Hem tape can be washed, but its durability depends on the type. Fusible hem tape holds through multiple machine washes if heat-sealed properly. Temporary or no-sew hem tapes may loosen after one or two washes. Always check the care label and use gentle wash cycles to extend adhesion.
When considering how long hemming tape lasts, the durability varies significantly. For instance, a $20 professional hemming job might seem worthwhile when you discover that most hem tapes won’t survive beyond 20 washings, even under ideal conditions. Additionally, the fabric type matters significantly—hem tape generally works better on cotton than polyester. Although some hem tape varieties come off nicely during washing, others seem to bond permanently with the fabric, potentially leaving dark oil-like stains on lighter garments.
What Happens When You Wash Hem Tape
The mixed results when washing hem tape often surprise many crafters and DIY enthusiasts. Let me share what actually happens to your hem tape in the laundry.
Why some hem tapes fail in the wash
Hem tape doesn’t always stand up to laundering for several key reasons. First, the adhesive quality varies significantly between products. Furthermore, improper application is a major culprit—insufficient heat during application or failing to hold the iron long enough can create weak bonds that quickly fail.
The fabric type makes a tremendous difference as well. Hem tape typically performs better on cotton fabrics compared to polyester. When the fabric weight exceeds what the tape was designed for, failure becomes almost inevitable. Moreover, if the fabric wasn’t completely clean or smooth during application, the adhesive simply won’t adhere properly.
How long does hemming tape last?
For true hemming tape designed as a permanent solution, longevity depends on multiple factors. Under ideal conditions, most hem tapes will survive fewer than 20 washings. Nevertheless, quality products applied correctly to appropriate fabrics can last quite a long time.
The reality is that even “permanent” hemming tape gradually degrades. The adhesive weakens with repeated exposure to water, detergents, and mechanical agitation. This is why many professionals recommend adding stitching over hem tape for items that will see frequent washing.
Does hemming tape come off in the wash?
Experiences vary dramatically. Some users report their hem tape holds up perfectly through multiple washes: “I’ve washed mine already, no problems”. Yet others have completely opposite results: “This is only good for temporary use… Will release in wash”.
Sometimes hem tape becomes crispy after washing and can cause hems to become wavy. In certain cases, the tape never fully dissolves despite multiple wash cycles, creating unsightly residue. Particularly concerning is that some users report permanent dark oil-like stains appearing on light-colored fabrics.
The consensus among experienced users is that hem tape should be considered semi-permanent at best. For items you treasure or plan to wash frequently, traditional sewing remains the more reliable option.
Factors That Affect Washability
Several critical factors determine whether your hem tape will survive in the wash. Understanding these elements can help you predict how well your hemming job will hold up over time.
Type of fabric used
Not all fabrics play nicely with hem tape. Cotton typically accepts hem tape better than polyester. Specifically, stretchy fabrics and knits pose significant problems because the tape cannot flex with the material, causing it to detach when stretched. Likewise, very fragile or lightweight fabrics may show adhesive bleed-through. Consequently, medium to heavy-weight fabrics generally yield the best results. Notably, natural fibers like linen, wool, and cotton may shrink in the first wash, potentially causing hem tape failure.
Age and quality of the tape
High-quality hem tape dramatically outperforms cheaper alternatives. First, while hem tape doesn’t technically have a shelf-life, storing it at room temperature away from direct sunlight helps maintain its adhesive properties. Even the best hem tapes, however, gradually degrade over time—especially with regular machine washing. In fact, the adhesive, though meant to be permanent, weakens through repeated exposure to water and detergents.
Ironing and application method
Proper application fundamentally determines hem tape durability. Importantly, the iron must be set to the correct temperature—typically between wool and cotton settings. The adhesive must be fully wet before pressing, and holding the iron in place long enough is crucial. Using a damp cloth between the fabric and iron helps the webbing bond properly. Additionally, stretching the hem or tape during application risks breaking the bond.
Washing temperature and detergent
How you wash items with hem tape substantially impacts longevity. Primarily, manufacturers recommend waiting 24 hours after application before washing. Subsequently, machine wash cold and dry on low heat to preserve the bond. Harsh detergents and strong spin cycles can weaken adhesive bonds prematurely. Finally, repeated or excessive ironing after washing should be avoided to prevent damaging the adhesive.
How to Improve Hem Tape Durability
Maximizing the longevity of hem tape requires proper preparation and careful maintenance throughout the garment’s life. By following these strategies, you can significantly improve how well your hem tape withstands repeated washing.
Pre-wash fabric before applying tape
First and foremost, always pre-wash your fabric before applying hemming tape. This crucial step ensures any potential shrinkage happens before you hem the item. As a result, your hem will remain properly positioned after subsequent washes. Initially, avoid using fabric softener during pre-washing as it impairs the bonding solution, causing the tape to attach less strongly. Pre-washing also eliminates dust and dirt that accumulates during fabric storage and transport, creating a cleaner surface for better adhesion.
Use high-quality, washable hem tape
Not all hem tapes perform equally in the wash. Therefore, specifically look for products labeled “washable” or “machine washable”. Quality hemming tape is deliberately manufactured to withstand laundering. Indeed, investing in premium hem tape might cost more upfront but saves money and frustration by lasting through more wash cycles. Many professional-grade options are colorfast and suitable for most fabric types.
Reinforce with stitching if needed
Hemming tape alone may not match the durability of traditional sewn seams, yet combining both methods creates superior results. Consider adding strategic stitching to reinforce areas subject to stress or frequent movement. Accordingly, specialized seam reinforcement tapes can provide additional structure while maintaining a soft feel, particularly beneficial for performance wear and outerwear applications.
Avoid high heat in washer and dryer
Temperature control remains essential for preserving hem tape integrity. Hence, always wash in cold water and dry on low heat settings. Extreme temperatures dramatically affect adhesive qualities—cold environments make adhesive less tacky while hot conditions cause it to become too soft. For optimal care:
- Wash in cold water only
- Dry on low heat or air dry
- Iron on appropriate heat settings (check tape packaging)
Remember that even properly applied hem tape gradually weakens through repeated exposure to water and detergents.
Alternatives to Hem Tape That Wash Better
Looking beyond traditional hem tape reveals several washable alternatives that offer superior performance. If you’ve been frustrated with hem tape that fails in the wash, these options might be your solution.
Washable glue sticks
Washable school glue sticks have become a surprising favorite among sewers and crafters. Unlike traditional hemming tape that often comes off in the wash, these glue sticks typically dissolve completely during laundering without gumming up needles.
I’ve found that Elmer’s washable glue sticks (the purple ones that dry clear) work exceptionally well for temporarily holding fabric in place before stitching. Simply apply the glue, fold the fabric, and press with an iron to speed drying. The key is letting the glue dry completely before stitching.
For best results when washing:
- Use warm water, not cold
- Set a longer wash cycle
- Add regular detergent
Hand sewing or machine stitching
In contrast to adhesive solutions, traditional stitching remains the gold standard for washability. Hand sewing or machine stitching creates bonds that withstand countless launderings without degradation.
Even though hemming tape provides a clean finish without visible stitches, sewn seams consistently outperform adhesives in durability, especially with frequent washing or heavy wear. Most importantly, stitching works with virtually all fabric types, including those that adhesives struggle with like thick, stretchy, or textured materials.
Stitch Witchery and fusible web
Stitch Witchery is a specialized fusible bonding web designed specifically for fabric applications. Unlike basic hem tape, it’s manufactured to be machine washable and dry cleanable.
This product comes in various weights (ultra-light, regular, and super) for different fabric types. The ultra-light version works well with delicate silks, regular weight suits cottons and linens, while super weight handles heavy wools.
For proper application, place Stitch Witchery between fabric layers, cover with a damp press cloth, and iron at the “wool” setting for 10 seconds on each side. Considering that fusion occurs through steam heat, this creates bonds that typically last through multiple wash cycles.
Temporary solutions for muslins or crafts
For projects requiring only temporary adhesion, several options exist:
- Double-sided tape works for quick fixes but won’t survive washing
- Temporary fabric glue sticks like Aleene’s are specifically designed for fabric
- Removable spray adhesives work well for positioning appliqués before permanent attachment
Given that washability isn’t always the priority, hot glue guns can even work for certain applications, provided you test them first on an inconspicuous area.
Conclusion
Hem tape certainly offers a convenient alternative to traditional sewing, though its washability remains questionable under many circumstances. Throughout my testing and research, I’ve found that results vary dramatically based on multiple factors. Most importantly, the quality of hem tape significantly impacts its longevity – expect fewer than 20 washes from even the best products.
Fabric choice plays an equally crucial role. Cotton fabrics generally bond better with adhesive tapes, while synthetic or stretchy materials often lead to disappointing results. Additionally, proper application techniques make all the difference between hems that stay put and those that fail after one wash.
You can undoubtedly extend your hem tape’s lifespan. Pre-washing fabrics, selecting high-quality washable tapes, and following proper application procedures help create stronger bonds. Likewise, gentle washing in cold water followed by low-heat drying preserves adhesive integrity much longer.