If the edges of your fabric roll up the moment you cut them, you’re almost certainly working with a knit — jersey, interlock, and most t-shirt fabrics curl by nature because of how the loops are built. It’s not a defect, but it makes cutting and sewing a headache. Here’s how to tame it.
Why knit edges curl
The stitches on the two faces of a knit pull in different directions, so a cut edge rolls toward one side. Woven fabrics don’t do this — so if a woven is curling, it’s usually distortion from being cut off-grain or needing a press.
How to stop it
- Starch or spray stabilizer. A good shot of spray starch (or a temporary stabilizer like Terial Magic) stiffens the fabric so it lies flat to cut and sew, then washes out.
- Press with steam before cutting to relax the curl, and handle the pieces as little as possible.
- Stay tape or fusible interfacing along edges you’ll sew (shoulders, necklines) stops them curling and stretching out.
- Finish the edge with a serger or zigzag as soon as you can — once it’s wrapped, it can’t roll.
- Cut with a rotary cutter and weights rather than lifting the fabric with scissors, so the edge has no chance to roll mid-cut.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my fabric curl at the edges?
Because it’s a knit — the loops on each face pull differently, so a cut edge rolls. It’s normal for jersey and t-shirt fabrics, not a flaw.
How do you flatten curling fabric?
Press with steam and apply spray starch or a temporary stabilizer so it lies flat. Stabilize sewing edges with stay tape, and finish them with a serger or zigzag.
How do you cut jersey without it curling?
Starch it first, lay it flat, and cut with a rotary cutter and pattern weights rather than scissors, so the edge never lifts and rolls.
