Blind Stitch Machine| Which Is Best And How Does It Work? Let’s Find Out

I still remember the first time I tried to hem a pair of trousers by hand. I poked my fingers more than I stitched the fabric. This is a slightly different stitches of sewing machine.

And after all that effort?

The stitches were obvious. That’s when I came to know something called a blind stitch machine. When I got to know something, I had to try it. So here is how it went,

Curious how it works or if it’s worth it for your setup? Let’s unravel it together and learn how to sew blind stitch.

What Is Blind Stitch Sewing Machine?

A blind stitch sewing machine is designed to create hems that are almost invisible from the outside of the fabric. It works by catching just a tiny bit of the fabric on the front side while securing the fold on the inside. Not all machine has this feature to work on it. That’s what a blind hemming machine is for. Some called it slip stitch too.

What Is Blind Stitch Sewing Machine? What Is A Blind Stitch Sewing Machine Used For

A blind stitch machine creates nearly invisible hems, most commonly on garments like trousers, skirts, curtains, or formalwear.

It sews a stitch that catches just a tiny bit of the fabric on the front side. It makes the thread barely visible (if at all) from the outside. You can do ladder stitch on sewing machine with this stitch.

Let me show you the use of blind stitch for you. So basically-

1. Invisible hems
2. Curtains and drapes
3. Formal wear
4. Knit fabrics 
5. Quick hemming 
6. Professional finish
7. Alterations

That’s the main reason to use a blind hem machine.

What Does A Blind Hem Stitch Look Like On A Sewing Machine?

A blind hem stitch on a sewing machine looks like a zigzag pattern, but with a slight shift so that only a tiny bit of the fabric is caught on the front side, while most of the stitching is hidden on the back.

It’s used for hemming pants or skirts without visible stitches on the front. It’s pretty neat and gives a clean, almost invisible finish! You can use it like a baste stitch sewing machine, too.

What Is A Blind Stitch Sewing Machine? Meaning Of Blind Hem Stitch Machine

A blind stitch sewing machine is a specialized tool used to create nearly invisible hems, especially on the right side of the fabric.

It works by making shallow needle penetrations that barely catch the outer layer, keeping most of the stitch hidden on the inside.

That’s what is a blind stitch sewing machine.

Singer Blind Hem Stitch Symbol

On a Singer sewing machine, the blind hem stitch symbol looks like this: straight stitches + a small zigzag to the side

1. The straight stitches represent the stitches that run along the inside hem.
2. The zigzag is the part that just “catches” the folded edge of the fabric.

That’s what a blind stitch sewing machine looks like. I hope now you won’t be confused about the singers blind hem stitch symbol anymore.

How To Do A Blind Hem Stitch On A Sewing Machine?

I set up my machine, and here is how it went down with the Juki blind stitch machine.

Let’s start by trimming the raw edge of your fabric to keep it tidy. If it’s already clean, great. Use an overlocker to finish the edge.

If you don’t have an overlocker, use a zigzag stitch along the edge. Press the edge flat with an iron so you won’t sew into a puffy mess later. . Otherwise, it will create a skip stitch.

Why?

A finished edge keeps the hem from fraying and helps it fold better. It helps you more if you are using a Juki blind stitch machine.

Now, fold up the hem toward the wrong side of the fabric by about 3.5–4 cm (that’s around 1.5 inches).  This is even helpful for gathering stitches.

Measure using a ruler or seam gauge. Press this fold with an iron to create a nice crease. This folded section is the final hem that will stay in place with the blind stitch.

Using straight pins, pin the hem in place:

1. Insert the pins at a slight angle or perpendicular to the edge.
2. Make sure the pins go through both layers of fabric.

This is the part that makes or breaks the stitch. We’re about to do the famous blind hem flip:

1. With the fabric still wrong side facing up, fold the hem back under the garment, so just the edge of the hem is peeking out—about 0.5 to 1 cm.
2. What you should see now is:
   • The bulk of the garment lies flat
   • The folded hem edge sticking out underneath

Most sewing machines come with one, but it might look a little different depending on your brand, like a chain stitch sewing machine.

For example,

If you’re using a Pfaff, you might already have a foot with that built-in sliding guide, which is super helpful. And if you’re on a Juki, Janome, or Singer, chances are your foot will look a bit different, but the function is still the same. Look for that little center guide. That’s what helps the magic happen.

So, now I grab the foot that came with your machine or buy one compatible with your brand. They usually have a centre guide to keep the fold aligned.

1. Snap the foot into place.
2. If your machine has a free arm, remove the accessory tray.

This allows you to slide in pant legs or sleeves easily. This won’t be necessary if you have a Portable Blind Stitch Machine.

Now let’s find the blind hem stitch on your machine. It usually looks like this on the stitch selector:

_|_ |_| |_| ⟷
→ Several straight stitches, then a single zigzag

Set your stitch:

1. Stitch length: Try 2.5 to 3.5 (longer = more spaced out)
2. Stitch width: Adjust to control how far the zigzag bites into the fold

Now that your hem is flipped and the machine’s ready:

1. Slide your fabric under the foot, fold side butted right against the center guide.
2. Lower the presser foot.
3. Turn the handwheel to drop the needle manually into the fabric.

But, make sure the straight or running stitches land on the hem edge. The zigzag just barely bites into the fold (a thread or two, not a chunk).

This is the secret. 

Too much bite? You’ll see the stitch on the outside. Too little? It won’t hold.

Now the fun part!

1. Start sewing without a backstitch. You don’t want those securing stitches to show.
2. Go slow. Let the guide do its job, keeping the folded edge aligned.
3. Remove pins as you go (don’t sew over them!).

Keep your hands steady, and avoid shifting or tugging the fabric too much. The more stable you are, the straighter your hem will be.

Once you’ve sewn all the way around:

1. Slightly overlap the beginning of your stitch by an inch or so.
2. Stop, lift the needle, and pull out the fabric.
3. Cut your threads.

No backstitching needed here either. And you are done. That’s how to blind stitch with a sewing machine.

Blind Stitch Sewing Machine Pattern

If you are curious about how it looks in fabric, then here are a few of my works

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Blind Hem Sewing Machine

Using a blind hem sewing machine is a great way to get neat. But even small errors can make your stitches visible or uneven. Here’s what I usually warn beginners about:

1. Not using the built-in guide or folding the fabric properly can make your hem crooked or uneven.
2. Blind hem stitches need the right stitch width and length

3. Let the machine feed the fabric naturally. Pulling can stretch knits or distort the hem.
4. Always test on a scrap piece first. It saves frustration and ensures your settings are perfect.

A little patience and proper setup go a long way avoid these mistakes, and your hems will look clean and professional every time!

Blind Stitch Sewing Machine Sewing Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

That’s It — You Just Did a Blind Hem Machine

Now step back and admire your work. If you matched your thread, the hem should look invisible from the front—clean, sleek.