How to sew a Blind Hem

This is a Jaycotts post talking about the Blind Hem Foot

I have been asked to show you how to sew a Blind hem using the Blind Hem foot. If you have a Brother Sewing machine it is foot R
This is a great way to stitch the bottom of skirts, trousers, blouses etc the effect is almost  invsible.
Once you master the technique you will find it quick and easy every time.

This is the blind hem foot.
This presser foot has a guide which is positioned against the fold of the hem to keep the stitching the same width all the way round the hem.





This foot comes with most models of Brother machines but if you have not got one then you can buy one from Jaycotts . They sell this type of foot for other makes of machine too so contact them at the number at the end of the post.

The side view of the foot shows the guide more clearly. Please note that this foot is not the same as the Stitch in the Ditch foot, they are have very different uses. People sometimes get the two muddled.

The first thing to do is to sew a narrow hem - about 1/4" wide to stop the edge from fraying.you can use your overlocker if you have one.
My test pieces will omit this step.

Then measure and press your hem towards the inside of the garment. Don't press over the narrow hem or overlock stitches or it will leave an impression on the fabric which will be impossible to remove.

This set of Hemming Rulers make the job so easy. They have lots of hem depths measured for you and best of all you can position it under your hem and press right over it.

If you refer to your sewing machine guide it will give you the settings you need. On my machine I have two options, the first for a woven hem, the second for a stretch fabric.

Choose the appropriate stitch for your fabric and set your machine.

It is a very good idea to practise on spare fabric first.
There is a specific way of folding the fabric. Have your fabric with the wrong side of the hem facing upwards.
Then fold the hem under so that you can see about 1/4" or slightly more of the edge of the fabric.

Position the fabric under the presser foot with the folded hem touching the guide on the foot.

Adjust the stitch width and/or the needle position until the needle only slightly catches the fold of the hem.

Then do some test stitches.

If the needle catches too much of the hem fold , then the stitches will be obvious as in the test piece above. In this case either move your needle position to the right or decrease the stitch width until the needle only slightly catches the fold of the fabric.

If the needle drop point does not catch the fold at all then then the needle is too far to the right. So increase the stitch width or change the position of the needle until the needle only slightly catches the fold of the hem. In this example the hem has not been seen as the needle did not catch any part of the folded hem.

This is the final test piece and I am happy with the result. Don't forget that I am using a contrasting thread to demonstrate the process to you.

The difference between the stitches on the left where the needle position was too far to the left is pretty clear when compared to the final choice on the right. I have experimented with various widths and needle positions until I was happy with the result.

When you have finished sewing your hem pull the fabric backwards from the machine and unfold and press the hem.
On the correct coloured fabric for my thread the stitches can hardly be seen which is the desired result!

This is the back of the hem which is extremely neat.

I hope that these instructions are clear, if not please do not hesitate to ask. It is worth mastering this hem because it gives quick results that look professional and neat.
This is my favourite hem!

To order any sewing machines and sewing accessories or just to make an enquiry then contact Jaycotts by telephone during opening hours on 01244 394099 or send a message Contact Jaycotts
You can also visit the store in person or take a virtual tour Visit Jaycotts

However you make contact you are assured a very warm welcome.

Thank you for reading this post.

Angela



#sewangelicthreads, #blindhem, #blindhemfoot, #hem,#tutorial, #sewing,