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 (16)

sanz57 said:

... I've just started to sew and love your corner suggestion! Thank you!

February 01, 2012

Hilary from UK said:

... Hi - Just found this site and I'm amazed at the content. I've been sewing nearly 40 years and never come across this tip for corners, it's beautifully neat. For Christmas I made my daugher an apron with a multi-layered skirt with quilted bib and would have so loved to do the corners like this. I've now added seveal of your patterns to my list! Thank you so much for sharing all the brilliant ideas.

January 24, 2012

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... @ Gema McAlister - We sure do: here is the main article: http://sew4home.com/tips-resources/sewing-tips-tricks/470-how-to-make-faux-mitered-corners And, here is a great simple blanket tutorial: http://sew4home.com/projects/bed-linens/796-teen-pretty-pack-minky-marshmallow-bound-blanket

December 14, 2011

Gema McAlister said:

... Do you have any tips on attaching blanket binding and making the corners look nice? I made a blanket for my daughter and was not happy with the way that it turned out since it was my first one, but I want to make her another one, but want to learn a new way to make the corners on it before I finish it.

December 14, 2011

Cece from Louisiana said:

... Thank you...Majored in Home Ec and never used this method before. I am now the proud owner of two new tablecloths!!!

October 06, 2011

lovethe530 said:

... Liz, I see your instructions for the double sided. Thank you,

September 04, 2011

Guy J Bergeron said:

... I have been sewing for years and this tip was such an easy idea. Just loved it. Well written and pictured. :>)

June 18, 2011

Liz Johnson, Editor, Sew4Home said:

... Hi Curious Mind -- unless you are using a super thick fabric, trimming should not be necessary. You actually need the full width of the seam allowances to do the fold correctly.

January 10, 2011

Curious Mind said:

... Would it help to trim some of the excess fabric that is folded under so that the corner does not get too bulky?

January 10, 2011

quilter1 said:

... Thanks for this. I have been wanting to make napkins so this is very helpful for me. Rita

January 02, 2011

Taylor said:

... This looks great, I'm going to try it, thanks! Taylor www.maryjanesandgaloshes.com

August 23, 2010

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

April 22, 2010

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.

April 22, 2010

sandytn said:

... Thanks for the tip......great!

November 24, 2009

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

November 16, 2009

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.

November 16, 2009

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