Hem tape is a type of fusible adhesive which is designed to be used to hem and take in garments. Using hem tape is relatively easy, and it requires much less work than creating a traditional hem, making it appealing to some crafters and costume makers. Many fabric and sewing supply stores carry hem tape, and this product can also be ordered through specialty retailers.

To use hem tape, people prepare a garment for hemming as they would normally, testing the length, cutting off excess length, marking it, and pinning it. However, before the hem is folded over and pinned, hem tape is slipped inside. Instead of sewing the hem, the hem is pressed with a warm iron which activates the adhesive in the hem tape, drawing the hem together and creating a neat, crisp hem.

For people in a hurry to make a hem, hem tape can be very convenient, allowing them to quickly hem a garment. Hem tape can also be used to make a temporary hem, where durability is not quite as important, which is why it appeals to some costumers. Some companies even design hem tape to be removable, typically by being heated or steamed, so that hems can be reset if they are not satisfactory.

In addition to being used to make a new hem, hem tape can also be used to repair a loose hem. Many hems start to lose stitches in high stress areas over time, and hem tape can be used for a quick repair to ensure that the loose stitches don't keep unraveling, potentially causing the whole hem to fall apart. Some people also use hem tape to take garments in, creating quick and dirty darts with the assistance of hem tape.

Hem tape can also be used to hold a hem until someone has a chance to sew it. This allows crafters to test a hem before finalizing it by sewing it in place, and it can be helpful with slippery or heavy fabrics which tend to pull out of place while they are sewn, as the hem will be firmly held while the material is sewn together.

Hem tape comes in various widths, suitable for hems of different sizes, and it also comes in different strengths. It is important to use the right hem tape with the right fabric, as lightweight hem tapes designed for fabrics like cotton or silk will not fare well with heavyweight fabrics like corduroy or brocade. Width is also an important consideration, as one does not want hem tape to stick out, potentially scratching the wearer of a garment.