Last Updated on 11 months by Susan Mayrich
Hemming tape is a very useful invention for people who want to fix the hems of their clothes. It’s a great way to hem your clothes without the labor involved in hemming with a sewing machine. With hemming tape, you can create professional-looking hems in seconds.
You can use hemming tape on a variety of fabrics, like denim, cotton, wool, and knitwear. It also works well on synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon.
In this article, we will be discussing whether hem tape is washable or not, how long it lasts, and how you can you hem pants, dresses, and curtains.
What Is Hemming Tape Used for
The purpose of hemming tape is to create a clean finish on your clothing by attaching the bottom edge of the garment to itself. This prevents fraying, which makes it look more professional. It also prevents your clothing from falling apart at the seams after being worn for a long period of time.
This allows it to be used where there is a need for an even finish and neat, precise edges.
Hemming tape is made from cotton or nylon and has a bias cut that allows it to lie flat against the fabric when it is folded over the edge of an item such as a skirt or dress.
Can You Wash Clothes with Hem Tape
Yes, you can wash your clothes with hem tape. However, it’s not recommended to do so as the adhesive will melt off and the hem tape can harm your clothing.
If you do wash clothing with hem tape, just make sure it’s done in a separate load from other items, or else you’ll risk damaging your clothes.
Wash your clothing in cold water using mild detergent and natural bleach if needed. Hang dry only if possible because this will help prevent fraying of the hemming tape and improve its lifespan.
Is Hemming Tape Permanent
Good quality hemming tape is permanent and cannot easily be removed. If you have hemmed a garment with hemming tape and then tried to remove it, you may have found that it is impossible to do so.
This is because the fabric underneath the tape has become permanently fused with the adhesive side of the tape.
Is Iron on Hem Tape Washable
Yes, iron-on hem tape is washable. Iron on hem tape is designed to hold up in the wash. This means that it can be washed and dried on delicate cycles, as well as machine washed at temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius.
However, be sure to use gentle detergents and avoid bleach or fabric softeners as they may damage the garment’s finish.
How Long Does Hemming Tape Last?
Hemming tape lasts for a while. It should last at least a month, but it depends on how much you use the garment and the type of hem tape used.
If there hasn’t been any wear and tear at all then the hemming tape should continue functioning as normal for several weeks or months before it begins to break down completely.
On the other hand, if there has been a lot of wear and tear then this could mean that the hemming tape may only last for a few days or even hours before it starts falling apart completely.
Does Hem Tape Work on Polyester?
Hem tape can be used with just about any fabric or trim such as cotton, nylon, or rayon as long as it has a similar weave. So it should work well on polyester as well.
How to Use Hem Tape on Pants
Hem tape comes in various colors and patterns, so you can match your outfit with the hem tape you choose. Hem tape is quick and easy to apply, so you can get started right away.
Here are some tips on how to use hem tape:
Step 1: Measure the pant
Measure the length of your pant legs. Measure from the outside seam of each leg opening (i.e., where it starts).
Step 2: Cut the hem tape
Cut a piece of hem tape that’s as long as your measurement and twice as wide as your measurement if you want a really thick hem (which gives it extra strength). First, find the right size of hem tape that matches the thickness of your pants.
Step 3: Apply the hem tape
Next, place the hem tape on the pant leg so that it covers about 1/2 inch from where you want it to stop.
Step 4: Iron the hem tape
Lastly, take a damp tea towel and place it on the pant leg where you applied the hem tape and iron. The tea towel will help to keep the iron from burning your fabric. This will allow for a more even application of hem tape and make it easier to apply evenly.
How to Use Hemming Tape on a Dress
Hemming tape is useful for dresses, skirts, and pants. It helps keep the hem in place and prevents the dress from riding up when you walk or bend over.
Here are some helpful tips for hemming with hemming tape:
- Measure your dress from the top of the waistband down to where you want the hemline to end (usually at mid-thigh).
- Cut off a piece of hemming tape that’s slightly longer than what you measured out in step 1 and cut around your dress just below where you want the hemline to begin.
- Place two pieces of hemming tape on your dress, one at each end of the desired amount of reduction you want to achieve. Make sure the tape is in the same direction as the grain of your fabric dress.
- Fold over each end of your dress so that it forms a small triangle shape, this will help prevent unraveling when you cut off excess fabric later on.
- Lastly, place a damp towel on a dress where you apply the hemming tape and iron.
Botton Line
So there you have it. Hem tape is a wonderful invention and the safest and most harmless way to keep your clothes from fraying and being worn down. It is great for finishing hems when you don’t have time to sew them.
However, you should treat the hem tape on your garment with proper care. You follow proper instructions.
