Delicate Rolled Hems, Without a specialty Foot

Just like any hobby, sewing can become an expensive pass-time with all of the different bits and bobs available - whether you're a newbie (what do I actually need?) to an experienced sewer (must have all-the-new gadgets!!).

I might be in the minority here, but I think that the fewer fancy gadgets you have, the better. Yes, you might save a few minutes on a specialty technique with that fancy foot, but you still have to learn how to use the foot AND it's only worth it if you use that particular technique a lot. Almost everything can be done with the basic equipment that came with your sewing machine and yet, almost every technique has it's own specialty thing to 'make it easier and faster'.

So, if you're on a budget or are still exploring whether sewing is for you, here is a little technique that will give you perfect rolled hems every time, without the need for a rolled hem foot. There are a few more steps involved, but you only need your straight stitch foot and an extra 5 minutes for a lovely little rolled hem - it's easier than you think it is.

You'll Need - 

• Your Hunter Tank Sewing Pattern
• Sewing Machine
• Fabric Scissors
• Straight-stitch foot

Steps - 

1. Place a line of stitching 6mm (or 1/4") in from the raw edge, all the way around the hem of your Hunter Tank (or other sewing project), starting from one tie end and finishing at the other tie end.

2. Press your hem up to the wrong side along your stitched line, making sure your stitches are just visible on the wrong side. For the Hunter Tank, you'll need to gently ease up the side seams.

3. Secure your pressed fold by placing a line of stitching as closely to the pressed edge as you can. You'll probably be stitching on or very near to your initial set of stitches.

This is what it'll look like on the right side...

4. Trim out your excess fabric, as close to your stitched line as possible.

5. Press your hem up again one more time so that your rows of stitching are to the underside, easing around your side seam one more time.

6. Stitch in place with your machine or using hand stitches and you'll now have a neat little rolled hem. No specialty feet needed.

Of course, you are more than welcome to use a rolled hem foot if you have one, but you'll still get a lovely result either way.

Do you have specialty feet that you hardly ever use? Have you tried this technique to get a rolled hem? I'd love to know how it worked out for you, let me know in the comments!

xx

J

This tutorial is part of The Hunter Tank Sewing Series

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