Mastering the art of sewing a blind hem stitch on a sewing machine adds a valuable skill to a seamstress’s repertoire, offering a method to create discreet and polished hems.
This technique is especially useful for garments where a visible hem might detract from the overall aesthetic.
Learning how do you sew a blind hem stitch on a sewing machine involves understanding the intricacies of machine settings, fabric preparation, and precise guiding of the fabric through the machine.
In this guide, we explore the step-by-step process, encompassing the selection of the blind hem stitch, proper fabric folding, adjusting machine settings, and the crucial task of guiding the fabric to achieve an almost imperceptible finish.
What Is A Blind Hem Stitch?
A blind hem stitch is a sewing technique used to create inconspicuous hems, especially on garments made from lightweight or delicate fabrics. The purpose of this stitch is to secure the fabric edge while keeping the stitches nearly invisible on the right side of the fabric.
The blind hem is achieved by folding the fabric to create a small hem allowance, then intermittently catching a small amount of fabric from the folded edge with each stitch.
The sewing machine forms tiny, almost undetectable stitches on the garment’s right side, creating a clean and professional finish.
This method is commonly employed on dress pants, skirts, and formal wear where a traditional hem might be too noticeable, offering a polished look while maintaining the garment’s aesthetic appeal.
How Do You Sew A Blind Hem Stitch On A Sewing Machine?
Here’s how do you sew a blind hem stitch on a sewing machine:
Select the Blind Hem Stitch on Your Machine
Begin by selecting the blind hem stitch on your sewing machine. This stitch typically looks like a straight stitch with occasional zigzag stitches. Refer to your machine’s manual to locate and set the appropriate stitch.
Fold and Press the Hem
Fold the fabric to create the desired hem allowance. Press the fold to ensure a crisp edge. For a blind hem, the folded edge should be wider than the standard hem to accommodate the intermittent catching of fabric by the machine.
Position the Fabric
Lay the fabric with the right side facing up on the machine. Align the folded edge with the sewing machine’s guide, keeping the raw edge of the fabric to the right.
This positioning ensures that the blind hem stitch catches the folded fabric without penetrating the garment’s right side.
Adjust the Machine Settings
Fine-tune the machine settings, adjusting the stitch length and width if necessary. Test the stitch on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure it matches the desired look.
The goal is to create stitches that are visible on the folded edge but nearly invisible on the right side of the fabric.
Guide the Fabric Through
As you sew, guide the fabric through the machine, ensuring the needle catches a small amount of fabric from the folded edge with each stitch. The intermittent zigzag stitches should secure the folded edge without being noticeable on the garment’s right side.
Practice on Scrap Fabric
Practice the blind hem stitch on scrap fabric before working on your actual project. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the machine settings, stitch appearance, and the technique of guiding the fabric for a seamless and professional finish.
Check and Press
Once you’ve completed the blind hem stitch, carefully inspect the right side of the fabric. The stitches should be discreet, blending with the fabric’s color and texture. Press the hem once more to set the stitches and achieve a polished, finished look.
Mastering the art of sewing a blind hem stitch takes a bit of practice, but with patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a flawless and inconspicuous hem on your garments.
How Do You Sew A Blind Hem Stitch On A Sewing Machine?
Let’s discuss how do you sew a blind hem stitch on a sewing machine:
Select the Blind Hem Stitch on Your Machine
To sew a blind hem stitch on a sewing machine, begin by selecting the appropriate stitch on your machine. This is typically labeled as the blind hem stitch and is designed to create a nearly invisible hem on the right side of the fabric.
Prepare the Fabric and Hem
Fold the fabric to create the desired hem with the wrong side facing up. Press the fold to ensure a crisp edge. For blind hems, the folded edge should be wider than a regular hem to allow for intermittent catching by the machine.
Position the Fabric
Lay the fabric on the machine, right side up, and align the folded edge with the guide on the machine. The raw edge of the fabric should be to the right. This positioning ensures that the blind hem stitch catches only a small amount of fabric from the folded edge.
Adjust Machine Settings
Adjust the machine settings according to your fabric and preferences. Typically, you can adjust the stitch length and width. Test the blind hem stitch on a scrap piece of fabric to ensure it meets your desired look before starting on your actual project.
Guide the Fabric Through
Slowly guide the fabric through the machine, making sure the needle catches a small portion of the folded fabric with each stitch. The machine will create intermittent straight stitches and small zigzag stitches, securing the folded edge without being noticeable on the right side.
Practice on Scrap Fabric
Practice the blind hem stitch on scrap fabric to familiarize yourself with the machine settings and the technique of guiding the fabric. This practice ensures that you can achieve a clean and professional-looking blind hem on your actual project.
Check and Press
Once you’ve completed the blind hem stitch, inspect the right side of the fabric. The stitches should be inconspicuous, blending seamlessly with the fabric.
Press the hem once more to set the stitches and give your garment a polished, finished appearance.
By following these seven simple methods, you can confidently sew a blind hem stitch on your sewing machine, achieving a neat and nearly invisible hem for a professional finish on your garments.
Mistakes To Avoid When Blind Hem Stitch On A Sewing Machine
Check out about the mistakes to avoid when Blind Hem Stitch on a Sewing Machine:
Neglecting Fabric Preparation
Neglecting to properly prepare the fabric before sewing a blind hem is a common mistake. Skipping the step of folding and pressing the hem may result in uneven stitches and a less polished appearance.
Ensure that the fabric is well-prepared with a crisp, even hem before attempting the blind hem stitch.
Selecting the Wrong Stitch Setting
Choosing the wrong stitch setting on your machine is a crucial mistake. Using the incorrect stitch can lead to visible stitches on the right side of the fabric or an insecure hem.
Always select the designated blind hem stitch on your machine and adjust the settings according to your fabric and project requirements.
Incorrect Positioning of the Fabric
Misaligning the fabric while sewing a blind hem is a common error. Ensure that the fabric is positioned correctly on the machine, with the right side facing up and the folded edge aligned with the machine’s guide.
Incorrect positioning may result in visible stitches or an improperly caught hem.
Failure to Test on Scrap Fabric
Failing to test the blind hem stitch on scrap fabric before sewing on the actual project is a mistake. Testing allows you to fine-tune the machine settings, ensuring the stitches are inconspicuous and the hem is secure. Skipping this step may lead to unexpected results on your garment.
Inadequate Guiding of the Fabric
Insufficient guidance of the fabric through the machine is a common mistake when sewing a blind hem. Be attentive to the feeding of the fabric, ensuring that the needle catches the folded edge consistently.
Inadequate guiding may result in uneven stitches or the machine missing portions of the hem.
Ignoring Stitch Length and Width Adjustments
Neglecting to adjust the stitch length and width according to your fabric type and desired outcome is an oversight. Each fabric may require specific adjustments, and ignoring this aspect may result in visible stitches or an insecure hem.
Always experiment with the settings on scrap fabric to achieve the desired look.
Skipping the Final Pressing Step
Skipping the final pressing step after completing the blind hem is a mistake that can affect the overall appearance of the garment. Pressing sets the stitches and ensures a smooth, polished finish.
Neglecting this step may result in a wrinkled or uneven hem, diminishing the professional quality of the blind hem.
By avoiding these common mistakes when sewing a blind hem, you can enhance the overall quality and appearance of your garments, achieving a seamless and nearly invisible finish.
FAQs
How do I select the blind hem stitch on my sewing machine?
Locate the blind hem stitch setting on your sewing machine; it typically resembles a straight stitch with intermittent zigzag stitches. Consult your machine’s manual for specific guidance on selecting this stitch.
Can I sew a blind hem without folding the fabric?
No, folding the fabric is essential for a blind hem. The fold creates the hem allowance, and the machine catches small portions of this fold, resulting in a discreet and polished hem.
What if I choose the wrong stitch setting?
Choosing the wrong stitch setting can lead to visible stitches. Always select the designated blind hem stitch on your machine and adjust settings according to your fabric and project needs.
Why should I test on scrap fabric before sewing the actual project?
Testing on scrap fabric allows you to fine-tune machine settings, ensuring inconspicuous stitches and a secure hem. It helps you familiarize yourself with the process before working on your actual garment.
Do I need to press the hem after sewing the blind hem stitch?
Yes, pressing the hem after sewing sets the stitches and provides a smooth, polished finish. This final step contributes to the professional quality of the blind hem on your garment.
Conclusion
Sewing a blind hem stitch on a sewing machine transforms the mundane task of hemming into a skillful and visually appealing endeavor.
The meticulous selection of machine settings, coupled with precise fabric preparation and guiding, ensures a professional finish that seamlessly blends with the garment.
Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or a novice exploring the intricacies of machine sewing, mastering the blind hem stitch opens up possibilities for creating garments with inconspicuous and refined hems.
As you practice and refine this technique, you’ll find yourself elevating the overall quality of your sewing projects, achieving hems that are as neat on the inside as they are on the outside.
