What causes the top hem of a sheet to crease after washing and drying?

Question

Every sheet set I have gets creases in the top hem of the top sheet.  No amount of ironing takes out the wrinkles.  Is there a solution?  (Not sure this is a DIY question.)

Redcatcec · Answer

Most sheets today are no ironing needed, just wash and dry. I have to admit I hang ours out on the line to dry and never a crease. Even in the dryer they don't crease, but we do use 2 tennis balls coated with diluted hair conditioner (as a fabric softener sheet substitute).

Since you have ironed them, maybe the heat from the Iron has caused a change in the finish, making them more susceptible to creasing in that area. That would be my best guess.

Suelane · Answer

I really have no answer, just an opinion - I think that the quality of the sewing causes this to happen. And it's not just a low price thing, higher priced sheets can do that, too. Perhaps when they fold over to make the top hem they do not make sure it is totally squared to the rest of the fabric so when it gets laundered it shifts and lays with wrinkles. I fold over the top hem when making the bed and then you can't see the wrinkles. Hope that helps.

Jean · Answer

I have no answer either, but this really bugs me. I've started tucking the hemmed end under the foot of the mattress. Even very expensive sheets do this and it ruins the look. My old sheets even tear on the crease lines after years of use, just when the sheet is old enough to be really soft.

27524803 · Answer

Most of the problem comes from the fabric manufacturer winding the fabric onto a roll... it stretches the fabric and makes it slightly crooked... (to see what I mean... take a look at a bolt of fabric in the store.. one side is always slightly off)... The manufacturer of the sheets, usually do not take the time to 'pull' the warp and weft of the fabric square before cutting.... and the hems are not usually pressed before stitching..... Also... the pressure foot on the sewing machine and the feed-dogs underneath are pulling in opposite directions.. to the fabric layers scoot in opposite directions... just try hemming a curtain, skirt or pants... to see this happen.... and no matter how much you pin or baste can avoid it. There are special sewing machine feet that do lift with every stitch.... but... you cannot sew very fast with them... and most manufacturers want speed... above all other considerations... especially for the more inexpensive stuff.

Saz27505508 · Answer

open the hem seam across the sheet and sew or glue seam stffening fabric inside the hem to keep it from shifting, re glue or sew and it will stay smooth for yrs; costs very little for the nice look it gives you.

Alan · Answer

I have only had this problem since owning a horizontal mounted tub … period. Never a problem with traditional agitator vertical drum washing machine. The facing on the flat sheets of all the sheets since then have gotten permanent creases in them. No amount of ironing (even when coming straight out of the washer) has put a dent in this problem.

What causes the top hem of a sheet to crease after washing and drying?

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What causes the top hem of a sheet to crease after washing and drying?

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