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 3 easy methods for sewing a narrow hem.
Table of Contents
How to Sew a Narrow Hem
METHOD 1: narrow hem With a Serger
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 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: narrow hem With a Sewing Machine
This method of creating a narrow 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!
METHOD 3: Narrow Hem with a Hemmer Foot
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.
READ: Rolled Hem Foot
What are you planning on using your narrow rolled hem for?
If you have any extra tips for us, please share.
RELATED: HOW TO SEW HEMS
- GENERAL HEMS – 5 Types of Hems
- NARROW HEMS – How to sew a narrow hem
- ROLLED HEM FOOT – How to use a rolled hem foot
- WIDE HEMS – How to sew wide hems
- CIRCULAR HEMS – How to sew circular hems
- BLIND HEMS – How to sew a blind hem | blind hem foot
- RUFFLED HEMS – Lettuce hems
- KNIT FABRIC HEMS – How to hem knit fabric
- KNIT HEMS – Twin Needle
- SQUARE HEMS – How to Sew Mitered Corners
Liz says
I llike to sew a gathering stitch a quarter inch from the cut edge -useful if you need to gather slightly for a curved hem – then use this as a guide to make the first fold. Fold up again and stitch close to the top fold.