Rolled hem on an overlocker

A rolled hem rolls a tiny edge under and wraps it in dense stitches. You usually remove the left needle and change a setting or plate.

Pinny's tip
Choose a rolled hem for narrow hems and edges on lightweight or soft, sheer fabrics.

What you'll need

• Overlocker with rolled hem setting: check your manual.

Step by step

1. Take out the left needle and set the rolled hem lever or plate (see your manual).
2. Shorten the stitch length to the rolled hem range (Sew Essential used 1).
3. Test on a scrap and adjust until the edge rolls neatly.
4. Sew with the right side up, trimming a little off the edge.

Common mistakes

• Stitch too long. The edge shows through.
• Leaving the left needle in. Take it out; the rolled hem uses the right needle only, for a narrow stitch.
• Not testing. Every fabric differs.

Watch it done

• How To Serge A Rolled Hem by Sewing Parts Online on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• The Secret Setting for Perfect Rolled Hems on Any Serger by Sookie Sews on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.
• Sewing How To: Rolled Hem on the Serger for Chiffon and Stretch Fabrics by Sasa Time on YouTube. Opens on YouTube; the video belongs to its creator.

Sources

All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.

1. Sew Essential: Hem Finishes On An Overlocker
2. The Sewing Directory: Overlocker Stitches
3. YouTube: How To Serge A Rolled Hem (Sewing Parts Online)
4. YouTube: The Secret Setting for Perfect Rolled Hems on Any Serger (Sookie Sews)
5. YouTube: Sewing How To: Rolled Hem on the Serger for Chiffon and Stretch Fabrics (Sasa Time)