How to Do a Lettuce Hem on Organza
Lettuce hems provide a small frilly ruffle on the edge of fabrics. They are relatively easy to complete, as they don't require any pressing or turning. In addition, it is a versatile technique, as these hems can be completed either before or after a garment is assembled. Lettuce hems can be used on most fabrics, however they are particularly pretty on organza, as the fabric reflects light and enhances the frill this technique produces.
Instructions
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Cut the organza on the bias. Cutting fabric on the bias can give it a little bit more stretch, which will give the lettuce hem more ruffle. When cutting on the bias, rather than aligning your pattern pieces vertically to the grain, you will align them at a 45 degree angle to the grain.
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Set your machine to a zig-zag stitch. You will need to use the smallest stitch size possible on your machine, as well as the narrowest zig-zag. Test the stitch on a scrap of organza to make sure that the tension and stitch are correct.
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Begin hemming. With the needle as close to the edge as possible, begin stitching. Organza may unravel a bit, so make sure you are stitching at least 1/8 inch away from the unraveled area. You will need to stretch the fabric as you stitch, so that when the material is released, it will ruffle. You may want to practice on a scrap prior to working on the actual pattern pieces.
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Trim the edge. With sharp scissors, trim the edge of the fabric as close as you can to the edge of the stitches. Do not cut the stitches, as it may unravel all of your hemming. When you are finished trimming, do not press, as this will remove most of the frill your lettuce hem has achieved.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not stretch the fabric while you stitch, the lettuce effect will be negligible. The more you can stretch the fabric, the more it will frill.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit machine à coudre image by jahmaik from Fotolia.com
