How to Make a Rolled Hem, or Machine Stitched Hem
Easy-to-follow, Step-by-step Instructions for making a Rolled Hem, or a Machine Stitched Hem.
Although this seam is accurately referred to as either a rolled hem, or a machine stitched hem, for the remainder of this tutorial we will refer to this hem as a “Rolled Hem” as making either is virtually the same procedure.
Rolled hems are often used in casual or sportswear. They may also be used for some styles of floor length dresses. A rolled hem, compared to hem that is hand-stitched, is easier for the novice to create and will result in a more professional look.
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Finish a Rolled Hem Tutorial Usage Rights and Requirements
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What You Will Need for this Rolled Hem Tutorial
- Sewing Machine
- Iron
- Pins
- Thread
- Ruler
- Scissors or Pinking Shears
- Tailor's Chalk
Procedure
Before you begin, we encourage you to read-through all the steps, as well as the safety information at the bottom of this page.
STEP 1. Pin up desired
hem length, on the entire hem, spacing pins close to and parallel with edge. Hold garment to self (not shown)
viewing in a full length mirror. Check hem to insure evenness and consistent distance from floor.
Hint:. be sure you're wearing the shoes you intended to wear with this garment. Heel height can very significantly.
STEP 2. Once you are
satisfied with the length and evenness, press entire hem to form a crease. Be sure to use a setting on your
iron that will not damage the fabric. Press with the right side of the garment facing down. In doing so,
all you will see of the right side is the hem.
STEP 3. Measure 5/8"
up from the crease created in step 2. Mark with tailor's chalk around entire hem.
Note:. weight of chalk line exaggerated for sake of clarity.
STEP 4. Cutting on
clalk line created in step 3, remove excess material with scissors. Use pinking shears if the fabric is
subject to raveling.
STEP 5-A. Grasping the
cut edge, begin folding it toward the crease you created in step 2…
STEP 5-B. ...continue
folding the cut edge (as as you began in 5-A) to meet the crease created in step 2.
STEP 6. Fold again
(as in Step 5) concealing the cut edge and pin in place. Pin entire hem, spacing pins very close to one
another and parallel with edge. Some fabrics resist folding and will require additional pins.
STEP 7. Stitch
entire hem close to fold. Remove pins as they reach the presser foot.
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STEP 8. Press
entire newly stitched hem. Be sure to use a setting on your iron that will not damage the fabric. Press
on the inside (wrong side) of the garment. You're done!.
Safety First, Always!
Our tutorials utilize methods, equipment and tools that can be dangerous. Never proceed with a tutorial without first carefully reviewing and understanding all of the instructions that accompany the equipment, tools or any other product used in the project, as well as providing yourself a safe working environment. Be aware of your own limitations and factor in your own good judgment and common sense.
Eye Safety is No Accident. Always wear safety glasses!
NOTICE: SewNeau intends our tutorials to be reliable guides, but realizes working conditions, equipment, skill level, and safety issues can vary greatly. As a result, SewNeau does not guarantee the applicability, completeness, or accuracy of the information and does not assume responsibility for the results, or any damages, injuries or losses that occur as a result of using the information provided herein.