topic Re: Whisper Knit Slacks in Fashion

Whisper Knit Slacks

Boston Babe — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 01:50:29 GMT

I just ordered another (third) pair of the whisper knit. I am 5'2 and find the peite still a little long. I am okay with rolling the waist band but I know others have had them hemmed but wondering how it is done?

I know how to hem/sew but usually take things to a seamstress. Does the seamstress hand stitch (not machine stitch) because you would not want to see the hem or call attention to it. In my case there would be no need to actually cut anything off - can't imagine you could even do.

Also how does everyone store? Currently I fold over a hanger, thinking hanging like other slacks they would grow. Any suggestions?

Re: Whisper Knit Slacks

sterling36 — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:55:19 GMT

Hi BB, I have not had the WK petite pants hemmed (they are the right length for me), but I have had the WK skirts hemmed. My seamstress actually takes the length off of the waistband not the hem. And yes, she does use a machine to do this. She takes the elastic out and folds the waistband down to the make the skirt the right length, sews in a new waistband, and then puts the elastic back. Not sure if you can do the same with the pants because of the rise, but you might want to think about it.

Re: Whisper Knit Slacks

GraceCO — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:19:45 GMT

On 10/9/2014 Boston Babe said:
I just ordered another (third) pair of the whisper knit. I am 5'2 and find the peite still a little long. I am okay with rolling the waist band but I know others have had them hemmed but wondering how it is done?

I know how to hem/sew but usually take things to a seamstress. Does the seamstress hand stitch (not machine stitch) because you would not want to see the hem or call attention to it. In my case there would be no need to actually cut anything off - can't imagine you could even do.

Also how does everyone store? Currently I fold over a hanger, thinking hanging like other slacks they would grow. Any suggestions?

Boston Babe, I actually hang my WKs, and I haven't noticed any stretching. But, you may get other advice here to fold them and store them that way to prevent any lengthening.

Re: Whisper Knit Slacks

HAPPY LADY — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 16:24:44 GMT

HI Boston Babe, I have two methods for hemming knits and in particular WK pants and WK skirts. I have done both with wonderful results that also hold up to shoe straps etc. First method is to try on pants and establish finished length you want and press this hem to a sharp fold. On the inside pin horizontal about 5/8" down from "raw" edge, pinning through both layers. Fold raw edge back and do a running tack and knot every third stitch, catching the inside of hem and inside of pant or skirt. Do not pull thread tight; this will allow knit to move and not show stitching on outside. Also doing this stitch on the inside of the hem protects from shoes pulling on the thread and possibly breaking the thread. I have a home in Italy and buy European clothing on occasion and this second method is how they hem knits. This method uses hem binding; comes in rectangle packages, ribbon is about 1/2" wide and looks sort of like poor quality ribbon; rayon?. They hand stitch this to the end of the knit with a stitch over stitch, which gives it stretch and then they hand stitch the edge of the binding to the inside of the pant or skirt. This method gives you a very flat finish. Both work fine. Giving the finish length fold a good pressing before you start sewing gives a beautiful hem. Also, do not start hemming until the knit is cool; this keeps from stretching(all of the steam moisture is gone). Some on this forum have mentioned they prefer the finished edge that comes off the knitting machines and that is nice but turning a hem gives you a little more weight and keeps the bottom edge of pants or skirt from "caving in towards the legs". Hope this wasn't confusing.

I fold my wk skirts and pants and lay on a shelf.

Re: Whisper Knit Slacks

Maxine49 — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 19:08:29 GMT

On 10/10/2014 HAPPY LADY said:
HI Boston Babe, I have two methods for hemming knits and in particular WK pants and WK skirts. I have done both with wonderful results that also hold up to shoe straps etc. First method is to try on pants and establish finished length you want and press this hem to a sharp fold. On the inside pin horizontal about 5/8" down from "raw" edge, pinning through both layers. Fold raw edge back and do a running tack and knot every third stitch, catching the inside of hem and inside of pant or skirt. Do not pull thread tight; this will allow knit to move and not show stitching on outside. Also doing this stitch on the inside of the hem protects from shoes pulling on the thread and possibly breaking the thread. I have a home in Italy and buy European clothing on occasion and this second method is how they hem knits. This method uses hem binding; comes in rectangle packages, ribbon is about 1/2" wide and looks sort of like poor quality ribbon; rayon?. They hand stitch this to the end of the knit with a stitch over stitch, which gives it stretch and then they hand stitch the edge of the binding to the inside of the pant or skirt. This method gives you a very flat finish. Both work fine. Giving the finish length fold a good pressing before you start sewing gives a beautiful hem. Also, do not start hemming until the knit is cool; this keeps from stretching(all of the steam moisture is gone). Some on this forum have mentioned they prefer the finished edge that comes off the knitting machines and that is nice but turning a hem gives you a little more weight and keeps the bottom edge of pants or skirt from "caving in towards the legs". Hope this wasn't confusing.

I fold my wk skirts and pants and lay on a shelf.

Thanks for the advice. Now, do tell---where in Italy?

Re: Whisper Knit Slacks

lavendar — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 20:06:05 GMT

I just took three pair of WK pants to be shortened. The petite was too long on me also. I have no idea how my seamstress shortens them but she's very skilled and in a high end neighborhood. She does a lot of Eileen Fisher. She was so impressed that she wanted the website and info. I've put on some weight since I bought them but they are still comfortable. I rarely get petites because I'm long waisted and do not have the usual rise for petites.

Go to a real tailor or seamstress. I could have saved some money by going to the local cleaners that does alterations. If you don't know where to go I'd ask in a boutique near you for a recommendation.

Re: Whisper Knit Slacks

lavendar — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 20:08:14 GMT

I should add: they look exactly the same as when they were longer when I pick them up.