Finishing the corners when you're making a narrow hem can be a challenge. Making a perfect 90˚ fold at each corner is one option, and often will work just fine. However, it can be tough to keep your raw edges tucked in, and bulky or slippery fabrics can cause you fits. Instead, try our Quick Tip: nine, simple steps to a clean finished corner.

This sample was made for a napkin project, but you can use it anytime you need a narrow hemmed corner.

1. Along all edges, turn right side under 1/4" and press well.
2. Turn another 1/4" all around and press well.
3. Unfold both 1/4" turns so your fabric lays flat. You should be able to see the fold lines of both turns.
   
4. Fold corner at a 45˚ angle so the point of the corner lines up with the intersection of the second set of fold lines. Press.
   
5. Fold corner a second time, again at a 45˚ angle. Press.
   
6. Re-fold your first 1/4" turn along its original fold lines and press well.
   
7. Refold along your second set of 1/4" fold lines and press. If you've been careful with your measurements, turns and pressing, this second re-fold will create a diagonal line where your two finished edged meet, making a neat split corner.
   
8. Edgestitch around all folded edges, back-tacking two to three stitches at each corner. Make sure your back-tacking cross over the split corner to help this split say closed.
   
9. Press from the front to finish.
   
   

Comments (6)

Haws50 said:

	... Very good instructions, I would probably hand stitch the split closed to give it a finished look and keep stuff from getting in there, but that is just me.
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November 16, 2009
Votes: +1

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

	... Hi Haws50 -- what a tidy suggestion - thanks! For those of you new to hand stitching, check out this tutorial on some of the basic stitches, including a slipstitch, which would be great for this tip. http://sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/281-basic-hand-stitching
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November 16, 2009
Votes: +2

sandytn said:

	... Thanks for the tip......great!
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November 24, 2009
Votes: +0

Diana said:

	... Liz, I have a question, what did you line the napkin, or the material, above in the tutorial? Was that just white cotton, or was it a stabilizer? Could you use a an iron in stabilizer for lining napkins? Just getting ready to do my napkins, and would like a more “finished” look on the wrong side.
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April 22, 2010
Votes: +0

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Diana -- these napkins aren't lined -- they are simply a plain fabric with a printed border. This trick is for hemming and cornering raw edges. And really... I think that's all you need for a nice finished look-plus it keeps the napkins lightweight. However, if you want your napkins to be double-sided, you would only need to stitch two squares right sides together with a small opening for turning, then turn the square right side out. You could either slip stitch the opening closed and press, or for a bit more decorative edge, you could edgestitch all around in a matching or contrasting thread. Here is the actual napkin tutorial from our Citrus Holiday collection: http://sew4home.com/projects/table-linens/379-citrus-holiday-easy-napkins-with-festive-trim

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April 22, 2010
Votes: +0

Taylor said:

	... This looks great, I'm going to try it, thanks! Taylor www.maryjanesandgaloshes.com
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August 23, 2010
Votes: +0

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