How to Hem a Dress With a Sewing Machine
There’s nothing like a unique dress made with your own skills and knowledge. And one of the best ways to complete your creatively crafted clothing is to professionally hem it. Hemming a dress with a sewing machine is not only an essential skill for any designer, it’s also an art. Judging by the details of the sewing thread, one’s professional expertise is assessed. So knowing how to hem a dress with a sewing machine can be a matter of pride.
Hemming is a simple sewing step that requires accuracy, attention to detail, and perfectionism. It may look daunting, but it can be relatively simple with the right tools. In addition to a sewing machine, one needs thread and a fabric marker or chalk.
To start, you need to determine the length of the dress, taking into account the length of the fabric before it was cut and the height of the heel if high-heeled shoes are being worn. Then, you need to place the dress onto a flat hard surface. Put on the dress and try to decide if it’s the right length. Sometimes, the skirt of the dress will appear too long while you’re wearing it, but it may appear too short while you’re looking at it through a mirror. Once you’ve decided on the right length, mark the length at this point with a fabric marker.
The next step is to fold down the extra fabric, or the ‘hem’, and make sure the lower hem is even. Then, pin the folded fabric up evenly. After that, pick up the dress and turn it inside out so the wrong side is facing out. With the fabric pins still firmly in place, sew a line along the hem. Be sure to be at least a quarter-inch off from the very edge of the dress fabric.
Afterwards, trim the excess fabric that’s sticking out from the hem. Then, you will need to iron the fabric to make sure the line of stitching is even and smooth. If the stitches weren’t done correctly, they may not be completely even and ironing may help rectify the problem. Finally, one needs to cut off the thread tails and check if the hemming is done correctly.
Why Hem Clothing?
Hemming is one of the most important elements of any work of fabric craftsmanship. It’s used to protect the fabric from the wear and tear of everyday use, as well as to create a professional-looking finish. It is important to hem clothing to make sure that garments fit properly and look professional.
Clothing that is not hemmed properly can look sloppy, and it can also make the garment difficult to wear. The fraying or unraveling of loose hems can cause clothing to look worn out and unkempt, and it can also make the item of clothing less comfortable. Hemming garments can also help to create a more flattering silhouette, as the fabric can be shaped to fit the individual’s body.
Hemming clothing can also add to the overall aesthetic of an outfit. By taking the time to pay attention to the details, one can create a stylish, professional look. A well-hemmed garment will draw the eye to its clean lines and crisp edges, making it more attractive than an unhemmed piece.
Tools for Hemming Clothing
The most essential tool for hemming clothing is a sewing machine. A sewing machine is an electrically powered device that is designed to stitch fabric together. There are a wide variety of types of sewing machines, each of which is designed for a particular purpose. Different sewing machines are designed for different types of fabrics and stitches, so it is important to select the right machine for the job.
Other supplies such as scissors, fabric pins, and thread will also be needed. Sewing scissors are specially designed scissors that are used to accurately cut fabric. Fabric pins are used to temporarily hold fabric together while sewing. Thread is an essential element of any sewing project, as it is used to stitch fabric together. It’s important to select the right type of thread for the job, as different fabrics require different types of thread.
A fabric marker or chalk is also a useful tool for hemming clothing. This is used to mark the desired length of the fabric before it is cut. This will ensure accuracy when cutting the fabric and will help to create a professional-looking finish. It is important to be precise when measuring and marking fabric, as this will ensure a precise hem line.
Types of Hem Finish
Depending on the garment and the desired outcome, there are various types of hem finishes that can be used. The most common is the plain hem, which is a strong, neat, and simple way of finishing a fabric edge. It is often used on dress hems and the bottom of skirts.
The narrow hem is a more decorative type of hem that is often used on garments such as trousers and skirts. It is a more precise way of hemming that involves folding the fabric over twice, which creates a neat and professional look. Blind hems are also a popular type of hem for trousers and skirts, as it uses a different type of stitch that is designed to be almost invisible.
There is also the rolled hem, which is a thin and delicate hem finish that is often used on lighter weight fabrics. This type of hem gives the garment a more feminine look as it is curved and delicate. The French hem is similar to the rolled hem but it is slightly more substantial and suitable for heavier fabrics.
Benefits of Hemming Clothing
Hemming clothing isn’t just a way to create a professional-looking finish; it also has many practical benefits. Hemming clothing can help to reduce wear and tear on garments and keep them looking new for longer. It can also help to protect the fabric from fraying and keep it from unraveling.
Hemming clothing can also help to create a more flattering silhouette on an individual’s body. By taking into account the particular shape of one’s body, a well-hemmed garment can be tailored to fit perfectly. This can help to create a more modern and stylish look.
Hemming clothing can also help to make a garment more comfortable. By taking into account the movement of the fabric, one can make sure that the hem isn’t too tight or too loose. This will ensure that the garment fits properly and is comfortable to wear.
Hemming Techniques
There are various techniques that can be used to hem clothing. The most common is to use a straight stitch, which is a simple line of stitching that can be used to join two pieces of fabric together. This type of stitch is often used on hems as it is durable and can withstand regular wear and tear.
Another common hemming technique is the zigzag stitch, which is a more decorative stitch that is used to finish the edges of a fabric. This type of stitch is often used on lightweight, sheer fabric as it is more flexible and stretchy. The blind stitch is also a popular hemming technique as it is designed to be almost invisible.
Invisible hand stitching is a hemming technique which is perfect for delicate fabrics. It involves using a small needle and thread to stitch the hem in place without leaving any visible stitches. This technique works best with lightweight and sheer fabrics.
Patchwork hems are also popular and are used to attach patches or appliques to a garment. This type of hemming involves using a seam or stitching around the edges of the patch or applique to keep it in place. This technique is often used for decorative purposes.
