Hem Tape

Definition and Overview

Hem tape is a material used to fold hems on pants, skirts, dresses, and other garments to the required length and secure the folded-over section. For hemming at home, heat-bonding types that adhere with the heat of an iron are often used.

Adhesive types are characterized by the ability to temporarily or permanently secure a hem without stitching. On the other hand, some narrow industrial tapes are sewn on and used for hem reinforcement or edge finishing, so it is necessary to confirm the applications and fixing method.

Materials and Structure

Heat-bonding hem tape generally has a structure in which an adhesive that softens with heat is applied to a base material. Nonwoven fabrics and woven fabrics are used for the base material, and the hardness and conformity of the finished result vary depending on the type of adhesive, the thickness of the base material, and whether there is an adhesive surface.

In the case of woven base materials, weaves such as plain weave may be used, but not all hem tape can be called woven tape. For knit fabrics and stretch fabrics, check whether the specification follows the stretch.

• One-sided adhesive types are used by placing them inside the folded hem.
• Double-sided adhesive types have adhesive on both sides and bond two surfaces together.
• Sewing tapes do not have adhesive and are fixed with stitching.

How to Read Width and Specifications

Width is shown in millimeters and is selected according to the hem fold width, fabric thickness, and required adhesive area. If the tape is too wide relative to the fold width, the adhesive may bleed onto the front side or become visible from the hem edge.

Because tape is a flat narrow material, it is judged mainly by width, length, thickness, and bonding method rather than by thickness like cords. Before use, confirm the required yardage with extra allowance for the hem circumference.

Main Uses and How to Choose

The main use is garment length adjustment, but it is also used for temporary hem adjustment in stage costumes and filming costumes. For products intended to be washed, check in advance whether adhesive alone provides sufficient durability in the combination of fabric and tape.

Choose according to the fabric color, thickness, surface texture, stretch, and washing method. For thin fabrics or fabrics that show through easily, and for brushed or textured fabrics, it is important to test with scrap material to see whether the tape shadow shows on the front side and whether the adhesive surface bonds sufficiently.

• Test the adhesive condition on scraps of the actual fabric by varying temperature, time, and pressure.
• For wool, heat-sensitive synthetic fibers, and surface-treated materials, be careful of discoloration and changes in hand due to iron conditions.
• For stretch hems, apply without stretching the fabric and in its natural state to prevent waviness.

Differences from Similar Terms

Bias tape is tape used to wrap around and cover the edge of fabric, and its purpose differs from hem tape, which bonds the hem to shorten the length. Bias tape is suitable for finishing curved edges, while hem tape is mainly for securing folded hems.

Double-sided adhesive tape is a general term for adhesive materials used to bond two materials together. Hem tape includes double-sided adhesive types, but it is distinguished by specifications and uses intended for garment hem finishing and length adjustment. Seam tape is a material mainly used to cover seams and add waterproofing and other functions.

Frequently Asked Questions