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 learning how to sew a narrow hem.
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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 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.
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 ⅜ 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 ⅛ 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
How to Sew a Narrow Hem - In Conclusion
You now know 3 easy methods for sewing a narrow hem. My favorite is the serger method. 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 Mores Hems
- GENERAL HEMS – How to Sew a Hem
- 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 and twin needles
- KNIT HEMS – Twin Needle
- SQUARE HEMS – How to Sew Mitered Corners
- HAND HEMS - How to sew catch Stitch and Hemming stitch
- SCALLOPED HEMS - Sewing scallops
- DOUBLE HEMS - Double fold hems
- SINGLE HEMS - Single fold hems
- HAND HEMS - Hemming Stitch
Liz
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.