How to Hem a Circle Pattern
Hemming a circle, whether for a tablecloth or a skirt or dress, can be one of the trickiest methods of sewing. The fabric is never on a straight line and the folds always seem to want to twist and turn rather than laying flat. A simple trick with bias tape can fix all of these sewing woes and result in a smooth and fold-free round hem on your garment or your home decor.
Things You'll Need
- Item to be hemmed
- Measuring tape
- Single fold bias tape
- Pins
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
- Scissors
Instructions
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1
Measure around the bottom edge where you will be hemming to determine the length of the bias tape you need. Buy enough tape to go around, plus at least one extra foot. Pick a color that matches the fabric of your hemmed item as closely as possible.
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2
Look at the bias tape and notice that it has a top and a bottom. The top is smooth and the bottom has the two edges folded under towards the center. Open up one edge of the bias tape and begin pinning the edge of the tape to the raw edge of the item. Make sure that the top of the bias tape is against the right side of the item. Continue pinning, putting a pin every two inches or so, to ensure a smooth edge.
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3
Pin the bias tape all the way around the edge of the item. If you don't have enough bias in one piece, sew two or more pieces together to make one long strip that will go around. When you have gone all the way around and are back to the beginning, overlap the end of the bias tape about one inch past the beginning, pin securely and cut off any excess.
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4
Sew the bias tape to the item, sewing exactly on the fold line that you opened up on the bias. Sew along the entire length of the bias tape, ending at the same place that you began, removing pins as you sew. The place where you sew is called the stitching line.
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5
Fold the bias tape toward the inside of the hemmed item so that it is completely on the back side and the stitching line lays along the bottom edge of the item. Finger press along this stitching line to help the bias tape lay flat. Pin the bias tape all along the inside, keeping the second bias edge folded.
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6
Sew the bias tape to the inside of the item, either using a sewing machine to sew closely along the fold line of the bias tape, or using a needle and thread to slip stitch the bias to the item along the fold line.
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