Hemming a skirt is a simple task that can be completed in just a few minutes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned sewer, hemming a skirt is a great way to customize your wardrobe and give your clothes a professional finish. With just a few basic tools and a little bit of patience, you can easily hem any skirt to the perfect length.
The first step is to determine how much you need to remove from the bottom of the skirt. To do this, put on the skirt and mark the desired hem length with a pin or piece of chalk. Then, measure the distance from the marked line to the bottom of the skirt. This will tell you how much fabric you need to cut off.
Once you know how much fabric to remove, you can start cutting. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the fabric straight across, parallel to the hemline. If the skirt is made of a thick or stretchy fabric, you may want to use a serger to prevent the fabric from fraying. Once the fabric is cut, you can start sewing the hem in place. There are several different ways to do this, but the most common method is to use a blind hem stitch. This stitch is almost invisible and will give the skirt a professional finish. To sew a blind hem, you will need a needle and thread that matches the color of the skirt fabric. Start by threading the needle and knotting the end of the thread. Then, insert the needle into the fabric about 1/4 inch from the raw edge. Bring the needle up through the fabric about 1/8 inch from the edge, and then insert it back into the fabric about 1/4 inch from the first stitch. Continue sewing in this manner until you reach the end of the hem. When you reach the end of the hem, knot the thread and cut off the excess.
Types of Hem Finishes
Blind Hem Finish
A blind hem finish is invisible from the right side of the garment, creating a clean and professional look. It is commonly used for skirts, dresses, and pants. To achieve this finish, a specialized sewing machine or a blind hem foot attachment is required. The needle stitches along the folded edge of the fabric, catching only a small portion of the fabric from the right side, resulting in a nearly invisible seam.
Rolled Hem Finish
A rolled hem finish creates a narrow, rounded edge that is both decorative and durable. It is often used on lighter fabrics such as chiffon, silk, and voile. The fabric is folded twice and then stitched close to the folded edge. The rolled edge gives the hem a delicate and feminine appearance.
Hong Kong Finish
A Hong Kong finish is a type of double-folded hem that is strong and durable. It is commonly used on garments that will receive heavy wear and tear, such as jeans, workwear, and uniforms. The fabric is folded twice and stitched twice, creating a secure and reinforced hem.
Picot Hem Finish
A picot hem finish is a decorative finish that creates a series of small loops along the edge of the fabric. It is often used on sheer fabrics such as lace and organza. The fabric is folded and then stitched with a series of small stitches, creating the loops. The picot hem adds a touch of elegance and detail to the garment.
Facing Hem Finish
A facing hem finish is a versatile finish that can be used on a wide range of fabrics. A strip of fabric is folded over the raw edge of the hem and stitched in place. The facing can be made from the same fabric as the garment or a contrasting fabric for a decorative effect. The facing hem provides a clean and finished look to the hem.
How to Hem a Skirt
Hemming a skirt is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few easy steps. By following these instructions, you can achieve a professional-looking hem that will give your skirt a finished appearance.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Fabric scissors
- Thread
- Sewing machine or hand sewing needle
- Iron and ironing board
Instructions:
- Measure the desired hem length: Determine the length you want the skirt to be and measure from the bottom of the skirt to the desired hemline. Mark the measurement with a pin or chalk.
- Fold and press the hem: Fold up the bottom of the skirt along the marked line. Press the fold with an iron to create a crease.
- Fold and press again: Fold the hem up once more, this time by about 1 inch (2.5 cm). Press the fold again to create another crease.
- Sew the hem: Use a sewing machine or hand sewing needle to stitch around the edge of the folded hem. Start and finish your stitching a few inches from the edge of the skirt to reinforce the hem.
- Press the hem: Once the hem is stitched in place, press it one last time to flatten the seam and give the hem a professional finish.
