Rolled hem, also known as narrow hem, is a way to finish fabric edges with a neat and delicate look. This technique yields a much neater finish than a zigzag stitch. If you’re looking to make professional-looking garments and accessories, it’s essential to master this technique.
It’s possible to sew a rolled hem with a standard sewing machine. With the right tools, a bit of patience, and a good quality thread, you can get stunning looking hems. This guide will walk you through how to do rolled hem on a sewing machine, step by step.
Tools and Materials
The tools and materials that you need will depend on the fabric you’re sewing on. For light to medium weight fabric, all you’ll need is a sewing machine, iron, and matching thread. For heavier fabrics, you might need a specialty presser foot or a stabilizer.
Set Up the Sewing Machine
To get started, you’ll need to attach the correct presser foot to your sewing machine. Usually, the foot that comes with your machine is the one that you need. However, you may need a specialty presser foot for heavier fabrics. Changing the presser foot is simple and the user manual for your machine will provide detailed instructions.
Next, you’ll need to adjust the tension of the thread. It should be set slightly higher than you’d use for regular stitching. You can test the tension on a scrap piece of fabric before starting your project. It should be tight enough that the rolled hem lies flat but not too tight that it puckers.
Finally, you’ll need to select the stitch that you’re going to use for the hem. Usually the straight stitch is used, but some machines have settings for rolled or narrow hems as well. Select a stitch that’s slightly shorter than you’d use for regular sewing. If your machine doesn’t have an option for a rolled hem, use the “triple stitch” setting instead.
Press the Hem
Take the fabric that you wish to hem and fold it over to create a narrow hem. You can make the fold as small or as wide as you’d like. Then, press the fold with an iron to make sure the hem stays in place while you’re sewing. Make sure to use a low heat setting so as not to damage the fabric.
Sew the Hem
Once the hem is pressed, place the fabric under the presser foot of the sewing machine. Slow down the machine’s speed to prevent the fabric from gathering or puckering. Slowly guide the fabric under the presser foot as you sew, using a hand wheel if needed. For neat and even hems, make sure to keep the fold of the hem flat against the presser foot. As you sew, you should notice the fabric folding into a neat rolled hem.
Once you’ve finished sewing, cut off any loose threads and press the hem with an iron to make sure that it lies flat. Your hem should now look neat and professional!
Tips and Tricks
For best results, it’s important to use a good quality thread and the right sewing machine settings. A heavier weight thread will help to keep the hem in place and prevent it from slipping while you’re sewing. Also, make sure that the tension is adjusted correctly and that the stitch is set to the shortest length. This will help to keep the hem from gathering or puckering.
For hems on sheer fabrics, a lightweight stabilizer is a great way to keep the hem in place. The stabilizer should be applied to the wrong side of the fabric. This will also help to prevent fraying and ensure that the hem is as neat and delicate as possible.
Practicing
Rolled hem is one of the trickier techniques in sewing, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. With practice, you’ll eventually get the hang of it and be producing neat and professional-looking hems in no time. Keep practicing, and you’ll be a pro in no time!
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble getting the hem to look neat and even, there are a few things that you can try. First of all, make sure that the tension is set correctly. If this doesn’t help, try changing the presser foot or adjusting the stitch length. Finally, make sure that the fabric is properly pressed. Even the tiniest wrinkles can cause the hem to look uneven or ruffled.
Alternative Methods
For hems on lighter fabrics, there are alternative methods that you can use. The most popular option is to use an overlocker, which will give you a neat and professional-looking hem in no time. There are also specialty presser feet that can be used to create a rolled hem with a standard sewing machine. However, this method can be challenging to get right, especially for beginners.
Sewing by Hand
Finally, you can also sew a rolled hem by hand. This is ideal for lightweight fabrics such as silk and chiffon. All you need is a needle, thread, and some patience! This type of hem is slow but extremely neat and delicate, perfect for adding a professional finish to any project.
Conclusion
Sewing a rolled hem on a sewing machine is a great way to give your garments and accessories a neat and professional finish. With the right tools and a bit of practice, you can get great-looking hems on all types of fabrics. Whether you choose to do the hem by hand or with a machine, you can be sure that your finished project will look stunning!
