How to Sew a Decorative Hem

It is easy to add a decorative hem to all your jersey cotton blend sewing projects. I add this hem to all the clothing that I make for children if I am using a fabric similar to T-shirt material.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing Machine
• Jersey/ Cotton blend Fabric

1. 
    
   Fabric feeding into sewing machine

   I start by ironing a 1/4 inch hem around my project. I let the sewing machine auto feed my material at its own pace and I do not stretch the material when it goes into the sewing machine.

2. 
    
   Stretching the fabric

   After the fabric has fed into the sewing machine and my stitches are started I gently stretch the back of the fabric and let it snap back into place. In the photo you can see that I stretch the fabric gently but enough to change the tension and in turn change the stitch.

3. 
    
   Releasing tension on the fabric

   I get a rhythm going so that I am gently pulling and releasing around the length of the hem. I am constantly sewing so that the stitches are changed equally around the garment.

4. 
    
   Decorative Hem

   This rolled hem works very well on any material that has a good stretch to it. If it is material that can be used to make t-shirts or sweats it is a good choice. You can use this technique on and pieces of a garment.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice the technique on a scrap piece of material first.
• Use proper safety precautions when using a sewing machine.

[xxdesertash]

on 9/30/2009 great article! 5*