Now You See It, Now You Don’t!
Hello fashion sewers and welcome to another online fashion sewing tutorial and video demonstration.
As requested by a Fashion Sewing Blog reader, today, we will look at the specific fashion sewing technique of using a blind hemming foot on our sewing machines to create the blind hemming stitch.
A great little thing to learn which adds further skills to an already growing fashion sewing skill set.
The Blind Hemming Stitch
Blind stitching can be done by hand or by using a sewing machine.
In this video tutorial I am going to demonstrate the blind hemming stitch using my sewing machine.
Most modern sewing machines will have a blind hemming stitch and can be readily identified as indicated by the images below -
The purpose of this specific stitch, unlike others, due to the unique way in which it is formed, is to stitch a number of stitches along the hem with one stitch anchoring itself to the fold of the garment at set intervals.
The blind hemming stitch is ideal to use on both stretch and woven fabrics because of its strength.
If you’re going to perform a blind hemming stitch on a sewing machine, then you’re going to need a blind hemming foot.
The Blind Hemming Foot
Most sewing machines should, as standard, come with a blind hemming foot.
The main difference between a blind hemming foot and standard foot, is the blind hemming foot has a large ‘groove‘ added, to enable a larger stitch to anchor and catch itself onto the garment.
There are other differences, but I’ll explain more below.
Sewing with a Blind Hemming Foot
sewing
Sewing with a Blind Hemming Foot – Written Guide
1 – On the stitch selector of your sewing machine, choose the blind stitch (large and small zigzag pattern).
2 – Select the length and width of the stitch for the type of fabric you are using. ALWAYS test on a spare piece of fabric first to get it just right.
3 - Finish the raw edge of the hem before turning up.
4 – Turn up the hem and baste into position leaving about 1cm (3/8inch) from the edge.
5 – Working on the wrong side, pull the garment away from the hem to expose the fold line.
6 – Position the garment under the blind hemming foot, ensuring the narrower section is resting on top of the fold. Make sure that the wider section of the foot ‘rides‘ along side the fold and not on it.
7 – As you now sew, stitches appear on the flat section of the hem, but the needle will (at given intervals), jump onto the fold, catching one or two fibers of the fabric to create the blind stitch.
I do hope you’ve found this fashion sewing video tutorial of some use.
There are many techniques used in hemming, and this is just one of many. Practise when you can and learn as much of this beautiful art form as you can.
The more you know, the better you can become.
If you have any questions regarding this specific technique or any other fashion sewing related matter, then please do get in touch.
Happy fashion sewing
Colleen G Lea
