How to Sew a ROUND HEM {Curved Hem} 4 Easy Ways

Sooner or later once you start sewing, you will need to sew a round hem. Circle and flared 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 how to sew a round hem.

round hem, how to sew a round hem, circle hem — How to Sew a Round Hem

How to Sew a Round Hem - Narrow Hems

There are 4 main ways to sew a narrow round hem. Use method 2 or 3 if you have a serger and methods 1 and 4 if you only have a regular sewing machine.

Bias tape - Best for thicker fabrics such as wool.
Serger with single folded hem - Best for fine fabrics that can't be easily pressed eg. polyester.
Serger with double folded hem - Best for fine fabrics that can be pressed eg. cotton voile.
Double folded hem with a regular sewing machine - Great for fine fabrics that can be pressed eg. cotton voile or silk.

I will also show you how to sew a wide hem that is circular or rounded but this is a method best left to more experienced sewers. Beginners should use one of the narrow hem styles above.

Method #1 - Round Hem with Bias

This method uses ½ inch (12mm) wide double fold bias and creates an attractive hem on all shapes of curved hems.

I used a contrast bias but you will get the best results by using a matching colored bias to your dress or skirt and matching thread.

Further Reading: How to make bias tape, Continuous bias tape

Step 1: Start by opening up one side of your bias and pinning it along the raw edge with the right sides together.

Step 2: Straight stitch the bias in the crease. This will be approximately ¼ inch (6mm) from the edge.

Step 3: Press the bias to the inside of your garment. The seam will be right on the edge.

Step 4: On the wrong side, stitch around the bias tape close to the top folded edge.

Method #2 - Round 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.

Step 1: Overlock around the circular edge of the fabric cutting off some of the seam allowances if necessary.

Step 2: Then press the edge up just one and stitch it in place on top of the overlocking stitch.

All done! If you have a serger then this is definitely the easiest of all the methods of creating round hems.

Method #3 - Round Hem with Serging & Folding

This is a great narrow hemming method that also works for gently curved circular hems.

Step 1: Overlock the raw edge of your skirt or dress.

Step 2: Press up the overlocked edge by the width of the stitches. Straight stitch along the bottom folded edge.

Step 3: Press the hem up again by the same amount and stitch on top of your row of stitches.

Method #4 - Round Hem with a Narrow Hem

This method is best for gently curved hems where you just have a regular sewing machine.

Step 1: Straight stitch around the circular hem ¼ inch (6mm) from the edge.

Step 2: Press up the hem along the stitched seam. The stitching forms a perforation in the fabric and helps you press it accurately.

Step 3: Then press the hem up again by the same amount.

Step 4: Stitch along the upper folded edge.

How to Sew a Round Hem - Wide Hems

Creating a wide circular hem is a little trickier and probably best left to intermediate to experienced sewers.

Step 1: With a long gathering stitch length, sew around your hem close to the raw edge. Gathering stitches should have a length of at least 4.0 (Read: how to gather)