Every athlete knows it all comes down to the finish. It's the same with sewing – just not as sweaty. A smooth, beautiful hem makes everything look better and more professional. The simpliest of hems is the double-turn hem, which you can use on almost any edge where you want an easy, clean finish.

Double-Turn Hemming

The first thing to do is determine how big a hem you need to get the finished length you want.

Most people prefer to err on the side of narrow over wide so there's less bulk to the folded fabric and the hem will lay nice and flat. In fact, it's often better to trim your fabric just a bit rather than make a giant hem.

Large

Let's say you have 2" to work with for the bottom of a curtain. First, fold in your raw edge ¾" and press. Then, make another fold 1¼". Your first fold rolls inside the second and you end up with a nice folded edge on both the top and bottom. Press this double fold and stitch down, sewing close to the fold in the fabric.

Medium

Perhaps you'd like a narrower option for the edge of a pillow back opening or the bottom of a table cloth. In this case fold under ½" and press. Then fold under an additional 1½" and press. As above, stitch the hem down, sewing close to the fold in the fabric.

Small

Sometimes, you need a tiny hem for something like a napkin edge. In this case, your double-turn should be just ¼" to start and then a second ¼" to finish. This is also called a "rolled hem" and on many machines you have a presser foot called, unusually enough, a Rolled Hem foot to help you do the job. This specialty foot comes standard on many machines, like the Janome models we recommend at Sew4Home, or you can purchase it separately.

Blind Hemming

Blind hemming is exactly what you think it is: a hem with stitches you barely notice. This a the perfect option when you'd rather not have the "top-stitching" look of the double-turn hems described above. It is a much more elegant solution.

To learn how, read our article How to Make a Blind Hem Stitch.

Comments (3)

MooMommy said:

	... I would love to hear more about using rolled hems. I bought a lot of heirloom linen to make hankies, but am not sure how to hem them. The corners really throw me!
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July 03, 2009
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liz.johnson said:

	... I'm so glad you liked the hemming article. You're right, rolled hems would be terrific for your handmade hankies. I'm going to add it to my idea list right now, so look for for information soon. Thanks again! Liz Johnson, Editor
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July 04, 2009
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Haws50 said:

	... Yes, I would very much like to see an artical on rolled hemming. I do a great double turn and a really great blind hem, but I struggle with the rolled hem foot. If I do get it started which is very iffy...what do you do about corners? you then have all that bulk. I have trouble starting with out the bulk....now there is bulk! Help!
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July 17, 2009
Votes: +1