How to Sew a Narrow Rolled Hem Step by Step

A narrow hem is a professional-looking finish commonly used on lightweight fabrics and curved edges. Because the hem allowance is very small, it creates less bulk than a standard hem and helps delicate fabrics drape beautifully. Narrow hems are often used on blouses, scarves, ruffles, circular skirts, and garments made from chiffon, silk, voile, and rayon. In this tutorial, you’ll learn 3 easy ways to sew a narrow hem, including methods using a serger, a regular sewing machine, and a rolled hem foot. Each method creates a neat finish while preventing fraying and reducing puckering on curved edges.

Quick Guide: Choosing a Narrow Hem Method

A narrow hem is ideal for lightweight fabrics and curved hems where a standard hem would create too much bulk.

Method	Best For	Skill Level
Serger Narrow Hem	Lightweight fabrics and curved hems	Beginner
Sewing Machine Narrow Hem	Most lightweight woven fabrics	Beginner
Rolled Hem Foot	Fast hemming on straight or gently curved edges	Intermediate

If you’re a beginner, use the regular sewing machine method. It requires no special equipment and gives reliable results on most fabrics.

What Is a Narrow Hem?

A narrow hem is a hem with a finished width of approximately ⅛ inch to ¼ inch (3–6mm). Because the hem is so small, it creates a lightweight finish that works particularly well on delicate fabrics and curved edges. Narrow hems are often called rolled hems, although technically a rolled hem may also refer to a hem sewn with a serger or rolled hem foot. Read the complete how to sew a hem guide for beginners.

A narrow hem is commonly used for:

• Chiffon blouses
• Silk garments
• Circular skirts
• Scarves
• Ruffles
• Lightweight dresses

How to Sew a Narrow Hem (Step by Step)

This method of creating a narrow hem creates great results with no special tools or machine feet. It is best for beginners who just have a basic sewing machine.

Press up the edge by 3/8 inch (1cm) and stitch close to the bottom folded edge. Try and stitch as close to the edge as you can.

Trim close to the stitching line. You will need a small sharp pair of scissors as larger scissors can be hard to get close enough.

Fold over the hem again, creating a 1/8 inch (3mm) hem. (Or as close to that as you can.) Stitch over your first row of stitching. Give it all a good press, and you are all done!

Other Methods of Sewing a Narrow Hem

Narrow Hem with a Serger (Best for Curved Hems)

Stitch around your hem with your serger, only cutting off a minimum amount from the edge. If your hem is curved you can adjust your differential feed so it gathers very slightly. This will help ease in the curve when you turn the hem up in the next step.

Alternative: If you don’t have a serger you can use the overcast stitch function on your regular sewing machine. This gives a similar result but doesn’t cut the edge before sewing.

Fold the hem to the wrong side at the width of your stitches. You could press it over before stitching but I find it easier to just fold and stitch. Stitch with a straight stitch close to the folded edge.

Turn the edge over again and stitch on top of the first row of stitching. Give your edge a good press and you will see how accurate a hem this method gives.

Narrow Hem with a Rolled Hem Foot (Fastest Method)

The third method of sewing a narrow hem is to use a rolled hem foot (sometimes called a hemmer foot or narrow hem foot). This foot has a special curved channel that folds the hem and sews at the same time, eliminating the need for pressing or extra rows of stitching. I have a whole tutorial on how to use this foot. It is not hard to use but there are a few extra steps to get started.

Common Narrow Hem Mistakes

• Making the Hem Too Wide – A narrow hem should remain small. Wider folds can create bulk and puckering, especially on curved edges.
• Using Thick Fabrics – Narrow hems work best on lightweight fabrics. Heavier fabrics may require a wider hem or bias tape finish.
• Trimming Too Far from the Stitching – When trimming before the second fold, cut close to the stitching line without cutting the stitches.
• Skipping the Pressing Step – Pressing helps create crisp folds and a more professional finish.

Narrow Hem FAQs

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How to Sew a Narrow Hem – In Conclusion

Now you know how to sew a narrow hem using a serger, regular sewing machine, or rolled hem foot. Narrow hems are one of the best finishing techniques for lightweight fabrics, curved edges, and delicate garments because they reduce bulk while creating a neat, professional finish. If you’re new to sewing narrow hems, start with the regular sewing machine method before experimenting with a serger or rolled hem foot. With a little practice, you’ll be able to sew smooth, even hems on blouses, scarves, dresses, and circular skirts with confidence.

Related – How to Sew More Hems

1. WIDE HEMS – How to sew wide hems
2. CIRCULAR HEMS – How to sew circular hems
3. BLIND HEMS – How to sew a blind hem | blind hem foot
4. RUFFLED HEMS – Lettuce hems
5. KNIT FABRIC HEMS – How to hem knit fabric and twin needles
6. KNIT HEMS – Twin Needle
7. SQUARE HEMS – How to Sew Mitered Corners
8. HAND HEMS – How to sew catch Stitch and Hemming stitch
9. SCALLOPED HEMS – Sewing scallops
10. DOUBLE HEMS – Double fold hems
11. SINGLE HEMS – Single fold hems
12. HAND HEMS – Hemming Stitch