Rolled hems are one of the most common sewing techniques used to finish fabric edges. They are a great way to achieve a neat and professional finish to clothing, linens and other projects. A rolled hem is a textured finish which can be used to add a decorative element to an item. So, how do you make one?
First and foremost, you will need the right materials in order to make a rolled hem on a sewing machine. You will need a sewing machine along with its correct accessories, thread, fabric, and a seam ripper. The type of fabric you choose to use will also be important in achieving the perfect rolled hem. For example, if you are working with a lightweight fabric like chiffon or silk, you may need to use a finer needle and adjust the tension accordingly.
Next, you need to prepare the fabric. Make sure that the edges of the fabric are neat, either by serging them or folding them and pressing them before you start stitching. This will help ensure that your rolled hem looks as professional and polished as possible. Finally, you need to decide how wide you want your rolled hem edge to be. This will depend on the type of fabric you are working with but for most fabrics, a finished width of ¼” is a typical rolled hem edge.
Now that the fabric has been properly prepared and the width has been determined, it’s time to stitch the hem. Depending on the type of sewing machine you are using, there may be a rolled hem foot available for you to attach to the machine. This will make the task of stitching the hem much easier and provide a neater result. If this is not an option, you can use a regular foot, but use a small stitch length when sewing to ensure a neat edge.
Once the hem is stitched, it is important to properly finish off the stitching. Carefully secure the thread ends with a few backstitches and neaten off the thread ends with a seam ripper. This will help ensure that the rolled hem stays neat and professional looking.
Now you have a professional looking rolled hem. As with any sewing technique, practice is the key to achieving a good result when making rolled hems. The more you practice, the better you will become at making the perfect rolled hem.
Stitch Concepts
Sewing a rolled hem is all about careful stitch length and stitch tension. It’s important to use the correct thread for the fabric that you’re using as well as the right size needle – a finer needle for lightweight fabrics and a heavier one for heavier fabrics. Also, make sure that the stitch length isn’t too long and that your needle tension is not too tight. This is essential for achieving a perfect rolled hem.
Experiment with Fabric Types
If you are just starting out with making rolled hems, it’s a good idea to experiment with different types of fabric. Different fabric types require different techniques and need to be handled differently. For example, chiffon and silk require a tight rolled hem, whereas cotton and linen require a looser rolled hem. By experiment with different types of fabric, you’ll gain a better understanding of the techniques involved in making a rolled hem.
Try Different Shapes
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making different shapes with your rolled hems. For example, you can make a rounded rolled hem or add a scalloped edge to your rolled hem. These shapes add an interesting element to your projects and will make them stand out.
Create Combinations
You can also use combinations of rolled hem techniques to add interest to your projects. For example, you can combine a tight rolled hem on one edge with a loose rolled hem on the other. Or you can combine a curved rolled hem with a straight rolled hem. The possibilities are endless and will definitely give your projects a unique look.
Press it Perfectly
Finally, it’s important to press your rolled hems properly. Use an iron to press the edges of the fabric to ensure that your rolled hems look neat and perfect. If you’re using special fabrics such as silk, make sure to use the lowest setting on your iron and use a pressing cloth to prevent any damage to the fabric.
