A narrow hem (also called rolled hems) is a great hemming method for circular shapes and fine fabrics such as silks and chiffon. Here I will show you 2 easy methods for making a narrow hem without any special machine foot. (If you have a rolled hem foot read – how to sew a narrow rolled hem with a rolled hem foot.)
HOW TO SEW A ROLLED HEM
METHOD 1: With a Serger
Stitch around your hem 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. If you don’t have a serger you can use the over edge function on your regular sewing machine.
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.
METHOD 2: With a Regular Sewing Machine
This method of creating a narrow rolled hem creates great results with no special tools or machine feet.
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.
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!
What are you planning on using your narrow rolled hem for?
If you have any extra tips for us, please share.
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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