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Blind Hem Stitch (with a sewing machine)

First of all…….thank you, thank you for all of the help, advice, personal experiences, etc. with the PC vs. MAC debate (here).  We weighed the pros, the cons, thought about what we use our computer for, how soon we’ll have to get another computer anyway, etc.   (And haha, it WAS like starting a discussion about politics or religion.  There is a definite opinion on both sides……and I loved reading it all.)  However, we finally decided. Whew…..what a relief.  A new little beauty is on its way in the mail.  I’ll let you know if we’re happy with our decision.  Thanks again for helping us out.  Again…….I could squeeze you all.  In a nice way…….not in a tube-of-toothpaste sort of way.

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Do you sometimes wonder how those almost invisible hems are sewn into slacks?

Bottoms of curtains?

Occasional hems of high-quality dresses?

Well, wonder no more.

It really isn’t too hard to do. All it takes is a few images to see how it’s done and get it straight in your brain, and you’ll wonder why you’ve never used the blind hem stitch before.

What?!!  You can’t see the seam about an inch and a half from the bottom edge?!?!

Good. That’s the point.

Ready to learn how to make the Blind Hem Stitch??

First of all, look on your sewing machine to be sure you have this stitch…

Then, to make the stitch, it makes it easier if you have the special Blind Hem Stitch Foot in your collection of sewing feet.  However, if you don’t have one, you can still do this stitch without it.  You’ll just need to sew a little more slowly.  And measure a bit more carefully.

Here’s what my Bernina Blind Hem Foot looks like.  Notice that vertical bar that goes right between the two feet.

If you want to buy one, try a universal one like this one……..just be sure it will fit your machine.  $10 isn’t so bad when it comes to making hemming easier.  And neater.

Okay, now to get started, you will need to first fold up your hem (whatever the seam allowance is for the project you’re working on).  You can serge or zig-zag the bottom edge and then fold your fabric up once………or fold it up twice (like I did) to hide that very bottom edge.  Iron flat.

Next, pin that fold in place……..placing the sharp point of the needle down towards the bottom fold of the hem.

Then fold that entire hem under (towards the front side of the fabric) leaving about an 1/8 to a 1/4 inch of the fold showing at the bottom edge.

Now, turn your fabric sideways…..

…….and slide this bottom edge under your needle and blind hem presser foot.  Line up that folded edge of the fabric (the fold that’s the wrong side of the fabric) right up against the guide on the presser foot………and then the rest of that fabric to the right, under the presser foot.  As you sew, keep that folded edge right against the guide.

And as you get to a pin, pull it on out with your free hand.  This is why you pinned them the way I showed above…..so you could have easy access to them.

You will start noticing that there is a nice straight edge over to the right and then every few stitches, there is a zig-zag stitch that reaches over and grabs that fold of fabric.  See that?

Now, if you fold that bottom edge back down from being hidden on the other side……you will see this.

And then, if you flip the fabric over………your bottom hem will look like this.  There are tiny little tacks of thread, keeping the hem in place.

But hardly noticeable if you use the same color thread as your project.  See that?  Or wait, is it hard too see?  Good.

Just be sure to iron/steam the bottom edge really well.

And that’s it.

A nice and un-noticeable hem.  Ahhhhhh…….

**Now, remember…….you can totally do this if you don’t have the blind hem stitch foot. But you will need that certain stitch on your sewing machine, like I showed above.  Practice a few times by folding your fabric just like I did above and then feed your fabric underneath your standard presser foot so that the zig-zag stitch barely catches that fold of fabric.  Adjust as needed and keep it straight and steady.  Good luck!

And if you don’t have the blind hem stitch on your sewing machine…….just create a straight seam hem.  Or, create the same invisible look by hand, with a needle and thread.  (Tutorials found here.)

 

 

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This post is sponsored by:

Ashley Johnston

Administrator at Make It & Love It
Ashley Johnston is a professional DIY costume maker, sewist, crafter, and owner of Make It & Love It. She is a mom of 5 and a wife to a very patient (with the craft clutter) husband. In case you’re wondering, she always chooses crafting/sewing/designing over mopping/dusting/wiping base boards……but bathrooms/laundry/full bellies are always attended to. Whew!

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Hi, I'm Ashley

Hi, I’m Ashley—the DIY-enthusiast behind this crazy blog!

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