Are you just starting to sew? Here I shall show you 5 ways how to sew a hem with a sewing machine. Different methods suit different fabrics and hem shapes, so keep reading to start your sewing journey.
HOW TO SEW A HEM – 5 WAYS
1. Doule Fold Hem
- This is one of the most commonly used in sewing patterns. It is easy to do and gives a nice professional finish on most items
- First, fold the raw edge over by 1/4 inch (6mm) and then fold it over again by the hem allowance. Most common in my sewing patterns is to press it over again by 1/2 inch (12mm)
- Stitch close to the open folded edge with a matching bobbin.
- Great for straight hem shapes.
2. Narrow Rolled Hem
- This is used for lightweight fabrics particularly on blouses.
- Great for hemming curved edges such as those found on circular skirts.
- Turn up the raw edge by 1/4 inch (6mm) then turn it up again 1/4 inch (6mm).
- You can also get machine feet that will automatically turn up the edge by 1/8 inch (3mm) or 1/4 inch (6mm).
- Read how to use a rolled hem foot
- Read 2 ways to sew a narrow hem without a rolled hem foot.
3. Bias Tape Hem
- Great for thick fabrics where creating a rolled hem would be too bulky
- Stitch the bias tape to the right side of the fabric. Then turn the hem up and stitch the other side of the bias tape to the inside of the garment either by hand or machine.
- Read how to sew single fold bias tape
4. Blind Hem
- A blind hem is invisible (or almost invisible) from the right side of the fabric. You often see it on the bottom of slacks.
- Normally used for wider straight hems such as pant legs and skirt bottoms.
- You can sew this with a blind hem stitch on most sewing machines with or without a special foot.
- Read how to stitch a blind hem with your machine.
5. Zig-zag or Overlocked Hem
- This is great for most fabrics and particularly bulky or hard to press fabrics.
- Zig-zag or serge (overlock) the raw edge and then press it up once by the hem allowance. Stitch across on top of the finished edge.
- Also great for sewing curved edges.
Do you have any other hemming methods you like to use? Please share below.
HOW TO SEW HEMS
- PART 1 – GENERAL HEMS – How to sew a hem – 5 Types of Hems
- PART 2 – NARROW HEMS – How to sew a narrow rolled hem – with your regular foot
- PART 3 – NARROW HEMS – How to use a rolled hem machine foot
- PART 4 – WIDE HEMS – How to sew wide hems 5 ways
- PART 5 – CIRCULAR HEMS – How to sew circular hems
- PART 6 – BLIND HEMS – How to sew a blind hem with a blind hem foot
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