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[Image of a person hemming a sleeve]
Hemming sleeves is a common sewing task that can be done by hand or machine. If you’re new to sewing, hemming sleeves may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple. With a little practice, you’ll be able to hem sleeves like a pro in no time. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to hem sleeves by hand or machine.
**Materials:**
- Needle and thread
- Sleeve hem tape
- Iron and ironing board
- Sewing machine (optional)
**Instructions:**
- Determine the desired length of the sleeve.
Choose a Hem Style
The hem style you choose will depend on the fabric of your sleeve, the look you’re going for, and the specific garment. Here are a few popular hem styles:
Straight Hem: This is the most basic hem style, and it’s suitable for most fabrics. To create a straight hem, simply fold up the bottom edge of the sleeve by 1/2 inch, then fold it up again by 1/2 inch and press it. Stitch the hem in place close to the folded edge.
Rolled Hem: This hem style is more delicate than a straight hem, and it’s a good choice for sheer or lightweight fabrics. To create a rolled hem, fold up the bottom edge of the sleeve by 1/4 inch, then fold it up again by 1/4 inch and press it. Roll the hem up one more time, and stitch it in place close to the folded edge.
Blind Hem: This hem style is invisible from the right side of the fabric, and it’s a good choice for garments that you want to look polished and professional. To create a blind hem, you’ll need a blind hem foot for your sewing machine. Follow the instructions in your sewing machine manual to create a blind hem.
| Hem Style | Fabric Type | Look |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Hem | Most fabrics | Basic and versatile |
| Rolled Hem | Sheer or lightweight fabrics | Delicate and feminine |
| Blind Hem | Garments that require a polished look | Invisible from the right side |
Pin the Hem
Step 1: Fold and Press the Hem
Fold the raw edge of the sleeve up by 1/2 inch and press it with an iron to create a crisp crease. Fold the hem up again by 1/2 inch and press it again.
Step 2: Measure and Mark the Hem
Measure the length of the sleeve from the shoulder seam to the desired length. Mark this length on the sleeve with a fabric marker or pin.
Step 3: Align the Raw Edges
Place the sleeve on a flat surface with the right sides together. Align the raw edges of the hem.
Step 4: Pin the Hem
Use sharp pins to pin the hem in place. Start by pinning the corners, then work your way to the center of the sleeve. Space the pins evenly, about 1-2 inches apart.
Pinning Techniques
There are several different pinning techniques you can use to ensure a secure hem:
| Pinning Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Straight Pinning | Insert the pin perpendicular to the fabric, making sure to catch both layers of the hem. |
| Cross Pinning | Insert the pin at an angle, forming an “X” shape with the head of the pin on one side of the hem and the point on the other. |
| Herringbone Pinning | Insert the pin at an angle, creating a zigzag pattern along the hem. |
Step 5: Secure the Hem
Once the hem is pinned in place, secure it with a hand stitch, a sewing machine, or a blind stitch by hand or machine. Choose a thread color that matches the fabric of the sleeve.
Sew the Hem by Machine
1. Mark the Hem
Fold up the bottom of the sleeve to the desired hem length. Press the fold with an iron. Use a fabric marker or chalk to mark the hemline.
2. Pin the Hem
Pin the hem in place along the marked line. Use plenty of pins to ensure the hem is secure.
3. Set Up the Sewing Machine
Thread your sewing machine with a thread that matches the fabric of the sleeve. Select a stitch length that is appropriate for the fabric weight.
4. Stitch the Hem
Start stitching at one end of the hem. Stitch around the sleeve, following the marked hemline. Make sure to keep the fabric taut as you sew.
5. Finish the Hem
Once you have stitched the hem around the entire sleeve, remove the pins. Press the hem with an iron to set the stitches.
6. Secure the Hem
To prevent the hem from fraying, you can finish the raw edge of the fabric. There are several methods for finishing the hem, including serging, pinking, or using a hem tape.
7. Details of Stitching the Hem
- Type of Stitch: Use a straight stitch, blind hem stitch, or zigzag stitch. The zigzag stitch provides a more secure and durable finish.
- Stitch Length: The stitch length should be adjusted according to the fabric weight. Use a shorter stitch length for lightweight fabrics and a longer stitch length for heavier fabrics.
- Needle Size: Choose a needle size that is appropriate for the fabric weight. A larger needle is needed for thicker fabrics.
- Thread Tension: Adjust the thread tension to ensure the stitches are secure and not too tight or loose.
- Presser Foot Pressure: Adjust the presser foot pressure to ensure the fabric is fed evenly through the machine.
| Stitch Type | Stitch Length | Needle Size |
|---|---|---|
| Straight Stitch | 2.5mm | 100/16 |
| Blind Hem Stitch | 2.0mm | 90/14 |
| Zigzag Stitch | 2.5mm – 3.0mm | 100/16 – 110/18 |
Finish the Loose Threads
Once you’ve stitched the hem in place, it’s time to finish off the loose threads. This will help prevent the hem from unraveling and will give the garment a more polished look. Here are the steps on how to finish the loose threads:
- Trim the excess thread. Use a pair of sharp scissors to trim the excess thread close to the knot.
- Tie a double knot. Bring the two ends of the thread together and tie a double knot. To do this, make a simple knot and then pull on one of the ends to tighten the knot. Then, wrap the other end of the thread around the first end and pull it through the loop to create a second knot.
- Pull tight. Pull on both ends of the thread to tighten the knots.
- Trim the excess thread. Once the knots are tight, trim the excess thread close to the knot.
| Thread Type | Recommended Knot |
|---|---|
| Cotton or silk | Double knot |
| Polyester or nylon | Surgeon’s knot |
Once you’ve finished the loose threads, your hem will be complete. Congratulations!
Inspect and Adjust
1. Check Sleeve Length: Put on the shirt and check the sleeves’ length while standing upright. The ideal length varies depending on personal preference and the style of the shirt. Typically, the sleeves should reach midway to the palm of your hands when your arms are relaxed at your sides.
2. Measure Sleeve Excess: If the sleeves are too long, measure the excess fabric from the desired length to the end of the sleeve.
3. Mark the Hem: Once the excess is measured, use a fabric marker or chalk to mark the new hemline on the inside of the sleeve, parallel to the existing seam.
4. Inspect Seam Allowance: Check the original seam allowance on the sleeve. Most shirts have a 1/2 to 5/8-inch seam allowance, but it can vary. Measure this allowance and add it to the hemline mark you made in step 3.
5. Create a Fold Line: Fold the sleeve up along the marked hemline, right sides together. Crease the fold to create a temporary fold line.
6. Check Symmetry: Measure the distance from the fold line to the edge of the sleeve at the top and bottom of the hem. Ensure the distance is equal on both sides to create a symmetrical hem.
7. Mark the Extension: Extend the fold line beyond the edge of the sleeve by the measured seam allowance. Mark this extension point on the sleeve with a fabric marker.
8. Trim Excess Fabric: Trim any excess fabric from the sleeve, leaving enough to fold over and create the hem.
9. Press the Hem: Use an iron to press the hem up, folding along the marked fold line. Ensure to press the extension line as well.
10. Secure the Hem: Secure the hem using your preferred method, such as hand stitching, machine stitching, or fabric glue. Reinforce the extension point to prevent fraying.
| Hemming Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand Stitching | Use a needle and thread to sew the hem in place, either by hand-sewing or with a sewing machine. |
| Machine Stitching | Use a sewing machine to sew the hem in place, ensuring the stitch line is parallel to the edge of the sleeve. |
| Fabric Glue | Apply fabric glue to the wrong side of the folded hem and press in place. Allow the glue to dry completely. |
How to Hem Sleeves
Hemming sleeves is a simple sewing task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following these instructions, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your garments.
Materials:
- Sleeves
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Sewing machine or needle and thread
Instructions:
- Measure the desired length of the sleeve. Mark the measurement on the sleeve with a fabric marker or chalk.
- Fold the sleeve up at the marked line. Pin the fold in place.
- Sew the hem around the sleeve, using a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch.
- Remove the pins and press the hem flat.
People Also Ask About How to Hem Sleeves
How do I hem sleeves without a sewing machine?
You can hem sleeves without a sewing machine by using a needle and thread. Simply fold the sleeve up at the desired length and sew the hem in place using a simple running stitch or a blanket stitch.
How do I hem a sleeve with a rolled edge?
To hem a sleeve with a rolled edge, fold the sleeve up at the desired length and then fold the raw edge over the folded edge. Pin the fold in place and sew the hem in place using a blind stitch.
How do I hem a bell sleeve?
To hem a bell sleeve, fold the sleeve up at the desired length and then gather the excess fabric around the bottom of the sleeve. Pin the gathers in place and sew the hem in place using a gathering stitch.
