For those with a little sewing enthusiasm, learning how to blind hem curtains on a sewing machine can be a very satisfying experience. Blind hemming is the art of sewing, by hand or with a machine, a hemlock that isn’t visible – usually done by including a strip of thread along the fabric’s finished edge. So, in this article, we’ll be teaching you how to blind hem curtains on a sewing machine.
First and foremost, it is essential to have the right tools for the job. These tools are often found at local fabrics or craft stores. You’ll need a sewing machine, thread, a needle that is the right size, scissors, an iron and ironing board, pins, a measuring tape and your curtain fabric. Once you have all the necessary tools, you are ready to begin.
The first step in how to blind hem curtains on a sewing machine is prepping the fabric. Measure and cut the panel according to the desired width and length, and then pin it in place. Use a steam iron to press out the wrinkles, making sure to keep all the edges even. After that you need to take up and secure the side hem of the curtain by pinning them, and then pressing them down with the steam iron.
Next, begin sewing your hem. You will want to start by folding over the edge of the fabric at least 1/2 inch and pinning it in place. Then, stitch the hem by locking in the very top of the fold. When doing the stitch, make sure the needle is at least 2 cm away from the edge of the folded hem so it won’t be visible. Repeat the same stitching on the other side. As a tip, when blind hemming, it is a good idea to use a longer stitch length on your machine.
Finally, press the seams of the hem to make sure it sits flat as it needs to be. Once done, you can open up the curtain panel and double check to make sure your hemlock is invisible from the other side. If everything looks ok, then you have successfully blind hemmed the curtain on the sewing machine.
Advantages of Blind Hemming
Blind hemming is a great way to give a professional finish to your curtains without having to invest in expensive materials or equipment. Furthermore, with the right tools and techniques, it can be quickly and easily done in the comfort of your home. Moreover, if you want to make adjustments or add embellishments, you can easily unpick the stitches and redo it as per your needs.
In addition, this method helps you ensure that your curtains are not only attractive but also sturdy. As the fabric and stitches are not exposed to direct sunlight, they won’t deteriorate quickly or be vulnerable to wear and tear. Plus, the seams of the curtain will stay in place and won’t loose their original shape.
Disadvantages of Blind Hemming
Whilst blind hemming is an effective technique, it does have some drawbacks. Firstly, if it’s not done properly, it can result in unsightly and visible stitching. This means that patience and precision are key when it comes to blind hemming curtains on a sewing machine. Secondly, if you do not use a high-quality thread and needle, then the hemline can be prone to fraying or splitting.
In addition, when hemming curtains without a template, you would need some basic knowledge of different types of hems. Secondly, you’ll need to be familiar with different types of fabrics to make sure that your hemlock is strong but undetectable. Finally, it can be a bit time-consuming, as it requires multiple steps to completed effectively.
How to Prevent Mistakes
If you want to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes when blind hemming curtains on a sewing machine, then there are a few things that you can do. Firstly, make sure that you are familiar with the blind hem stitch and the basics of hemming. Secondly, use the correct thread and needle combination for the fabric and use more pins to maintain the fabric’s shape and to make sure it doesn’t move as you sew. Finally, take your time as rushing through the process can lead to visible stitches.
In addition, it’s a good idea to practice blind hemming before attempting it on your curtains. You can use some smaller scraps of fabric to get used to the technique and check whether you are getting the desired results. Furthermore, use a waxed thread for blind hems as it helps to make the stitch stronger and less visible.
Summary
We’ve now gone through the basics of how to blind hem curtains on a sewing machine. So, when attempting this technique, make sure that you use the right equipment, take accurate measurements, press the material properly and choose the right thread and needle. Finally, it’s always a good idea to practice the process and be patient, as the best results come with time and effort.
Pros and Cons of Blind Hemming
Blind hemming curtains on a sewing machine produces beautiful and professional results. Ultimately, it’s all down to the accuracy of the hem and the strength of the stitches. On the other hand, there are various practical decisions that need to be taken. For starters, these curtains need to be strong enough to bear the weight, and soft enough to not crunch or bend.
Moreover, it’s important to choose the thread that is best suited to the fabric. This is because the thread colour and material should match as closely as possible to the material of the curtain. Furthermore, some people choose to use double thread. This is a great way to make the stitch stronger, but it will also create a slightly heavier feel.
Moreover, you might come across certain material patterns and textures that can be difficult to hem. This is because these types of materials can be very slippery and hard to pin. As a result, some amount of experience is necessary to help you get familiar with the technique and succeeds in blind hems even with such tricky fabrics.
Choosing the Correct Thread
Finally, when hemming curtains on a sewing machine, it’s essential to use the correct thread. For instance, using cotton thread is one of the most commonly-recommended types, since it is a strong and durable material. Additionally, nylon or polyester thread works quite well too, because it doesn’t kink or curl when stitching. Finally, it’s important to make sure that the colour of the thread matches the fabric of the curtains. This will make the blind hems virtually invisible.
In conclusion, hemming curtains on a sewing machine can become a very interesting and fulfilling exercise. When done properly, curtains with blind hems give a neat, professional and finished look. In addition, it’s also a great way to make sure they stay in shape and last longer. So, if you’re looking to give a more sophisticated touch to your curtains, learning how to blind hem curtains on a sewing machine is definitely a must.
