Continuing with techniques taught by the talented Nancy Zieman, today we give you an excerpt from her book,
Sewing A to Z.
Hems
Nearly everything you sew has a hem—skirts, pants, sleeves; even home décor items such as curtains and table linens. By using a few simple hints, you can turn this time-consuming chore into a simple sewing task.
1. Prepress the hem on each flat piece before stitching it to another piece. This is a great timesaving technique. Use an Ezy-Hem Gauge to provide an accurate measurement and to avoid leaving a hem impression on the right side of the fabric. Place the gauge on the wrong side of the fabric. Fold up the hem allowances over the gauge to the desired width and press. (HM1)
2. Grade the seam allowances within the hem area to reduce bulk. (HM2)
3. Finish the cut edge of the hem by zigzagging or serging. (HM3)
4. Hand stitch the hem in place using a blind hem stitch.
• Thread a needle with a single strand of thread. Cut the thread about 18" long. The thread will tangle and knot more easily if it is too long. Knot one end of the thread.
• Fold back the hem edge so ¼" of the edge shows. (HM4)
• Work from right to left.
• Take a tiny stitch in the hem; then take a tiny stitch in the project about ¼" ahead of that stitch. Pick up only one or two threads in the fabric.
• Take a stitch in the hem edge about ¼" ahead of the last stitch.
• Repeat, alternating stitches between the hem edge and the project. Don’t pull the stitches too tight or the hem will pucker. (HM5)
5. As an option, stitch the hem using a machine blind hem stitch.
• Fold back the project edge so about ¼" of the hem edge shows.
• Adjust your sewing machine for a blind hem stitch as detailed in your owner’s manual.
• Stitch so the straight stitch falls in the hem allowance and the zigzag just catches the project at the fold. (HM6)
We want to give a copy of Nancy's book to one lucky follower!
Click the link below then fill out the form to enter!
Click the link below then fill out the form to enter!
Winners announced next Monday.