Tools & Materials Needed
Hemming fabric is a simple and straightforward method to ensure that the garment made is fitted to size and has neat finishing touches all around. A few materials and tools are required in order to complete a successful hemming process, such as: Thread, measuring tape, scissors, iron, pins and a sewing machine. Make sure to choose a color of thread that blends with the fabric of the garment to avoid having a noticeable contrast. Furthermore, it is also advisable to see if an iron with a steam function is available, as this will provide significantly better results as opposed to ironing without the steam.
Preparation
When starting to work on a garment, it’s important to have a plan to follow in order to have a successful and satisfactory outcome. Firstly, the hem should always be done after the garment has been sewn together as a whole. A spare piece of fabric should be used to practice the hem a few times as this will allow an individual to familiarize oneself with the machine and the hem process. Secondly, there should be a rough estimate of how much fabric needs to be gathered for the hems. This can be done by measuring the hem pieces against the body of the garment and folding them in the desired manner. Once the estimated amount of fabric has been gathered, the next step is to pin the fabric onto the garment in a secure manner.
Learning The Basics Of Hemming
Hemming begins with setting the tension correctly. As each machine will differ slightly, users should consult their user manual to ensure the tension is set correctly. When the tension has been set correctly users can then begin to sew. It is important to be mindful of the speed as sewing fabric with knitted materials can prove quite challenging. Slower speeds should be used to avoid any possible knotting of the fabric that could ruin the project.
Furthermore, there are several ways in which the hem can be sewn. The most popular method is using a zig-zag stitch as this method is suitable for any type of fabric and provides a neat and professional finish. For thinner fabrics, stitching at a more finesse level may be required. This can be achieved by using a blind hem stitch or by hand-stitching with a needle and matching thread. This provides a much more tidy and elegant finish as opposed to using a zig-zag stitch which may seem to be a bit too thick and exaggerated.
Finishing Off Hemming
Once the hem has been successfully sewn, the fabric should then be cut and ironed in order to get a neat and professional looking hem. Make sure not to trim the fabric too deep as this could cause the hem to be cut away. After ironing the hem, leave the garment to cool in order to ensure the fabric and stitches hold.
Extra Care To Keep Fabric Looking Professional
Finally, it is important to be mindful of the way the fabrics are being handled and stored. To avoid the edges of the fabric from fraying, the edges should be sealed using a zig-zag stitch. Additionally, it is also important to store clothing in a way that prevents the fabric from being crushed or creased. Hanging the garment, rather than folding it, is a good option as this will help to keep the fabric from fraying and/or creasing.
Gathering Fabric
Gathering fabric for hems is one of the most common techniques used when hemming garments. Gathers are loose stitches that are used to gather the fabric along the edge of a garment. The two most common ways to gather fabric are by using a basting stitch or a gathering stitch. The basting stitch is a straight stitch that is used to temporarily hold the fabric in place while the gathering stitch is a manual stitch that gathers fabric as it’s being stitched.
Gathers can be made in one or both directions, depending on the type of hem that is wanted. If gathers are to be made in one direction, it’s important to make sure that the fabric is laid out evenly and the stitches are evenly spaced. There should be no more than a one-inch gap between the stitches. On the other hand, when gathering the fabric in both directions, there should be an equal number of stitches in each direction.
Hem Machines: An Alternative
Hem machines are a great alternative to hemming with a traditional sewing machine. These machines specialize in hemming and can make small, neat stitches along the edges of garments. Most hem machines are equipped with a specially designed presser foot that applies pressure to the fabric as it’s hemmed. This helps to hold the fabric in place and reduce the amount of time and effort needed to complete the hem.
Hem machines also make it easier to hem curved and uneven edges as the presser foot can be adjusted to suit the fabric’s thickness. Furthermore, hem machines are often lightweight and portable, making them perfect for taking on the go. However, it’s important to note that hem machines are not suitable for all fabrics and may require a greater level of expertise in order to be used effectively.
Understanding Different Hem Styles
Knowing the various different hem styles is an important part of successfully hemming garments. Hemming techniques vary based on the type of fabric and the desired look. Some of the most common techniques are blind hems, rolled hems, double hems, curved hems, presser feet hems and french hems. It’s important to understand the process involved in each of these techniques before attempting to apply them to a garment.
Maintaining Machine Quality
One of the most important things to bear in mind when hemming with a sewing machine is machine maintenance. It’s imperative to keep the machine clean and free of dust and lint in order to ensure the best performance from the machine. Additionally, it’s a good idea to regularly oil and lubricate the machine in order to keep the parts moving smoothly and extend the lifespan of the machine. Lastly, it’s important to be aware of any errors that may occur, such as thread bunching or skipping stitches, as these can occur due to a malfunctioning machine.
