Absolute Easiest Way to Hem Anything!
September is National Sewing Month! If you are stitching, there’s a good chance your project will have a hem. Nearly everything you sew has a hem—skirts, pants, sleeves, and home décor items such as curtains and table linens. By using a few simple hints, you can turn this time-consuming chore into a simple sewing task.
Find my hemming tips and more in The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew, and watch on Sewing With Nancy’s three-part series on The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three).
Preparing the Hem
1. Fold up the hem.
- Prepress the hem on each flat piece before stitching it to another piece. This is a great time-saving technique.
- Use a hem gauge, such as the Single Fold Press and Hem Guide Set to provide an accurate measurement and to avoid leaving a hem impression on the right side of the fabric. Place the gauge on the wrong side of the fabric.
- Fold up the hem allowances over the gauge to the desired width and press.
2. Grade the seam allowances within the hem area to reduce bulk.
3. Finish the cut edge of the hem by zigzagging or serging.
Machine Stitched Hem
- Set the machine for a straight stitch.
- Machine stitch the hem along the top edge.
Note from Nancy: Use a rubber band or attach the 6-in-1 Seam Gauge, on the free arm of your sewing machine to help you guide the fabric in an even distance from the fold of the hem.
Hand Stitched Hem
- Thread a needle with a single strand of thread.
- Cut the thread about 18″ long. The thread will tangle and knot more easily if it is too long. Knot one end of the thread.
- Fold the back hem edge so that 1/4″ of the edge shows.
- Work from right to left, taking a tiny stitch in the hem; then take a tiny stitch in the project about 1/4″ ahead of that stitch. Pick up only one or two threads in the fabric.
- Take a stitch in the hem edge about 1/4″ ahead of the last stitch.
- Repeat, alternating stitches between the hem edge and the project. Don’t pull the stitches too tight or the hem will pucker.
Blind Hem
- Fold back the project edge so about 1/4″ of the hem edge shows.
- Attach the Edgestitching Foot or the Blind Hem Foot to your sewing machine.
- Adjust your sewing machine for a blind hem stitch as detailed in your owner’s manual.
- Place the fabric under the presser foot. Turn the flywheel by hand towards you until the needle fully swings to the left. If the needle “bites” too much of the fabric or doesn’t catch the fold, adjust the guide on the foot so that the needle only stitches through the fabric fold.
- Continue by slowly stitching, so that the straight stitch falls in the hem allowance and the zig just catches the project at the fold.
Note from Nancy: Consider using a soft clear invisible thread such as 60 wt. Madeira Monofil, when stitching the blind hem stitch—a great ready-to-wear technique.
Fusible Hem
Using unbacked fusible web for hemming
- Cut strips of Wonder Web Fusible and place along the wrong side of the hem edge.
- Serge or zigzag the fusible web to the hem edge. If you zigzag, be sure the web doesn’t extend past the hem edge or it will stick to your iron when you fuse. Trim off any web that goes past the edge.
- Fold under the hem. Measure so the entire hem is the same width. Pin.
- Press per manufacturer’s directions.
Using paper-backed fusible web for hemming
- Cut a 1/2″–3/4″ wide strip of paper-backed fusible web, or purchase the precut paper-backed fusible web on a roll.
- Position the web side of the paper-backed fusible to the wrong side of the hem. Place the web 1/4″ below the hem edge. Press.
- Remove the paper backing.
- Fold under the hem; measure so the entire hem is the same width. Fuse.
Read more in The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew. Chapters include:
- Sewing Notions
- Sewing Machine Confidence
- Serger Spotlight
- Patterns
- Fabric Facts
- Sewing Basics
- Beyond the Basics
Watch The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) on Sewing With Nancy online.
Bye for now,
Content in this feed is © copyright 2016 by Nancy Zieman and may not be republished without written permission. You’re welcome to forward the email to a friend or colleague but it’s not okay to add the RSS feed automatically as content on a blog or other website.
Make sure you are subscribed to my enews mailing list so you won’t miss a thing. Sign up here. Join us on Facebook, plus a host of other social media channels. Connect With Nancy today!
Anne Guffey
Here’s my sewing tip question:
Would you be willing to create a class on the latest fabric choices, complete with sample packages for viewers to feel, that would outline the best projects for the new fabrics? I live in a rural environment and the closest fabric shops seem to focus on cotton quilting fabric and less on the newer garment fabrics available. I don’t even know what they “feel” like to know if it’s what I want to buy through mail order.
Sandy
Wonderful idea!!! After retiring I decided to improve my very basic sewing skills, but it’s been difficult because I don’t know which fabrics to use for different garments and the only local store has mostly quilting and low-quality garment fabrics. This class would be a great idea for those of us who are stuck in the boonies!
Shaela Forbes
Your hints on hemming jeans are most welcome
Susan Spiers
The Blind hem-so easy-I use this type hem on everything that I can!
Florence Dupuis
I like the tip from one of your shows about putting elastic into pants when the waist is loose. I have a pair of pants I need to do that to.
Barbara Crowell
Wow! What a change for sewing a collar! I sewed as a young person 50 yrs ago and now going back to it as I close in on retirement. Need to learn so much! How to correctly press was an AHA for me. Also NO pivot sewing! Then on to the difference in sleeves! I watched your shows in the ’80s – Thanks for sticking around so I can come back into your fold (hehehe)!
Ethel Ahrendt
I like tips about altering ready to wear garments. Especially making a large or medium shirt fit a short/petite person, e.g., altering shoulder/ sleeves to fit better.
Linda E in AZ
Please talk about stabilizing shoulder seams in knits – must be an easier way than I’m doing now. Thanks!
Alice Newman
Blind hem by machine. I haven’t hemmed by hand in YEARS. Love the tip on basting 1/4 inch away from the edge. I’ve always just pinned the hem in place but I shall machine baste now.
Brenda Ackerman
Using the Double Sided Interfacing for hemming is the part that I liked the most. I am making a blouse right now and will give this method a try. It sure seems like a great way to keep all of the fabric from moving and with no pins to worry about it will be a breeze to hem. Thank you so much for sharing all of these tips/techniques. Plus, the chance at winning this great prize! Have a fantastic creative day!
Starla
The hemming hints are very useful!
Diane C
I hope there is something in there on zippers!
Deb J
I’d like to hear about replacing elastic in a waistband where the elastic has gotten old and has no stretch left.
Lynn Again
Even though it feels like “cheating” I like to use the fusible hemming tape to hem lots of items. I hemmed a pair of jeans this way 5 years ago and it still holds and looks great!
Jan N.
My favorite tip is grading the seam allowances on hems. Why didn’t I ever think to do that?
Cheryl
I was first introduced to the paper backed fusible web by you and have used it for so many projects since then. I actually have not used it for hemming but I will be passing the method along to my non-sewing daughters.
Arlene Aughey
I would like help with the rounded and pointy hems on the new (and very cute) asymmetrical tops.
Karen
I have used so many of your tips over the years picking a favorite would depend on what I am doing at the time.
Sandy
This is great information about hemming, some good ideas I’ll try. However, the biggest and most time-consuming part of skirt hemming for me is getting the hem straight (and cut and marked) to begin with. Do you have any good ideas to help make this task easier and more accurate?
Nancy Zieman
Sandy, Ask a sewing buddy to mark your hem using a yard stick–standing on end–on the floor. She’ll measure up from the floor and mark the hem with pins-at several locations. The hem will hang even when wearing your garment.
E. Ann
My favorite hem is machine blind stitch. Each type of fabric can be different but gets easier with a lot of practice. Thanks for all your tips!!
Gail Beam
My daughters do Not sew, so I think using the fusible web for hemming is a perfect technique for them! I would like to have some tips and techniques for replacing old elastic in pjs .
beth
I have used some of your hemming tips.
Linda S.
Thank you for these techniques, especially grading the seam allowances! There’s just one caution I’d like to share. Although a time saver, I’ve ceased the use of paper backed fusible web for hems due to the fact that it can cause damage to the garment over time. This is due to a tendency for the adhesive to gradually ‘bleed’ through the fabric and be seen on the front of the garment. Thanks for all of the tips shared in the ‘Absolute Easiest Way To Sew’ series!
Joyce
I struggle with fitting patterns. I like the idea of hemming with fusible tape.
Sueann Walter
I’m interested in the tip about using a rubber band or the 6 in 1 tool when hemming by machine. I am having trouble figuring out exactly what that means??
Nancy Zieman
Place the rubber band around the free arm portion of the sewing machine to act as a guide at your designated seam allowance distance. The 6-in-1 guide is repositionable and can act as a taller guide as well. It is used for for a variety of other functions as well.
Kathy
I prefer the blind hem.
When shortening jeans I use your method in order to keep the original hem stitching thread in place. Thanks for all of the tips.
Amy
Your refresher on hand-hemming is excellent. Nothing invokes “couture” as much. I’d also like to see a segment on installing invisible zippers – my nemesis.
Dawn Petersen
Thanks Nancy for all your hints. I also would like some guidance on elastic waistbands in items of clothing. Thanks.
Brenda Aigner
I would like help in sewing stretchy knit.
Elizabeth Pangle
My favorite is the blind hem technique! It looks to neat and professional, but is incredibly easy to do!
Anne Z.
I really love hints for sewing hems in knits. (This is my biggest sewing challenge.)
Jan H
I struggle applying bias tape binding
PamB
The blind hem.
Julie Daugherty
My favorite hint is using the monofilament thread when blind stitching. I really appreciate the weight and manufacturer of the the thread being specified.
Tina
I am interested in the chapter called serger spot light. Also the tip about using the paper backed fusible web for hemming is very clever.
Wendy Engelmann
I had my right leg amputated above the knee a few years ago. it is very hard for me (or a friend) to mark a hem for either a dress or top. I have used a walker to help me stand -but I tend to “lean” forward.
Do you have any suggestions?
I love the blind hem stitch.
Nancy Zieman
Ask your sewing friend to mark your hem using a yard stick (standing on end) on the floor. She’ll measure up from the floor and mark the hem with pins-at several locations. The hem will hang even when wearing your garment.
Nancy Zieman
Wendy, Ask a sewing buddy to mark your hem using a yard stick–standing on end–on the floor. She’ll measure up from the floor and mark the hem with pins-at several locations. The hem will hang even when wearing your garment.
Peggy
I struggle with adjusting patterns.
Linda Rupe
The sewing tip/technique I like the most – the one I am most enthusiastic about – is the one I am reading/imagining/doing! I always get excited when I read your instructions, even if it’s not my first time to read it. (Does this mean I live in the moment?)
Linda Rupe
My favorite tip is always the one I am reading/using at the time! I especially appreciate the tip to trim the seam allowances in the hem area as they tend to bunch and be unsightly. As always, you have the methods boiled down to the absolute simplest, easiest way!
Linda Rupe
Boy! my face is red. I tried to post a comment yesterday. As I scanned the comments, looking for something I noticed someone wrote yesterday, I didn’t see mine, so I posted again. Now I see both posted and I am embarrassed and I apologize.
Nancy Zieman
No worries!
Peggy Vick
My favorite tip that I learned from you was wrapping a corner. I use it all of the time and it makes such a nice professional finish. Thank you!!!
Michele Pavlicek
The tip I would like to have help with is also sewing with stretch knits and using the rolled hem foot. I can never seem to get it started correctly.
Nancy Zieman
Michele, could you please explain if you’re using the rolled hem foot on a serger or on a traditional machine? Please send your question and response to [email protected]
Lynn
I would like to see how to use the bias binding foot, always seems too difficult to master.
Nathaniel
ブランド コピー，ブランド コピー 優良店，ブランド コピー 通販，スーパー コピーkopicheap は、ブランド
コピーの通販サイトとして、数多くの人気ブランド商品を取り扱っています。その中には、グッチ、ルイ・ヴィトン、シャネル、ロレックスなど、世界中で高い評価を得ているブランドが含まれています。これらの商品は、オリジナルに忠実なデザインと高品質な素材を使用しており、見た目や質感において本物とほとんど区別がつきません。
Claudio
Payday loans are a type of high-value credit.
Also visit my blog: Janell
Joyce
It’s fast and straightforward to borrow cash on-line in Canada when you
select a direct protected lender corresponding to iCASH.
Here is my web site … bad credit short term Loans
Sterling
HDFC financial institution needs simple paperwork
for small personal loan bad credit loans.
Palma
Centers will be soft and jiggle even after chilling.
Feel free to surf to my site – get well flowers delivery
Rosie
It is greatest to do that in the early spring proper
before your Japanese maple leafs out.
my homepage order flowers cheap
Fidel
We’d like to be included in your big day.
Feel free to surf to my web blog … anniversary gift ideas for her
Cory
The typical size for brief time period loans is 30 days.
Here is my page; Michele
Pearlene
get well soon balloons delivery well soon and
complete all of your targets.
Lasonya
Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic however , I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?
My site discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and
I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you’re interested
feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Excellent blog by the way!
Here is my page :: Nichol
Les
Many people ask about 1 Hour Payday bad credit loans lenders.
Cassie
Very few lenders could charge additional for same day pay day loan-day transfers although this is not quite common.
Muhammad
Beware of online Payday Loans lenders that offer
fast cash.
Brenna
We know the way essential it’s to make somebody feel particular.
Have a look at my webpage … Elizabeth
Connie
All loans are topic to your monetary standing.
My blog – quick Loan solutions
Fermin
summer collection flower arrangements flowers
are usually vibrant and refreshing.
Patricia
A fruit Flower basket for bereavement will enable them to seize one thing quick to
eat and go.
Ramonita
Evaluate the perfect private loans with out this fee.
Feel free to surf to my website small personal loan bad credit
Andre
You would possibly put your funny writing concept via the Great Grandma Test
before you write it in your card.
My web site fresh flower arrangements for baby shower
Levi
Apply online for similar day 12 month payday loans
outcomes.
Azucena
The largest limits are reserved for high-qualified borrowers.
Here is my web page; Fredericka
Jorja
However, I was glad in your help with the obituary and acquiring dying certificates.
Also visit my web-site – Bereavement Gift ideas
Kristine
Use the excess funds to pay down long-term debt.
My homepage … Forrest
Jacqueline
Send flowers for a birthday and make them smile.
Feel free to surf to my blog – Dedra
Andres
Wild collection of plants for the houseplant commerce is a serious menace to many species, particularly
send Plants online with limited native ranges.
August
Payday lending is a tightly regulated industry.
Feel free to visit my site – quickloans
Deidre
I would love some lovely new photos of my household.
Feel free to visit my page – thank You Gift Baskets
Dominga
Citi makes it straightforward for cardholders to make Cash advance instant approval withdrawals in opposition to their credit line.
Claribel
She obtained the attractive association and
made her day.
Also visit my blog – Izetta
Lloyd
The program’s mission is to assist get rid of invasive plants species in the area.
my web blog – Georgiana
Dewitt
However watch out for early repayment charges.
Also visit my webpage – Karolyn
Dexter
This bouquet includes the next: combined roses.
my web-site; red rose love
Madeleine
The funeral Mass can be on March 26, 2020.
Also visit my site … thank you floral bouquet online
Diego
Spotloans are a significantly better various to payday cash advance loans.
Donna
The application process is simple and short for individuals to finish.
Also visit my web-site :: quick cash loan bad credit
Dina
Even the strongest males have a love for flowers.
my web-site :: flower arrangement with candles
Lamont
wedding anniversary year flowers and crops for her special occasion on Could 10th.
Karen
Known as a cash advance, your bank card needs to be in good standing.
My web page thewillistree.info
Lottie
In response, the programme has integrated AI ideas into
its curriculum for youngsters.
My site – get flowers delivered tomorrow
Louise
I ordered two baskets sympathy flowers for Delivery
2 separate folks.
Meridith
The color white is customary in all weddings.
Feel free to visit my web-site; flower centerpiece for dining room table
Kellye
Roses are the preferred flower associated with love.
Have a look at my web-site; Romantic Flowers for your crush
Muhammad
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog based on the same information you discuss and
would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would
value your work. If you’re even remotely interested,
feel free to send me an e-mail.
My homepage – Mattie
Wilfred
1.) Allows for larger potential credit score limits than other forms of
short-term loans similar to quick payday loan direct lender loans.
Vida
Zebra plants are hardy little succulents that take well to container
growth.
my blog: send a plant
Bridget
same day flowers Delivered
had been good and contemporary, beautfully arranged.
Abby
Loans are backed solely by property value.
Here is my site; money loan Lenders
Darrin
Rocket same day loans online uses the FICO 9 credit score
scoring mannequin.
Jannie
In addition to paint, the kind of flowers
you choose for a popular funeral plants is important.
Davida
Payday easy loans To get are straightforward and quick to get.
Amee
Secured private loans are for the homeowners.
Look at my page … payday loan bad credit
Rosie
You’ve obtained nothing but “babies” on the mind already—so
why not serve up this delicious Dutch Arrangement for new baby at
your shower?
Mittie
For recommendations on tips flower delivery on Sunday how to save yours from such a tragic
fate, we consulted Nicole Cavender, director of the Huntington Botanical
Gardens in Los Angeles.
Bella
All loans are subject to credit evaluate and approval.
My web page … Jacquie
Richard
For instance, fast easy online payday loans loans and mortgage loans.
Lorri
Private loans favored due to their versatility.
Look at my web site: cash loan No credit
Reinaldo
Loan terms and charges might vary by state.
My homepage Uwe
Elton
Send your mother a special reward this Valentine’s Day.
my web blog :: floral arrangements White sympathy
Silke
See “Fiscal 2022 and 2021 Financial Measures—Return on Invested Capital and Adjusted Dividend Payout
Ratio” above for added data.
Take a look at my web-site; deliver flowers next day
Milford
Do not get caught borrowing cash from a payday lender.
Also visit my web site: Millie
Vance
Have you ever thought about publishing an e-book or guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would really like to
have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would value
your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to
shoot me an e mail.
My blog … otuslot
Rosaria
Examine the most effective online personal loan loans without this charge.
Rosaura
Repaying the loan early will not save you guaranteed online cash advance.
Carson
Your method of describing the whole thing in this piece of
writing is really pleasant, every one be capable of without difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot.
Check out my webpage … shaving pubic hair
Lucretia
It’s remarkable for me to have a web page, which is beneficial designed
for my experience. thanks admin
Feel free to visit my homepage: freedom