Sewing Technique: Simple, Perfect Narrow Hems

Sometimes a narrow hem is all you need....but how can one get a perfectly balanced turn on a curved hem? For a straight hem, using a narrow hem foot is often the easiest solution, but I have found great difficulty in using one with curves, because the fabric twists and doesn't lay properly. Follow along in these simple steps to achieve a perfect curved hem of your own!

Step 1: Stitch

My favorite use for my serger is actually not related to sewing knits or anything else, it's this: marking a seam for pressing. I find that when I use a 3-thread overlock stitch on the edge of my curved seam it presses perfectly into place. No templates, pressing rulers, or guessing required.

I don't actually trim anything off. As you can see in the photo, I align my fabric edge with the blade. If you want to trim fabric off at this step, please be sure to add some to the hem when you cut out your pattern.

The second picture is a little wavy, but don't worry, that will get pressed out when you get to step 2!

Comments

[OneGirlCircus]

Cross- the stitching seems to cause a nice "break" in the fabric so it folds nicely.  If the hems were wider, I might get bunched up fabric, but this technique is suitable for narrow hems only.

[Cross_]

 How does this work without any clipping/trimming ? Don't you get bunched up material inside the hem when doing inside curves ?

[kellyhogaboom]

This is a great tutorial! Thank you!

[pam14004]

Hi Karen...great tip....thanks (I do this for my custom shirt hems...with a 2-thread overlock with very fine thread) ~Pam

[omnibot]

Nifty .. I'll try this next time.