Sew A Piped Edge Hem Finish - Sewing Technique

Sewing Friends:

This is a really slick, easy-to-do sewing technique for a hem finish. 

I haven’t done this in quite a while, but it is a great way to finish off straight hem edges on skirts, sleeves, vests or jackets.  You might consider this technique for some of your home dec items as well.  Think about it!

You will love this sewing technique to finish off hems in knits, too. 

This technique produces a piped edge effect without using a separate strip of fabric or trim.  It is fun to do.  Your friends will wonder how you did it.

Here is how to sew an all-in-one piped edge hem finish:

For this example, I will use 1/2 inch for the piped edge effect and a 2-1/2 inch hem allowance.  You can use whatever size you want.

• Fold and pin the 2-1/2 inch hem allowance up to the right side of the garment having the two right sides together.
• Stitch 1/2 inch from the folded edge.
• Remove the pins.
• Press the loose end of the hem allowance down over the 1/2 inch stitching.
• Wrap the remaining hem allowance around the fold to the wrong side of the garment.
• Pin in place.
• Stitch in the ditch or well-stitch from the right side securing the hem allowance in place.
• If you are not going to line or face this edge, trim off the excess fabric above the stitching line on the wrong side of the garment.
• If you plan to line or face this edge, leave the fabric so you have a seam allowance  to attach the lining or facing.

Sewing Tip:  If you are using fabric that frays easily, you may want to serge, overcast or zigzag this edge.

I have used this technique to make a belt, too.  Try it!  You are the designer.

Let me know how you used this sewing technique. 

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

Sew A Piped Edge Hem Finish - Sewing Technique

 

 

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 21st, 2007 at 3:57 pm and is filed under Sewing Techniques. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.