Tools for Blind Hemming
Blind hemming is an easy way to make professional looking hems on skirts, trousers and even bags. Whether you are a beginner or an expert sewer, having the right tools can make all the difference in your projects. To begin blind hemming, you need a few supplies: a sewing machine, thread of the same color as your fabric, some pins, an iron and an adjustable blind hem foot for your machine.
Setting up the Blind Hem Foot
The adjustable blind hem foot is the key to doing a blind hem correctly on the sewing machine. It helps guide the fabric as the seam is stitched, pulling up a small section of the hem raw edge up into the presser foot and making it easy to sew evenly and accurately. To start, adjust the screw at the back of the foot to get the correct level height. Then attach it to your machine, inserting the two small pins into the slots beneath the presser foot.
Creating the Hem
The first step in doing a blind hem is to press the hem you want to sew flat, folded to the inside of the garment. Make sure the raw edges of the presser foot and the raw edges of the fabric line up, so the stitches will be at exactly the same length spacing. Take careful note of the width of the hem and make sure it is even all the way round. Once the desired length is achieved, pin it in place carefully.
Sewing the Hem
Now, with the blind hem adjuster set and the hem pressed, the hem can be sewn. Begin sewing, using a small zigzag stitch. As you sew, the fabric should move up into the presser foot and the stitches will become almost invisible, making the blind hem look professional and elegant. Move slowly and carefully, ensuring that the fabric stays neat within the presser foot and the stitches remain at the same length.
Finishing the Hem
Once the stitching is completed, the excess threads should be cut off. Carefully use a seam ripper to remove any visible threads, and then press the hem flat with an iron. Once it is done, the finished hem should look neat, flat and almost invisible.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
Mistakes can occur when sewing blind hems. One of the most common mistakes is uneven stitching, which can occur if the raw edges of the presser foot and fabric do not line up properly. To fix this mistake, re-adjust the presser foot and start again. If the hem is too long, use scissors to trim away some of the excess fabric before reattaching it to the sewing machine.
Caring for the Finished Hem
Once the hem is complete, it is important to take proper care of it. Before laundering it, make sure to check for any loose threads and remove them with a seam ripper. Hand wash and hang dry the garment, and when ironing the hem, use a pressing cloth to protect the fabric. This will help preserve the hem’s shape and ensure it holds up for many years.
Using Mending Tape
Mending tape can be used for blind hemming instead of stitching the hem. It is a fast and easy alternative to hand stitching or using a sewing machine. To use mending tape, cut it into a rectangle the same size as the hem, insert it between the fabric layers, and then press it in place. This can be done without any special equipment and is a good option for beginners who want to try out blind hemming.
Stabilizing the Hem
If the hem is likely to get a lot of wear and tear, it is important to stabilize it. This can be done by using a special type of interfacing known as tricot, which is designed specifically for stabilizing hems. Cut a piece of tricot the same size as the hem, place it between the interfacing and then machine or hand-sew it in place. This will help to keep the hem from stretching and make it more durable.
Embellishing the Hem
A blind hem can be transformed into a decorative feature with some simple embellishments. For example, add a row of topstitching or replace the zigzag stitch with a decorative stitch. Embellishments such as ribbons, bows and sequins can also be added to the hem for a more luxurious look.
Hand Sewing Blind Hems
If you don’t have access to a sewing machine, hand sewing a blind hem is a great way to get the same professional look. Start by folding the hem as you would when machine sewing and then use a large, blunt needle to catch a tiny bit of the fabric from the front side and back side of the hem. Pull the thread tightly and repeat until the hem is complete.
