How to Hem: Basic Double Fold Hem Tutorial
This double fold hemming guide will walk you through sewing this particular hem.
If you are nearing the end of a project, it is time to learn how to sew a hem to add the finishing touches. Learning how to hem is not only a must-know basic sewing skill, but it can help you fix clothing and adjust them for size.
Other than knowing how to use a sewing machine or how to sew by hand, learning how to hem is one of the first things you should learn when you begin to explore sewing for the first time.
Just about any project you will be making will need you to hem a portion of it. Whether it is the bottom of a skirt or the top edge of a tote bag, you are going to need this easy hemming tutorial to finish it!
Follow along with this quick tutorial on sewing a hem with Remona from The Stitching Scientist and learn How to Hem: Basic Double Fold Hem.
The double fold hem is probably the hem you will be using the most, especially when it comes to learning how to sew basic and beginner projects. Other sewing projects may require another type of hem. For now, however, all you need to learn is how to hem using the basic double fold hem.
It will do the trick for most sewing projects. If you are looking to make hemming easier, consider investing in an iron that will help you press your hems before you start sewing them. This will ensure a crisp project.
Sign Up For More Free Patterns >>>
Double Fold Hemming Guide
There are different types of hems: the double fold, the blind hem, and rolling hem. In my opinion, the double fold hem is the most beginner friendly. It is simple and can be applied to almost any project that requires hemming. There are 3 types of double hems: large, medium and small. The size represents the length of the fold in the fabric. Each hem, whether large, medium or small starts off with a 1/4" fold in the fabric. The second fold will depend on the preferred size of hem. In this tutorial, we will go through each size with pictures representing a large double fold hem.
Supplies
- Raw edge of fabric (cotton shown in pictures)
- Sewing essentials
- Iron
Double Fold Hem Instructions:
1. Turn the fabric you want to hem right side out. Fold in the fabric 1/4" from the edge you want to hem and iron down neatly. Use steam if necessary.
2. The next step will depend on the preferred size of the hem. For a large hem, fold down 1.5" from where the first fold ended. For a medium hem, fold down 1". For a small hem, fold down 1/2" from where the first fold ended. Iron down neatly. Here is what the large fold looks like:
3. Next, take the folded fabric to your sewing machine and sew down as a close as possible to the edge or bottom of the fold. I think a few millimeters away from the bottom of the fold works best.
4. Here is your finished large double fold hem:
What is your go-to type of hem?