Hello! Welcome back to Peekaboo Pattern Shop! Today I’m bringing you a tutorial on how to hem a circle skirt in both woven and knit. Are you tired of your circle skirt being too long or uneven? It's frustrating when something as simple as the hemming of a skirt can ruin its entire look. Hemming a circle skirt can be tricky, but it's not impossible. In this post, we will guide you through the process step-by-step and teach you how to hem a circle skirt like a pro. We will cover everything from understanding the basics of hemming to choosing the appropriate technique for your fabric

While some will give you tips for hand sewing, this tutorial will show you how to hem a circle skirt with a serger / sewing machine.

How to Hem a Circle Skirt in Woven or Knit Fabric

Tools Needed to Put a Finished Hem On a Knit Fabric Circle Skirt

For my example on how to hem a knit circle skirt, I used the Madeline Peplum Top. The Madeline has a variety of options – including a fish tail dress, circle skirt dress, and circle skirt peplum.

The tools and notions I use when hemming a knit circle skirt are Best Press, Wash Away Wonder Tape, and a Dritz Ezy-Hem Gauge.

Instructions for Hemming Knit Circle Skirts

Step 1: When hemming a knit circle skirt, first serge around the bottom with the differential turned up just slightly. I find it helps my hem lay flatter. Next, using the curved edge of my hem gauge, press the hem up while also using Best Press spray starch.

Step 2: After pressing, apply Wonder Tape to the edge of the hem. Next, peel off the paper backing and finger-press the hem back into place.

Step 3: Then stitch around the hemline using your favorite stretch stitch. I chose to use the lightning bolt stitch on my machine this time.

Step 4: After sewing, press the hem again. You’re done! That’s really all you need to do when hemming a circle skirt with knit fabric. Of course there's other ways to hem a circle skirt. You could put a rolled hem, invisible hem, or a more narrow hem or wide hem if you want. There are lots of options but our purpose today was to show you a nice easy method for how to hem a circle skirt with knit fabric.

How to Hem a Circle Skirt: Sewing Woven Circle Skirts

Now onto hemming woven skirts! For my example, I’m using the Wildflower Dress with a twirl skirt. I have found the easiest way to hem a woven circle skirt is with single-fold bias tape. For this example, I’m using store-bought bias tape, but homemade bias tape can be used as well. If you’re looking to make your own bias tape then take a look at our tutorial HERE.

Step 1: Attach the bias tape to the right side of the skirt using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave the first two inches of bias tape unattached.

Step 2: When you reach the end of the skirt, fold under the final end of the bias tape and overlap it with the beginning to cover the raw ends.

Step 3: After the bias tape is stitched all the way around the right side of the skirt, iron the bias tape to the wrong side of the skirt.

Step 4: Finally, top stitch making sure to catch the edge of the bias tape. I top stitched with a 3/8″ seam allowance.

Step 5: Using the bias tape method will leave a slightly longer skirt than the pattern is designed for because the entire hem allowance isn’t being folded up.

If you prefer a shorter skirt, trim the skirt before attaching the bias tape. The bias tape also adds a fun pop of color along the inside of the skirt.

How can I ensure that my hem is even all around the circle skirt?

To ensure an even hem all around a circle skirt, start by hanging the skirt for a few days to allow the fabric to settle. Then, use a measuring tape to mark a consistent hem length from the waistband. Pin and baste the hem in place before stitching.

Conclusion

There you have it! Now you know how to hem a circle skirt when sewing with either knit or woven fabric. In conclusion, hemming a circle skirt requires attention to detail and the right technique. Make sure you have the necessary tools and follow the step-by-step guide to achieve a clean and professional finish. Remember, a well-hemmed circle skirt can enhance the overall look and drape of the garment, ensuring that you feel confident and stylish whenever you wear it. There are various hemming techniques but the ones we showed you today are nice and simple. They'll get the job done for a nice and easy skirt hem.

I hope this tutorial helps you to hem circle skirts more professionally. If you enjoyed this tutorial, you might also enjoy our tutorial on How to Sew a Blind Hem. As always, make sure to hop over to the Peek A Boo Pattern Shop Facebook group to share your creations or join our newsletter group with your email below! Also, take a look through some of our other tutorials while you’re here.