Sooner or later once you start sewing, you will need to sew a circular hem. Circular skirts are flattering and fun to make and many blouse patterns have a gently curved bottom hem. Don’t be daunted! Here are 4 easy ways to sew a circular hem.
Method 1: How to sew a circular hem with bias
This method uses 1/2 inch (12mm) wide double fold bias and creates an attractive hem on all shapes of curved hems. You will get the best results by using a matching colored bias to your dress or skirt. Start by opening up one side of your bias and pinning it along the edge with right sides together.
Straight stitch along the bias in the crease approximately 1/4 inch (6mm) from the edge.
Press the bias to the inside of your garment. The seam will be right on the edge.
On the wrong side, stitch around the bias close to the top folded edge.
Method 2: How to sew a circular hem with serging
You will often see store bought garments with this finish on circular hems because it is one of the fastest methods and always gives good results. The only time I don’t like to use it is on sheer fabrics where the serging will show through to the right side.
Overlock around the circular edge of the fabric cutting off some of the seam allowance if necessary.
Then press the edge up just one and stitch it in place on top of the overlocking stitch.
Method 3: How to sew a circular hem with serging and double fold
This a great narrow hemming method that also works for gently curved circular hems. Overlock the raw edge of your skirt or dress.
Press up the overlocked edge by the width of the stitches. Straight stitch along the bottom folded edge.
Press the hem up again by the same amount and stitch on top of your row of stitches.
Method 4: How to sew a circular hem with a narrow double fold
This method is best for gently curved hems. Straight stitch around the circular hem ¼ inch (6mm) from the edge.
Press up the hem along the stitched seam. The stitching forms a perforation in the fabric and helps you press it accurately.
Then press the hem up again by the same amount. Stitch along the upper folded edge.
How to sew wide circular hems
Creating a wide circular hem is a little trickier and probably best left to intermediate sewers.
With a long gathering stitch length, sew around your hem close to the raw edge.
Pull the bobbin threads to gather the edge slightly. Then finish the hem as usual – how to sew a wide hem.
PRO TIP: Regardless of the method you have used to sew your circular hem, always finish by giving it a good press. Even if you have pressed during the construction process, a final press will help set your circular hem even flatter.
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HOW TO SEW HEMS
- PART 1 – GENERAL HEMS – 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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