Hems
Hems: technique guides for US sewists.
I poke through every pattern and product so you only get the best.
– Pinny
How to sew a blind hem on a machine
A blind hem uses a special stitch and foot to catch the garment with only a tiny bite, so the hem is almost invisible from the right side. Good on skirts, trousers and curtains.
Hand-sewn catch stitch (herringbone) hem
A catch stitch is a crossed hand stitch that holds a hem with a little give. It's the tailoring choice for wool, heavier fabrics and knits.
How to sew a double-fold hem
Fold the edge over twice so the raw edge is hidden, press, then stitch. The neatest everyday hem for trousers, skirts, curtains and bags.
How to sew an elastic waist casing
Feed elastic through the waistband with a safety pin, overlap and stitch the ends, then let it pull back in and slipstitch the gap closed.
Shortening jeans and keeping the original hem
Fold the leg back on itself by half the amount to remove, stitch close to the edge of the original hem, then turn it down and press. You keep the original hem.
How to sew mitred corners
A mitred corner folds the hem at 45 degrees so two hems meet neatly with no bulk. Use it for napkins, tablecloths, quilts and coat vents.