Stretch Fabric Waves: How to Fix That Wavy Knit Hem

Why Knits Ripple—and What You Can Do About It

Have you ever sewn a hem on knit fabric, only to discover it ripples like a ruffle instead of lying flat? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Wavy hems on stretch fabric are a common frustration, especially for beginners. The good news? They’re avoidable with a few techniques, tools, and tension adjustments.

Let’s look at why stretch knit fabric misbehaves—and how to fix that wavy knit hem.

🧶 Why Does Stretch Fabric Ripple?

Knit fabrics have built-in elasticity. The fabric doesn't always spring back neatly when stretched during sewing, especially near the edge. Common culprits of wavy hems include:

Using a straight stitch on stretch fabric

Pulling or guiding the fabric too tightly

High-pressure foot pressure

No stabilizer or interfacing

Hemming without supporting the edge

✅ How to Fix or Prevent a Wavy Hem

Use the Right Stitch

Switch from a straight stitch to:

A zigzag stitch (2.5 width, 2.5 length)

A lightning bolt stitch

A coverstitch machine if available

These stitches stretch with the fabric and prevent pulling.

Lower the Presser Foot Pressure

Most machines allow you to reduce pressure on the foot. Less pressure means less stretching of the fabric as it moves through.

Use a Walking Foot

A walking foot feeds the top and bottom layers of fabric evenly—no more tug-of-war.

Stabilize the Hem

Lightweight knit interfacing, wash-away tape, or stitch witchery can stabilize the hem and prevent distortion.

Press, Don’t Stretch

After sewing, press the hem with steam—don’t iron back and forth. Let the fabric relax and reshape under the heat.

Test First

Always sew a test hem on a scrap piece of your knit before committing to your garment. This will save you time and avoid unwanted surprises.

🧵 Sewing Tip of the Day

Stretch fabric is easiest to sew when the machine does the work. Don’t push or pull—guide gently and watch your results improve.

Wavy hems don’t have to ruin your knit projects. You can achieve clean, professional-looking hems — even on tricky stretch fabric —with a few adjustments to stitch type, pressure, and stabilizing tools.

Try these tips on your next project and say goodbye to the ripple effect!

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