The cuffs of my shirts are really getting ragged. The rest of each shirt is fine
By writersedge
@writersedge (22563)
United States
November 29, 2011 9:15am CST
What would you do to fix the ragged edges of my shirts? They're long-sleeved polo shirts that I've had since a couple of years now. I can't see throwing them away. It's just the vary edges of the cuffs that are ragged looking. All I can think of is to sew bias tape on them. But I think that would look like garbage and show my poor sewing skills. Any other ideas out there for me?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@GardenGerty (157622)
• United States
1 Dec 11
Since they are probably rib knit, be sure to stretch them a little as you stitch them, then the stitches will not pop when you put your hand through. I never have anything long enough to turn under. I have been known to cut the cuffs off completely leaving the serged edge on the shirt.
1 person likes this
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
30 Nov 11
That is in my ability level. Wish suggestion 1 and 2 were in my ability levels, but they aren't. This one is. I can turn under, iron, whip stitch. For just around the house clothes, that works for me.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (159227)
• Boise, Idaho
30 Nov 11
Turn them down alittle and put a hem in. Or add some braiding around it. I think they call the stuff I am talking about 'facing'. You can make it very ornate or rather plane.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
30 Nov 11
I'd do the braid thing, but whatever keeps "taking a bite out of" the cuffs or I hook them on or however they got that way, I think the braids would be a mess in no time. They're just "bang around" clothes for home. If it happens to my suit shirts for work, I might consider it. Thanks and take care.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157622)
• United States
1 Dec 11
Get some sock weight yarn and crochet a simple edge around them and the collars then it will be a designer touch. They come in pretty variegated colors and perhaps you could get one skein that would go on two or three shirts. I am in this process with a sweater that had pretty trim that got raggedy. You probably need to stretch them a little as you crochet and then it will ruffle a little.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
1 Dec 11
It's an idea. I don't really know how to crochet. I do a single chain, but not very tight. I have so many shirts with problem cuffs, 5 now, I could probably try different things.
If I had lots of time and could sew well, I think #1 above was a good idea.
Who knew there were so many ways to save cuffs? Thanks and take care.
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
29 Nov 11
What I have done in the past is carefully unpick the stitching till you remove the cuff then sew it back on hiding the ragged edge by sewing it back to the sleeve. Now you have a new cuff. Good Luck.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
29 Nov 11
That's an interesting concept. Just checked. The serging on the base of this is unbelievable. It would take me a "month of Sundays" (espression in my area) witha seem ripper -if I could find mine- to just undo it. If it wasn't serged, I might be tempted. I might still do it if I get a day with lots of snow, nowhere to go, but that's asking a lot.
I think that might be my last resort. Ideal if it wasn't serged, but I think I'll see what other people come up with.
@Shar19 (8231)
• United States
29 Nov 11
I'm not very good at fixing clothes. I can sew a simple rip but that is about it. I guess you could hem it a little to make it look better. I think I would just use them for rags and buy some new ones though. There are a bunch of sales for those types of shirts going on right now.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
30 Nov 11
With only the cuffs messed up a little, use for rags? Can't afford to buy 5 shirts even on sale. These are my "home clothes" not my teaching ones. Can't afford to replace them right now. Had 1/2 day of subbing in two weeks, that's it.
