How To Sew Hemming Stitch By Hand? Most Easy Types Of Hemming Stitches By Hand

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I just enter grandma’s room and see she is doing some hem stitch. She looked at me smiled, and said do you wanna learn how to sew hemming stitches by hand? I said why not?

She began to explain (Sew Hemming Stitch By Hand)

To sew a hemming stitch by hand, fold the fabric edge, make small stitches along the fold, and secure with a knot at the end.

That’s just a glance at the idea. If you wanna learn in detail, then stay with me to learn how to sew a hem by hand for beginners.

How To Sew Hemming Stitch By Hand

At a glance:

  1. Make a roll with your finger by pressing the side of the edge to create a roll.
  2. Begin the first hemstitch by making 3 stitches in place just past the raw edge of the fold.
  3. Insert the needle into the lightweight fabric just below the raw edge.

How To Sew Hemming Stitch By Hand?

To do hemstitches with 9  kinds of stitches. Such as:

  1. Catch stitch
  2. Blind stitch
  3. cross stitch
  4. Slip Hemming Stitch
  5. Felled Hemming Stitch
  6. Whip Stitch Hems
  7. Hand Rolled Hem Stitch
  8. Running Stitch 
Sew Hemming Stitch By Hand

Most of them are pretty common. So, let’s teach you something uncommon: hand rolled stitch today.

Well, to do hemming stitch by hand, you need to follow 4 steps.

  1. Create A Roll Hem
  2. Make First  Hemstitch
  3. Keep Stitching
  4. End Hemming Stitch
Hemming Stitch Steps

Create A Roll Hem

To create a hem roll, grab your scissors and trim the seam allowance down to about 1/8 inch.

allowance down to about 1/8 inch
Create A Roll Hem

Then, flip the raw edge back to the wrong side by about 1/8 inch along the entire hemline. You can use your fingernails to press it down as you go. You also apply these tricks with blanket stitch.

Now, make a roll with your finger. Use your finger and press the side of the edge to make a roll. If you can’t do it, just make a roll with the edge. That’s how to sew rolled hem by hand?

Make First  Hemstitch

To make the stitch, begin by making 3  stitches in place just past the raw edge of the fold. Then, stick the needle into the lightweight fabric just below the raw edge and bring it up and over the folded edge before inserting it back near the bottom of the raw edge.

Start your hemstitch about 1/4 inch under the edge of the hem.

Start your hemstitch about 14 inch under the edge of the hem

No need to go all the way through the fabric with the needle—just catch a few threads and you’re good to go! If you have done pick stitch then this process will be easy for you.

Insert the needle and try to angle it slightly diagonally into the folded bulkier fabrics. Start about 1\2 inches away from your previous stitch, and bring the needle up at the 6 o’clock position.

Insert the needle and try to angle it slightly diagonally into the folded bulkier fabrics

Keep Stitching

To end the hemming stitch, after you’ve sewn about 1 inch, give your thread knot a gentle tug. Just you would with tacking stitch. This helps tighten up the stitches you’ve just made, and you’ll start to see that folded edge rolling over itself, creating that nice rolled seam.

Just be careful not to pull too hard, or you might end up with some puckering in the fabric.

You can sew about 2 inches worth of stitches before pulling again, but keep in mind that the tension on the thread increases as you go, so watch out for any signs that it might break.

Sew about 2 inches worth of stitches before pulling

Now, keep stitching across the entire hem until you’re about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the other side seam.

about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the other side seam

On the right side of your fabric, you should see a crisp edge with a row of small running stitches showing about 1/16 inch from the edge. But you can adjust it according to your stitch. It’s not like a buttonhole stitch so no need to maintain a right edge.

Secure of Hemming Stitch

To secure the hemming stitch, your hem should be all rolled up and looking neat. Near the bottom of the side seam, keep your stitching about 1/4 inch from the bottom. Things are kinda similar to how to pick stitches by hand. This helps the hems taper gently out of the roll, giving you a nice flat edge. Plus, it saves you from dealing with super tiny seam allowances trying to line everything up perfectly with the rolled edge.

Secure-of-Hemming-Stitch

Make sure everything lies as flat as possible near the bottom of the side seams—no puckering allowed!

And that’s it! You got your hemstitch.

Sewing a Rolled Hem by Hand

Thread And Needle For Hem Stitch

Choosing the correct thread and needle for the hem stitch is a must to get the perfect hem stitch. But the market is filled with many kinds of thread and needles. So, which one to grab?

Well, according to Brother USA,

For hemstitch, you can use 60-weight silk finish cotton, 80-weight cotton, or 100-weight silk.

-What size thread and needle do you normally use, Grandma?

-I normally use 60-weight slik cotton thread with 11 size sewing needles.

use 60-weight slik cotton thread with 11 size sewing needles

Catch stitch

Start the catch stitch by positioning the fabric and threading your needle. Take a small diagonal stitch across the seam.

Catch stitch

This stitch is ideal for fabrics that may stretch or move, as it allows for some give. Practice on scrap fabric to perfect your technique before using it on your project.

Blind stitch

Start the blind stitch with a needle up through the fold of the fabric on the top layer, then take a small stitch through the fold of the fabric on the bottom layer. Keep alternating between the top and bottom layers, making small, evenly spaced stitches along the seam for blind catch stitch.

Blind stitch

This technique creates a seamless finish, perfect for hems, closing openings, or attaching trims without visible stitches. Practice using scrap fabric before trying it on your actual project for the best results.

Cross Stitch

To start cross stitching, separate two strands from the six in your thread kit and thread your needle with them. Begin by bringing the needle out at point 1, crossing to point 2, then returning to point 3 below 1, and finally inserting the needle at point 4 above 2 to create the first cross stitch.

Cross Stitch

Maintain a 2-3 inch space between stitches. Continue stitching by inserting the needle at point 5 and bringing it out at the previous point 4, then inserting it at point 6 to complete subsequent crosses. End by leaving a tail at the back and sliding the needle under a few stitches.

Slip Hemming Stitch

To do a slip stitch, take small stitches through the folded edge, then diagonally across the hem, catching a few threads of fabric to secure it. Continue stitching along the hem, ensuring the stitches are small and evenly spaced. Finish with a small backstitch or secure knot.

Slip Hemming Stitch

This technique results in a nearly invisible hem on the fabric’s right side while neatly securing the fold on the wrong side. Practice on scrap fabric before attempting on your actual project for best results.

Felled Hemming Stitch

To start, fold the fabric twice to hide the raw edge and press it with an iron. Thread your needle, hiding the knot inside the fold. Take small stitches through the folded edge and a tiny bit of the fabric underneath, working your way along the hem. Keep your stitches small and evenly spaced.

Felled Hemming Stitch

Finish with a secure knot or a small backstitch. This fell stitch makes a neat, strong hem that’s perfect for heavy-duty fabrics. Practice on scrap fabric first to get the hang of it!

Whip Stitch Hems

To start, fold and press the hem, then thread your needle. Bring the needle up through the folded edge to hide the knot. Make small diagonal stitches over the edge of the hem, securing the fold to the main fabric.

Whip Stitch Hems

Keep the stitches close together and evenly spaced. When you reach the end, finish with a small backstitch or secure knot. This technique creates a durable and neat hem, perfect for preventing fraying. Give it a try on some scrap fabric first to get the hang of it.

Running Stitch

To start running in the stitch, thread your needle and knot the end. Insert the needle up and down through the fabric at regular intervals, creating a dashed line of stitches. Keep the stitches small and even for a neat finish.

Running Stitch

Once you reach the end, secure the thread with a knot. The running stitch is simple but essential for many sewing projects. Practice using scrap fabric to get comfortable with the technique.

So, I will share the roll hem stitch process with you. What do you think right now? Is it easy or will you try to do one of the below stitches?

  • Catch stitch
  • Blind stitch
  • cross stitch
  • Slip Hemming Stitch
  • Felled Hemming Stitch
  • Whip Stitch Hems
  • Hand Rolled Hem Stitch
  • Running Stitch 
  • Cross stitch

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Correct Stitch For Hem?

The correct stitch for hemming is typically a slip stitch or blind stitch. These stitches are nearly invisible from the right side of the sheer fabrics, creating a neat and professional finish. A slip stitch involves catching a small amount of fabric from the folded hem and then a small amount from the main fabric, alternating between the two. 

What Is The Common Hem Stitch?

The most common hem stitch is the slip stitch. This slanted stitches creates nearly invisible hems on garments by catching a small amount of fabric from the folded hem and then a small amount from the main bit of fabric.

How To Sew Jeans Hem By Hand?

To sew a jeans hem by hand, start by turning the jeans inside out and folding the hem to the desired length. Use pins to secure the fold in place. Then, double thread a needle with strong thread that matches the color of the jeans.

Begin stitching along the folded edge. Work your way around the hem, removing the pins as you sew. Once you’ve stitched all the way around, tie off the thread securely and trim any excess. Finally, press the hem with an iron to flatten it.

Conclusion 

Thanks for showing me how to sew hemming stitch by hand, Grandma.

Now I can do hem stitch easily. But do you know?

If yes, then share one of your hemstitch works below.

Maisha Soumee

Maisha Soumee

Hi there! I’m Maisha Soumee, the proud torchbearer of our family’s sewing legacy and the driving force behind this website. With Grandma Manha’s teachings as my foundation, I’m honored to continue the tradition of craftsmanship and creativity. As a passionate seamstress, I’m dedicated to sharing the joy of sewing with you, our valued community.

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