Sewing a Hem

A proper hem should be pressed or ironed before sewing.

Most people find themselves needing to hem an article of clothing at some point. You may have to shorten a garment, or perhaps you're fixing a hem that was torn. In either case, you could take your garment to a seamstress or tailor. But this can be expensive. Sewing a hem yourself requires the right tools, a few minutes and some basic sewing ability.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Garment to be hemmed
• Measuring tape
• Scissors -- if shortening the garment
• Sewing machine
• Thread

Instructions

1. Preheat the iron to the appropriate temperature. The exact temperature is determined by the fabric of the garment you'll be hemming.

2. If you must shorten the garment, measure exactly where you will cut off the excess fabric. This will be the length of the garment plus 1/2 inch. The extra 1/2 inch will allow you to hem the garment to the correct length. Trim off the excess fabric with scissors designed for cutting fabric.

3. Fold up the raw edge of the garment 1/4 inch toward the inside. Press along the fold with the iron -- creasing the fabric to keep it in place.

4. Stitch the hem into place using the sewing machine. Keep the line of stitching just under 1/4 inch away from the edge of your garment. Use a straight stitch with a similar-color thread, to help disguise the hem.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want your hem to stand out, use a contrasting thread and select one of the decorative stitches on your sewing machine.

References

• "The Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques"; Wendy Gardiner; 2003