I want to secure the fabric hem, but it needs to be invisible. I was searching for the right type of hem stitch. But I wouldn’t really figure out the right one. So I went to my grandma and asked her what stitch to do.
She intensely replied, ‘oh! You can do a slip hem stitch here. It is completely invisible at the right side of the fabric. That’s why it is called blind hemstitch too.’
I said, ‘Really! Tell me how to do it then.’ She grabbed a fabric, threaded the needle, and told me,
To do a slip hemming stitch by hand, take tiny stitches by picking up one or two threads from the main fabric, then slip the needle through the folded hem, keeping the stitches nearly invisible.
Her explanation excites me more. So, I decided to sit with her and discuss it more like I did with knotted hemming stitch.
Table of Contents
Slip Hemming Stitch Definition
Before the process, I asked grandma, ‘What is slip hemming stitch?’ she said, ‘well the slip hemming stitch definition is pretty easy.’
A slip hemming stitch is a nearly invisible hand-sewing technique. It is used to secure a hem while keeping the stitches hidden on the outside of the fabric. This is why it is also called Slip Invisible hemming stitch.
It’s perfect for hemming delicate fabrics, formal wear, or any project for decorative hand stitches.
Slip Hemming Stitch Uses
The slip hemming stitch is mainly used to create nearly invisible hems. This stitch works well with lightweight to medium-weight fabrics. That’s why it is commonly found in formal wear, skirts, dresses, and tailored clothing. Hem line stitch by hand is easy that’s why it is pretty famous.
Slip Hemming Stitch Common Uses:
- Invisible hems
- Delicate fabrics
- Alterations & repairs
- Linings & facings
- Quilting & home décor
But yes, the uses differ depending on the types of hemming stitches by hand.
Basically, slip hemming is a versatile stitch that can be used in hand sewing. If you are wondering, that’s where hem stitch vs. running stitch differ.
How To Make Slip Hemming Stitch?
Grandma grabbed the fabric and said,
‘Slip hem stitch is not a hassle. You need to follow 4 steps to do slip hemming stitch.
Thread Your Needle and Hide the Knot
First, thread your needle and tie a little knot at the end. I will start just on the top of that fold of my hem. And I will start there because I want to hide that knot on the inside. That will make the hem practice easy.
So, I pull that through and trim my tail later, but the knot will be hidden. That’s the catch of this stitch among the list of sewing stitches.
Take a Tiny Stitch on the Main Fabric
Now, bring your needle up onto the main fabric—just a tiny bit, dear. I don’t want big stitches showing. It won’t be like a vertical hem stitch. So, catch just a couple of fabric threads so that it stays nearly invisible from the front. That’s the specialty of slip hemming stitch.
Stitch Back Down into the Fold
Once you’ve taken that little bite of fabric, bring your needle back down into the hem’s fold. You can make it a bit longer because they won’t be seen.
I’m going to catch maybe, like, you know, almost like a ¼ inch of that fold to Anchor in the Stitch. And then go back up to the main part of the fabric, and again I’m just catching. Just a few little threads there and pull that through.
Keep Going Along the Hem
Now, back up to the main fabric again. Just a tiny hem stitch. And then back down into the fold. We’ll keep repeating this pattern along the hem.
Don’t pull too tight; we’ll get puckers on the right side!
Check Your Work
When you’re done, look at the right side of your fabric. You should see only the tiniest little dots of stitching. If you had used thread that matched the fabric, you’d barely notice them!
And there you have it, my dear—a beautiful, invisible blind hem stitch, just like I’ve been doing for years.
Slip Stitch Hem Instructions In Video
I know that sometimes written instruction isn’t enough. If that is the case for you, then here are video instructions.
How to Hand Sew the Blind Hem Stitch (Slip Stitch)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Slip Hemming On Stretchy Fabrics?
It’s not ideal for stretch fabrics because it doesn’t have much give. Instead, try a stretch blind hem or a stretch-friendly hemming stitch for knit materials.
How Durable Is A Slip Hemming Stitch?
It’s strong enough for normal wear but may not withstand heavy use or frequent washing as well as a machine-sewn hem. For extra durability, double-thread your needle or use a stronger thread.
How Do I Finish A Slip Hemming Stitch?
To secure your work, make a small knot at the end of the last stitch, then pass the needle through the hem fold before cutting the thread. This helps hide the knot for a cleaner finish.
Outro
I thanked Grandma for teaching me slip hemming stitch and then went home. And do it in the fabric I was trying to secure. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to achieve seamless hems that look effortlessly neat.
So, grab your needle and thread and start stitch.
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