Hemming a flowy dress can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily at home.
Whether you’re shortening a dress or fixing a frayed hem, hemming is an essential skill for any DIY fashion enthusiast.
Measuring and Cutting:
Before you begin hemming, you’ll need to measure the length of your dress. Mark the length with chalk or pins. Then, cut the excess fabric, leaving an extra inch for the hem.
Sewing the Hem:
There are several ways to sew a hem, including hand sewing, using a sewing machine, or using a blind hem stitch. Learn how to sew a hem with a straight stitch on a sewing machine – it’s easy!
- Fold the extra inch of fabric up to create a double fold hem.
- Pin the hem in place, making sure the fabric is even.
- Using matching thread, sew a straight stitch along the folded edge of the hem.
- Press the hem with an iron to create a crisp finish.
With these simple steps, you can hem a flowy dress at home and achieve a professional-looking finish.
Choosing the Right Hemming Method
Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and sewing skills.
Hand Hemming
This method is ideal for delicate fabrics, such as chiffon or silk, as it allows for more control and precision. To hand hem a dress, follow these steps:
- Measure the length of the dress from the waistline to the desired hemline.
- Mark the hemline with chalk or pins, leaving a 1-inch allowance for the hem.
- Fold the hem up by 1/4 inch and press it with an iron.
- Fold the hem up again by 1/4 inch and press it again.
- Sew the hem in place using a slip stitch or a blind hem stitch.
Machine Hemming
Using a sewing machine to sew hems is a quicker, more efficient way of achieving the desired look. To machine hem a dress, follow these steps:
- Measure the length of the dress from the waistline to the desired hemline.
- Mark the hemline with chalk or pins, leaving a 1-inch allowance for the hem.
- Fold the hem up by 1/4 inch and press it with an iron.
- Fold the hem up again by 3/4 inch and press it again.
- Sew the hem in place using a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch.
Blind Hemming
Creating an invisible hem through blind hemming involves folding the material in a particular fashion and then sewing it with a special stitch. To blind hem a dress, follow these steps:
- Measure the length of the dress from the waistline to the desired hemline.
- Mark the hemline with chalk or pins, leaving a 1-inch allowance for the hem.
- Fold the hem up by 1/4 inch and press it with an iron.
- Fold the hem up again by 1 inch and press it again.
- Pin the hem in place using sewing pins.
- Sew the hem in place using a blind hem stitch.
Whether you prefer hand hemming, machine hemming, or blind hemming, each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. By following the steps outlined above, you can hem your dress with ease and achieve a professional-looking finish.
Measuring and Cutting the Hem
Here are some tips to ensure that you get it right:
Measuring the Hem
- Use a measuring tape to measure the length of the dress from the waistline to the desired hemline.
- If the dress has a pattern, make sure to match the pattern at the side seams before measuring.
- To ensure accuracy, measure in several places around the dress and take an average.
- Add an extra inch or two to the measurement to allow for hemming and adjustments.
Cutting the Hem
- Use sharp scissors to cut the hem to the desired length.
- If you are cutting a curved hem, use a ruler or hem gauge to ensure that it is even.
- For a double fold hem, fold the fabric up by the desired hem allowance and then fold it up again to hide the raw edge. Pin in place.
- For a rolled hem, fold the raw edge over twice and stitch in place.
- If the fabric tends to fray, consider using hem tape to prevent fraying.
Stay tuned for the next section on sewing the hem.
Preparing the Hem
Pressing the Hem
Here’s how to press the hem:
- Set up your iron and ironing board.
- Turn the dress inside out.
- Fold the hem up to the desired length.
- Place the folded hem onto the ironing board.
- Press the hemline with the iron, using a medium heat setting.
- Be sure to press the entire hemline, taking care not to create any creases.
Marking the Hem
Here’s how to mark the hem:
- Turn the dress right side out.
- Put the dress on and stand in front of a full-length mirror.
- Use chalk or pins to mark the hemline at the desired length.
- Take the dress off and lay it flat on a table or ironing board.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to double-check that the hemline is even and straight.
