble stabilizers? Then you can make a stabilizing solution on your own by dissolving residual scraps in water! No, you don’t need to use rubbing alcohol. And only room temperature will be enough to do the job.
After preparing the solution, spray the stabilizer on the curled ends of your shirt. Allow it to soak before you iron. Iron only for once and do it when the shirt is damp.
No worries, you can easily wash the stabilizer with water. Usually, a single wash suffices.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Question: What is a hem stabilizer?
Answer: A hem stabilizer save your hem from becoming wavy and stretching out. And it would help best if you use a stabilizer that does not change the drape of the hem too much which permits you to execute the hem without issues.
Question: What is stay tape?
Answer: The stay tape works as a stabilizer for stopping knits and curved, woven, seams. It prevents stretching. It is mainly used for necklines, armholes, and shoulder seams. Generally, it suffices to hold the seam length permanently.
Question: What is a short-cut shirt called?
Answer: A short-cut shirt is called a ‘crop top’. Such a shirt exposes the waist, navel, or abdomen. It is also known as a half shirt, midriff top, or cutoff shirt.
Question: What is a women’s cut shirt?
Answer: It is an especially tailored shirt for women. Such a shirt’s seam tapers in towards the waist and expands out again towards the bottom hem afterward.
Question: How do you keep a shirt from rolling up after cutting it?
Answer: Put your shirt in a dryer and take it out when it is half-dry. Then lay it flat along with the flattened-out hem. After getting cool, it will stay alike. Alternatively, you can use your hair straightener. This way, you can protect it from rolling up after cutting.
Question: Why does my shirt or crop top roll up?
Answer: When it fails to fit properly, it rides up. In other words, perhaps you have fixated on its size.
Question: How do I stop my top-riding up?
Answer: Before all, tuck in the shirt. Then pull the excess fabric back toward the back pockets to tuck therein. Afterward, tighten your belt around the waistline to prevent the shirt from further riding.
Question: How do you stabilize jersey fabric?
Answer: Get some non-stretch ribbon or stay-tape to sew into the seam. The seam requires an element of stretch. Hem the knits differently.
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