How to Use Leonis Iron-on No-Sew Hem Tape

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to hem your clothes without sewing?

Leonis Instant Hem Tape is the perfect solution! This innovative product makes it possible to perfectly hem garments and home decor items without sewing. It’s a great alternative to a fusible web tape that can appear stiff in hems.

You’ll love how easy it is to use Leonis Hem Tape. Very easy to apply, durable and you don’t have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors so you can choose the perfect one for your project.

This tutorial is sponsored by LEONIS SHIRTS & FAVORITES. 

Benefits of Leonis Instant Hem Tape

I bet you didn’t hear about this hemming tape before.

The Leonis hem tape is made from knitted polyester threads with polyamide fibers woven into the material. For us as users this is not really important; what we really need to know is how to use it.

The iron-on instant hem tape hems and seals the raw fabric edge in one quick action. This is especially useful when you are short on time or just looking to create a quick fix that gives your clothing a professional hem finish.

This hemming fabric tape creates a much more flexible hem than common non-woven fusible web tapes that usually harden the fabric.

The Leonis tape blends smoothly into the fabric to create natural-looking hemlines with 6 different color choices available to match different items of clothing.

I’ve tried many other types of iron-on hem tape, but the Leonis Instant Hem Tape seems the best. But ONLY IF YOU USE IT CORRECTLY!

However, before you use this product look into the fabric from which your garment is made to ensure that the tape is safe and appropriate for the fabric and works best for you. You want to make sure it will work with the fabric of your clothes and not come off after a few hours of wear or after the first washing.

This is especially helpful if you buy clothes online but don’t know how they will fit until they arrive at your doorstep. Now there are no more excuses when it comes to having perfectly fitting clothes.

Leonis hem tape is also fusible.

Leonis instant hem tape can be a lifesaver.

Note: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means I will receive a commission if you order a product through one of my links. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself. 

You can buy this tape on Amazon or on Leonis web site directly. Leonis also has an array of other helpful things they call Apparel Support Tools.

This tape is available in 6 different colors.

You can also get it in various lengths: 5.5 yards or 11 yards, depending on what you need. You can use this tape on many common types of fabrics, including denim, polyester, wool, linen, and blends. Plus, it works great on both men’s and women’s clothing!

How to use Leonis Iron-on Hem Tape to hem pants | step-by-step instructions

Let me show you how it works.

With just one roll of this high-quality hem tape, you can quickly fix up a pair of pants that need to be altered.

Just follow these simple steps below and read the directions carefully.

First of all, you might need to undo the original hem of the pants you are fixing. Just use a seam ripper: carefully rip the thread all the way around the hem. Unfold the hem completely and iron it flat to remove the crease.

#1. Measuring the Desired length

Measure and cut the pants to the desired length.

Have in mind that the hem width on pants is usually 1 inch or 1 ¼ inch.

You need to make a fold line for the hem.

On my pants, I decided to make the hem 1 ¼ inches.

So to find the fold line, I measure 2.5 inches from the cut line and mark this line with a fabric marker.

Next, I fold the hem making sure the fabric edge is aligned with the marked line. Use pins to mark the fold.

✅ Related tutorial: Types of sewing pins and their uses: all you need to know about straight pins for sewing

This will be a single-fold hem, not a double-fold hem. Make sure you have exactly the same width of the hem around the pant leg.

#2. Adjusting the pant leg width at the bottom

This step is optional and a bit tricky. It means sometimes you don’t have to do it but there are times when you need to do it.

What am I talking about? Let me explain (and you better check your pants before proceeding to hem them).

It often happens that the pants’ legs are narrowing at the hem. In this case, the bottom line is smaller in size than the upper hemline. This is ok when you wear the pants but when hemming we need a flat hem so we need to make sure the upper hemline is equal in length to the bottom one.

So if you fold the fabric at the new hem line you will see that the raw fabric edge is smaller than the width of the pant leg in that place. You will need to adjust this if you want to hem your pants correctly.

Increase the size of the bottom line to match the width of the upper hemline. For this, rip the end of the side seam, about 1 – ½ inch from the bottom, and adjust the fabric as you see in the images below.

Do the same with both pant legs. Make sure that both pant legs are even. 

#3. Measuring and cutting hem tape 

So, the pants are folded along the new fold line and pinned in a few places. Now press the fold line with a hot iron.

You have to know the fabric from what your pants are made of because irons have different settings for different fabrics.

Remove the pins after pressing and press one more time. You can use a steam iron to make the crease.

Measure and cut hem tape making sure you have enough tape to go all the way around the hem with a little extra at the end to overlap (about ¼ inch).

Cut the frayed threads before proceeding. 

✅ Related tutorial: Cutting Tool For Sewing: Ultimate Guide

#4. Soaking hem tape

Soak the Leonis hem tape in water for a few seconds before you apply it over the area you want to be hemmed. Soaking will help to increase the temperature and pressure during ironing, activating the adhesive. Squeeze out the water. Just make sure that the tape is completely wet. Otherwise, it will not work.

This step is different from any other iron-on hemming tape I used before.

#5. Attaching iron-on hem tape

Place the hemming tape on your hem with the fusible side down.

The Leonis hem tape has only one side that’s fusible and you have to make sure that this adhesive side is placed on the hem. If you make a mistake you will make your iron dirty. If you do make a mistake, just take a rag and iron it. The adhesive should come right off. But don’t worry, it’s very easy to find the right side because it has white shiny threads on the adhesive side.

Now, what iron setting to use?

The manufacturer recommends using 150 degrees Celsius iron temperature. It means 302 degrees Fahrenheit. But I have never seen an iron that shows temperature in degrees, we all use irons with silk, wool, cotton, and linen settings, right?

Moreover, irons differ widely in the temperatures they produce at any given setting (at least that was my experience).

Most likely, the recommended setting is for WOOL (and polyester) but you should try the setting before using it.

So, set your iron to medium heat.

✅ Related tutorial: Best iron for sewing – all you need to know for choosing an iron for sewing and quilting

My pants are made from cotton fabric so I don’t need to use a pressing cloth. But if your pants are made from polyester, rayon, or some other fabric, it’s recommended to use a pressing cloth.

If you use a pressing cloth, set the iron temperature a little higher, somewhere between wool and cotton. Make sure your garment can withstand the heat.

Press with the iron (with or without steam) for 10 seconds. Don’t move the iron back and forth, just press for 10 seconds.

You would see some steam coming out from under the iron. It’s normal because the hem tape was wet.

Wait for it to cool down before testing adhesion.

You will see that the hem is soft and flexible, not stiff in the least.

Must-follow tips on using Leonis Hem Tape correctly

You must use the Leonis Iron-on Hem Tape correctly, so here’s what not to do:

Each tool must be used for the purpose it was designed for. You would not use a hammer to insert a screw, would you? In a similar fashion, hem tape is very useful for a fast, easy and beautiful no-sew hem but sewing is the more permanent option.

I have received feedback from some users (not many) that the tape was excellent in the beginning but after a number of washes it started to fail. The tape was not intended for use on items that will be washed frequently and it is obvious that will be less strong than a good stitch.

But for the right application, it does work wonders. One example of usage is below: curtains. The curtains are not washed or cleaned frequently so the hem tape is going to last a very long time.

Using Leonis Iron-on Hem Tape for Curtains

I know how frustrating it can be when your new curtains don’t fit right. That’s why I want to help you hem them without sewing so they look perfect in no time!

Leonis Iron-on Hem tape is a great alternative to traditional sewing and will give your curtains the same look as if they were sewn on by hand. It’s easy, quick, and affordable – what more could you ask for?

And because it’s made from fabric, hem tape blends seamlessly with your curtain panels so there’s no visible stitching or marks left behind. You’ll love the finished product.

Now let me show you how to hem curtains without sewing using Leonis hem tape.

I am going to use beige color tape this time.

1. Measure and cut the curtains to the desired length.

2. Fold the fabric along the fold line, pin the hem in place, and press. This will be again a single-fold hem, not a double-fold hem. The good thing about this hemming tape is that we don’t care if the raw hem edge is fraying. This edge will be fully covered with tape. But nevertheless, to cut the frayed threads, it’s better to use a clean-cut edge.

Make sure that your iron heat setting is appropriate for your curtain fabric.

My curtains are made from cotton fabric so I use the cotton setting.

3. Cut the Leonis hem tape to the desired length. Make sure you have enough tape to go all the way along the hem.

4. Soak the Leonis hem tape in water for a few seconds before you apply it over the area you want to be hemmed. Squeeze out the water. Just make sure that the tape is completely wet.

5. Place the wet hemming tape on your hem along the cut edge with the fusible side down.

The Leonis hem tape has only one side that’s sticky and you have to make sure that this adhesive side is placed on the hem. But it’s very easy to find the right side: do you see these shiny white threads? They are fusible and make this tape sticky.

6. Set the iron on medium heat (I put mine between wool and cotton in this case). Press down firmly for 10 seconds all around with the iron. Don’t move the iron back and forth, just press for a few seconds.

Wait for it to cool down before testing adhesion.

Using Leonis Iron-on Hem Tape for a dress hem

Do you have a dress that’s too long and don’t know how to hem it?

Leonis hem tape is the perfect solution for quickly hemming dresses without sewing. It’s easy to use and makes your dress look professionally hemmed in just minutes.

Now let me show you how to hem a dress without sewing using Leonis iron-on hem tape. I am going to use white hem tape for my dress.

1. Measure and cut the dress to the desired length.

2. Fold the fabric along the fold line, pin the hem in place, and press. This will be again a single-fold hem, not a double-fold hem.

Make sure that your iron heat setting is appropriate for your dress fabric.

I have made my dress from cotton fabric so I use the cotton setting.

3. Cut the Leonis hem tape to the desired length.

Make sure you have enough tape to go all the way along the hem with a little extra.

4. Soak the Leonis hem tape in water for a few seconds before you apply it over the area you want to be hemmed. Squeeze out the water. Just make sure that the tape is completely wet.

5. Place the wet hemming tape on your hem along the cut edge with the fusible side down.

The Leonis hem tape has only one side that’s sticky and you have to make sure that this adhesive side is placed on the hem.

6. Set the iron on medium heat (I put mine between wool and cotton in this case). Press down firmly for 10 seconds all around with the iron. Don’t move the iron back and forth, just press for a few seconds.

Wait for it to cool down before testing adhesion.

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Leonis Instant Hem Tape is a great product for hemming clothes and home decor items quickly, without sewing. It’s fast, simple, and saves you from bringing out the sewing machine. If you’re looking for the perfect solution to hemming things without sewing, be sure to give this tape a try.

What do you think? Have you ever used hem tape? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Did you find this tutorial helpful? If so, save this pin (see below) on your sewing board so you can come to this tutorial later when you need this information on using hemming tape, and follow me on Pinterest for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration!

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