Types of Hemming
For those who are looking to add a polished finish to any garment or fabric, hemming is a perfect choice. Hemming involves folding and stitching up the edges of the fabric for an improved fit and an overall better look. With all the various types of hemming available, it can be difficult to decide which style best suits your project needs – that’s why we’re here!
In this post, we will discuss different types of hemmings so you can understand them better and make sure you choose the right hemming option for your next sewing adventure. Read on to learn more about what type of hemming work best in different projects!
What is a hem?
Before knowing different types of hemming, it is important to understand what a hem is. A hem is a folded edge of the fabric, typically found at the bottom of a garment or other item, which encloses and conceals the raw edge of the material. Hems are commonly seen in clothing such as dresses, skirts, and pants; home furnishings like curtains and bed linens; and accessories such as bags and scarves. The purpose of a hem is to create an attractive finished look while providing reinforcement against fraying or tearing of the material. Sewing techniques used to create hems vary depending on the weight, texture, and weave of the fabric being hemmed.
Common techniques include hand-stitching, machine-stitching, fusing (iron-on), top stitching (serves both decorative and reinforcement purposes), and zigzag stitching. Some hems are also created using special hemming tape or glue, which can be applied to fabric and then heat set for a secure bond. Depending on the design of the garment or item, hems may vary in size from a few millimeters up to several centimeters in depth. In addition to creating an aesthetically pleasing edge, the hem is often used as a place to attach trim such as lace or ribbon for decorative purposes.
What Are the Different Types of Hemming?
Now that you understand what a hem is, let’s take a look at some of the different types of hemming. There are many types of hemming out there, each with its own advantages and uses. This blog post will explain the different types of hemming so you can pick the right one for your project.
Single Fold Hem
The first types of hemming are the Single Fold Hems. This is a basic hem and involves folding up the fabric edge once and then stitching it down to create a neat finish. It’s great for lightweight fabrics like cotton, silk or polyester, but may be too bulky for heavier fabrics like denim or wool.
Double Fold Hem
The second type of hemming is the Double Fold Hems. This type involves folding up the fabric twice and then stitching it down to create a more substantial hemline. This type of hem works well on medium weight fabrics such as tweed or corduroy, as well as heavy weight fabrics such as velvet or canvas.
Rolled Hem
The third types of hemming are the Rolled Hems. This one is best used on lightweight or sheer fabrics because it creates a very narrow and delicate finish that won’t overwhelm the fabric. It’s created by folding up very small amounts of fabric and stitching them down in place to create a tight roll along the edges.
Blind Hem
The fourth types of hemming are the Blind Hems. This one works best on medium-weight fabrics such as wool or denim because it’s easy to hide in larger fabric pieces without being bulky or noticeable from far away. It also works well on linens and other lightweight materials since it won’t add any bulkiness when pressed flat against other materials in seams and corners.
Bias Tape Hem
The fifth type of hem is Bias Tape Hem, which involves using bias tapes (fabric strips cut on an angle) to cover and secure raw edges in both light and heavyweight fabrics like cotton, linen, wool and suede – perfect for knitwear projects! The bias tape can typically either be hand-stitched onto the garment edge or machine stitched directly onto it depending on how strong you need your garment to be at this particular edge point.
Pin Hem
The sixth type is Pin Hem, which requires straight pins secured through two layers of fabric before sewing together – making sure all pins are facing upwards so they don’t accidentally get stuck inside your seam when you’re sewing over them later! This technique works best with lighter weight fabrics as heavier ones tend to shift around too much when working with pins instead of using clips when joining multiple pieces together for hems & seams etc..
Zigzag (or Overlocked)
The seventh type is Zigzag (or Overlocked) Hem which can be used in any weight fabric from lightweight silks & cottons through to thick wools & furs! You simply zigzag stitch around each side separately before joining them together at one end with a straight stitch line which gives you nice neat join where no raw edges are left exposed – perfect if you want something that looks professionally finished yet still has plenty of strength behind it!.
Faced Hem
The eighth type is Faced Hem where faced material (which usually matches your garment) gets sandwiched between two separate pieces that make up your garment – this gives extra structure/strength whilst concealing all raw edges inside resulting in a lovely clean finish from both outside & inside view! Perfect for skirts & dresses especially those made from thicker fabrics such as tweed or even faux fur!.
Piped Hem
The ninth type is Piped Hem which adds extra detail onto otherwise plain garments while still keeping everything neatly concealed inside! A strip of piping cord gets sewn into place along with any desired detailing before closing up sides so that everything remains tucked away neatly out sight – perfect if you want something special but don’t have time/patience to create elaborate trims etc…
Bound Hem
Finally, there’s Bound Hem where folded ribbon (trimmed the same length as width measurement) gets stitched securely onto the outer rim and then pulled tight so excess folds back hidden beneath creating smooth looking edge which also adds an extra layer of protection against wear & tear especially in areas subject high friction such shoe collars, etc…
That’s a wrap on the different types of hemming techniques! We hope this guide has given you better insight into what each one can do, and how they might help your future garment projects. Best of luck with everything, and happy sewing!
What is the Difference Between a Hem and a Seam?
Not only knowing the types of hemming, but it is also important to differentiate between a hem and a seam. Hems and seams are two of the most common sewing techniques used in apparel construction. Though they may appear similar at first glance, it’s important to understand the differences between them since each type serves a different purpose. We will explain what a hem and a seam are, as well as the key differences between them.
A hem is part of the finishing process for garments or fabric items. A hem is created by folding over the raw edge of fabric and stitching it down to give it a neat and professional appearance. The purpose of hems is to prevent fraying of fabrics as well as add a more polished look to finished garments. It’s also important to note that hems can be single- or double-folded depending on the type of fabric being hemmed, with single folds generally being used on lightweight fabrics and double folds being used on heavier fabrics.
A seam is different from a hem in that it’s used when joining together two pieces of fabric together in order to create an item such as clothing or other textiles. During this process, raw edges are tucked under so that they don’t show through on the outside when worn or used. Seams are most commonly used during construction when putting together multiple pieces of fabric but can also be used for decorative purposes such as adding trim or contrast stitching along with regular hems for added detailing.
To sum up, there are some key differences between hems and seams: • A hem is usually applied at the end of garment construction to finish off the edges by folding over fabric one (or two) times and stitching it in place; whereas
- A seam joins two pieces of fabric together throughout garment construction by tucking away raw edges before stitching them together securely from one side to another
In conclusion, hems and seams are essential sewing techniques and are used for very different purposes. Being able to differentiate between them will allow you to properly construct your next garment project with ease! Happy sewing!
When should you use hand hemming techniques and what tools are needed?
Hand hemming is an invaluable technique that should be used when particularly delicate fabrics or detailing are involved in the construction of garments. Hand hemming ensures a much deeper and more precise finish compared to machine stitching, as it can accommodate more intricate designs and ensure greater accuracy on curves and edges. It’s also easier to control the tension of stitches around draping fabric while hand sewing as well as visible thread length – features that might not be achievable with a sewing machine.
The tools required for hand hemming include:
- Thread (in desired color & weight)
- Sewing needles
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape/ruler
- Seam ripper
- Iron/ironing board (optional)
- Thimble (optional).
By taking the time to hand hem, you can ensure that your garment projects look professional and well-crafted. With practice and patience, anyone can become an expert in this technique! Good luck with your next project!
Tips on sewing your hems professionally when working with tricky fabrics
Sewing hems can be tricky, but with the right tips and tricks, you can make it a breeze! Here are some great tips to remember when sewing hems so that you can get the job done quickly and easily.
The first tip is to prepare your fabric before beginning. If you’re working with lightweight fabrics such as cotton, silk or polyester, press them flat with an iron to remove any wrinkles. For heavier fabrics such as velvet or canvas, hand-pressing may be necessary instead since an iron could cause damage. Make sure all fabric edges are also cut neatly and fray check applied if needed.
The second tip is to choose the right type of hem for your fabric weight. If using a single fold hem on lightweight fabrics, make sure the fold isn’t too narrow – it should appear proportional to the overall design without being too bulky. For double fold hems use on medium or heavyweight fabrics, try using a bias tape hem instead since it’s easier to conceal in larger pieces of fabric while still providing plenty of strength at those points where seams join together!
The third tip is to use the proper stitches for each type of hem. A straight stitch should generally be used for single-fold hems on lightweight fabrics; whereas a zigzag stitch works well for double-fold hems as it allows more flexibility when joining multiple pieces together for an even finish across whole garment edge. If doing either pinning (for pin hem) or clipping (for bias tape hem) make sure all pins/clips are facing upwards so they don’t get caught inside seam lines when stitching over them later!
The fourth tip is to test out your stitching before continuing. It’s important to check that everything looks good after each step so that you don’t have any surprises later on once complete; simply do this by placing fabric piece onto flat surface then running fingers along stitches making sure no pockets remain between needle & bobbin threads etc..
Finally, always make sure that you pre-wash any finished garments before wearing them – this will help prevent any shrinkage and keep your garment looking perfect!
Following these tips will not only help you achieve a professional look, but also ensure that your hems are durable and long-lasting. We hope these tips have been helpful in guiding your next project when it comes time to sew hems!
How to iron your hems and keep them looking good as new?
Ironing your hems may seem like a straightforward task, but there are a few things to keep in mind that can help make sure your projects look their best.
Before beginning, it’s important to note the type of fabric and how it reacts to heat. Some fabrics (such as wool or velvet) may shrink when exposed to high temperatures, so be sure to check the care label on each garment before ironing!
When ready, place the item on an ironing board with wrong side of fabric facing up; this will prevent any shine from showing through once pressed. Then set the temperature according to your fabric type – low for delicate fabrics and high for heavier materials like denim or canvas.
To ensure accuracy while pressing, use tailor’s chalk or tracing paper to draw hems before ironing. This will help you easily see where creases should go and keep them looking even when finished. You can also use a pressing cloth or cotton fabric over the top of the garment, as this will prevent direct exposure to heat and damage to fibers.
Lastly, pay attention to pressing with the grain of the fabric; otherwise you may end up with puckers or wrinkles that weren’t there before! Iron slowly and gently along seams, taking care not to press too hard as this could cause distortion in your work.
With these tips in mind, your hems should look freshly pressed and ready for wear every time! Good luck with your projects!
FAQs about Types Of Hemming
How Do You Sew A Straight Hem?
Using a straight stitch, fold the edge of the fabric with wrong side facing up by around 1/2 inch and press lightly with an iron. Then pin or clip in place before sewing close to the fold line all the way along so that it stays in place as you work. Finally, turn hem over and press from other side, making sure edges look neat & tidy.
What Type Of Stitch Is Used For Hemming?
For single-fold hems on lightweight fabrics a straight stitch should generally be used; whereas a zigzag stitch works well for double-fold hems as it allows more flexibility when joining multiple pieces together for an even finish across whole garment edge. If doing either pinning (for pin hem) or clipping (for bias tape hem) make sure all pins/clips are facing upwards so they don’t get caught inside seam lines when stitching over them later!
How Do You Finish A Hem?
Once your stitches are in place, the next step is to finish off the hem in order for it to look neat and professional. This can be done by either machine-overcasting or hand-stitching around edges. If using a machine, use a corresponding thread color & type that matches fabric material as well as adjustable stitch length settings so that you can control how close each row of stitches should be together.
What Is The Difference Between Hem By Hand Vs. Machine Hemming?
The difference between hand and machine hemming is in the time it takes to complete the process. Hand-hemming tends to be a slower process, as each stitch needs to be placed manually; whereas with a sewing machine this can be done quickly and efficiently. However, some fabrics (such as sheer or delicate) may come out looking better when stitched by hand for a more precise finish. Ultimately, it’s up to you which method works best for your project!
Conclusion On Types Of Hemming
There’s a lot of knowledge to be gained when it comes to different types of hemming. No matter what fabrics you’re working with, the right knowledge and tools can help you achieve flawless results. Whether you opt for hand stitching or an overlocker, mastering these techniques will allow you to create beautiful projects with a professional finish. And don’t forget – once your hems are complete, taking extra care when ironing them will help keep them looking good as new! With these tips in mind, there’s no reason why you can’t create stunning pieces that last. So get creative and have fun experimenting with different types of hemming – the possibilities are endless!
We hope this guide to types of hemming has been helpful! If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to hear from you. Happy sewing!
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How to Hem: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

I’m Cinda Saunders, a fashion designer. I specialize in womenswear, and I love creating pieces that make women feel beautiful and confident.
Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been interested in fashion. I would watch my mom get ready for church every Sunday, and I loved seeing her put on her dress and heels. She always looked so beautiful.
When I was older, I started designing my own clothes. And eventually, I decided to go to school to study fashion design.
I’m so grateful that I get to do what I love every day. And I hope to continue designing beautiful clothes for women for many years to come.