No Sew Hack for Shortening Sleeves Using Iron-On Hemming Tape

Free Assembly Striped T-Shirt Bib Dress, size XS | Sam Edelman Bay Jelly Sandals in rose dust (review here) | Polene Cyme Mini in camel (review here)

It’s the end of summer but we’re still enjoying some warmer temperatures in Boston so I’m still wearing dresses while I can. I thought that the long and loose sleeves didn’t suit this dress so I used this $1.99 iron-on hemming tape from IKEA (they’re meant for hemming curtains) to shorten them to half sleeves. I actually had this iron-on hemming tape for years but I never used the package and I wanted to try using it to shorten the sleeves of this dress and the stripe top below. I first  ironed a crease in the sleeves before I committed to the length. After I was satisfied with the new sleeve length I ironed the hemming tape between the folds. Lastly, I cut off the excess fabric once I was done and the fabric has not frayed for the dress or the top. I used this mini iron since the sleeves are such a small area to iron with the tape.

I’ve washed the dress twice (once in cold wash and this weekend in hot water by accident) and so far the hemming tape has held up. I line dry/air dry my clothes so I can’t speak to how the hemming tape holds up if you put your clothes in the dryer.

Free Assembly Bib Placket Top, size XS | My exact jeans are old favorites from Ann Taylor (they make great denim) | Celine Pico Belt Bag | c/o Amazon The Drop Women’s Monika Flat H-Band Slide Sandal (true to size)

I thought this stripe top was really cute for all seasons but the original long sleeve length was awkward. I opted to shorten the sleeves to be 3/4 length for the top but you can see the original sleeve length here (as seen on the left side with my arm down).

I also bought this little Singer Quick Stitch machine and I hope to watch the YouTube tutorials (part 1, part 2 and part 3) so that I can sew and hem a few things easily. If I get the hang of it I will try to sew the sleeves so that I don’t have to worry about throwing things in the dryer and worrying whether the iron-on hemming tape will hold up in the heat.

If you like this post and want another no sew hack please check out my review of the micro stitch device here.

Thanks for stopping by!