Craftfoxes

Clean Finished Edge Hem

Posted on May 29, 2011

Clean Finished Edge Hem

Use this easy tutorial from "Oh Sew Easy -- Lifestyle" (C&T Publishing) by Valori Wells and Carolyn Spencer to create a hem with a clean-finished edge for unique projects like aprons, totes and more.

Step 1

To create a quick hem*, start by folding the edge of the fabric back 1/4-inch, and then press (a.k.a., iron) the fold. The wrong side or back of the fabric will be showing (but not for long). *Unless the pattern calls for a different hem width, most hems will use a 1/4-inch edge.

Step 2

You're going to make a second fold, and this one is also 1/4-inch. Press (iron) this fold, too. The raw edge will now be hidden and you should only be able to see the right side (or front) of the fabric.

Step 3

With the bottom of the fabric now folded twice and pressed, secure the hem by sewing a topstitch down the center of the fold.