Sep 21 2009
Blind Hem
A blind hem is a basic sewing machine stitch that attempts to emulate the fine work of hand sewing. It is more elegant than a straight stitch used in place of a hem. And it is faster than sewing by hand. This is how you do it.
How to Sew a Blind Hem:
- Choose a thread color as close as possible to your garment fabric color.
- Press your garment hem into place. Turn up once, press. Then fold in and press.
- Set sewing machine settings to blind hem.
- Position the fabric, folded so that the majority of the blind hem stitch is sewn on the facing side, and only a tiny bit of fabric is stitched that can show through to the front.
- Stitch slowly, making sure that the straight stitches and bottom of the zig-zag are on the turned up part of the hem.
- From the right side of the garment, the stitch should barely show as vertical lines. Press flat.
Sewing Tips and Notes:
- When sewing the blind hem, fabric fold will be pointing to the right. Main body of the fabric will be pointing to the left. Most of the stitching will end up inside the fold once it is pressed open.
- Don’t skip pressing the hem before stitching. It’s very difficult to keep a straight line while folding fabric multiple times that is not pressed in place.
- This is the classic hem for men’s slacks. But I never use it for my husband’s pants because he kicks the stitching right out. For menswear or children’s clothing, a cut-on hem , or a straight stitch may be preferable.
- Some machines have a blind hem foot. I have one, but don’t like the way it lines up the fabric. Try the technique on a scrap piece of fabric with and without the special presser foot.
See also, How to Scale a Child’s Apron and Gimp Trim How To .
