How to Sew a Split Hem Sweatshirt

Add a side split hem to your next tunic or sweatshirt!

Hey y’all, this month is going to be all about how to hack basic t-shirt patterns to add special details. Today I’m going to show you how to sew a split hem band. You can do this either with an even hem or with a high-low stepped hem like I did.

For this hack I started with the Blanc T-shirt (free in our Facebook group) and the Blanc Hack Pack for the sleeves and cuffs. I cropped 3 inches off the back of the shirt and 4 1/2 inches off the front. Then I measured the bottom edge of each and cut a band that was equal to those lengths in width and 4 1/2 inches tall. That made bands that were 1 1/2 inches tall when finished.

To start, sew the front band to the bottom of the front, and the back band to the bottom of the back.

Next, place the front and the back right sides together. Sew the shoulder seams. Then sew the side seams just to the band seam. If you’re doing a stepped hem, you’ll stop at the band seam for the front since it’s higher. Fold the bands right sides together and sew them at the sides as well, from the fold to the band/shirt seam.

Then turn the bands right side out. Press the band/shirt seams toward the band. Fold down the top raw edge of the bands to cover the seam allowance and pin.

Fold the extra side seam allowance on the back of the stepped hem toward the shirt. Then topstitch along the tops of the bands and over the extra seam allowances of the backs.

Follow the hack pack instructions for the sleeves and cuffs, and add a neckband using the neckband piece and you’re done!