I’m here to tell you that you can sew most anything on a basic sewing machine.
Nothing too fancy here for The Renegade Seamstress.
However, one of these days, I just know someone important in the sewing world is going to notice that I don’t have a serger and they are going feel compelled to give one to me.
Until then, I’ll just have to make due with my beautiful Genie from the 70’s, who, BTW, really rolls my socks up and down and if you missed how we met, you can read all about it here.
One of my favorite fabrics to sew with is knits. So forgiving, so stretchy and no special finishing needed on the seams.
Even though knits don’t fray and hemming isn’t always necessary, it’s a good idea to hem them anyway to give your special projects that professional, well-made look.
My favorite tool of the trade when sewing with knits…..
drumroll please…….
the double needle!
A double needle, sometimes called a twin needle is super easy to use and creates a beautiful, professional looking hem every time.
But even if you don’t have access to a double needle, there are several other ways to create a beautiful hem on your knit garment using a single needle and a regular sewing machine.
Check out my latest eHow article to learn three ways to hem knits using a regular sewing machine with and without a double needle.
The winner of The Refashion Handbook from last week’s article, How to Add Sleeves to a Sleeveless Dress, is Lynness Hawkes. Thank you for leaving such a nice comment over at eHow. Send your address to me at bhunting@eoni.com and I’ll send it out to you ASAP.
For more sewing and refashion inspiration, click here.
Happy Sewing!
Beth
The Renegade Seamstress 
Thanks! I’ve never sewn with a double needle, but you make it easy so I’ll have to try it! I never am content with my knit hems I sew..
I’m a longtime sewer without a serger and the double needle thing has probably done more to keep me from needing one. I bought a very basic one that I’ve had trouble fighting to learn and so don’t use but I’m reluctant to buy a cover stitch machine just to hem. I also use fusible tape under the stitching part of the hem and put woolly nylon on my bobbin. The hem is flat and professional and it has some stretch.
Brilliant! This is a great way to produce professional-looking hems. I’ve now bought a couple of double needles in different widths to use on various fabrics.
I’m still happy with my Sears Kenmore machine — my HS graduation gift in the 70s! Am going to try to find double needle now 🙂
I still don’t have a serger either! I didn’t know about the double needle. I love this lesson and will use this for sure. Thank you.
The twin needle. One of the most simple, best ever inventions for home sewing! I love them!
A great idea ! I’ll try it soon !
Gr8 ideas thanks for sharing
I have a basic machine as well and look forward to using this hem soon. Thank you for sharing.
Great job I love to create and creative people. Keep up the inspiring work.
What useful photos,thank you.
Thank YOU for taking the time to comment, Caroline. You brightened my day! Happy sewing!
I have the same sewing machine! Got it for my high school graduation present in 1974 and I still love it!
That is so neat Melanie! I’m still using this machine, too! It makes me happy just looking at it.
Your sewing machine sister,
Beth 😀