How to Sew the Hem Band (View A)

Are you making View A for your Jarrah sweater? Well, we’re going to finish it up today! All that’s left to do is sew the hem band. View A uses a hem band. The pattern recommends using a ribbing fabric for that perfect, traditional sweatshirt feel. But you can also use the same fabric as the body of your sweater, or another jersey knit fabric. Either way, the steps below are what you need to complete your look. So let’s get going!

Place your two hem band pieces right sides together, lining up the shorter ends.

Sew 1/4″ (6mm) from the raw edge on both ends using a zig zag stitch or serger.

Press the seams open or to the side.

Fold the band in half lengthwise with wrong sides together, enclosing the seams. Match up the seam lines and line up the raw edges.

Press well.

Place pins or markings at 4 spots – the 2 side seams and the center front and center back notches.

On the sweater, pin or mark the center front and center back at the hem.

Place the hem band on top of the right side of the sweater, lining up the raw edges (there will be 3 layers – the two layers of the band and the one layer of the sweater). Match up the side seams and center front and center back notches. Pin in place around the entire band.

Sew in place 1/4″ (6mm) from the raw edge using a zig zag stitch or serger. Or if you’re like me: both. Sew with a zig zag stitch and finish the edge with a serger.

Flip the hem band down and press the seam allowance towards the sweater body. Press very well! Your band will most likely be a little wavy and not laying flat straight off the sewing machine. Pressing it well will help it lay flat.

Optional: you can topstitch close to the seam (on the sweater, not the band) using a zig-zag stitch or twin needle. This can help keep the seam flat and just provides a nice touch.