How to Sew a Narrow Hem: On-Set Tailoring Tips
Here’s what I call trade secrets. These are tips & tricks that we use to get the job done.
Majority of my sewing gigs I am rushing against a clock . . . I need to create beautiful alterations in record-breaking time.
Today I want to show you a trick that I use to shorten a button-down dress shirt using a piece of Buckram to sew a narrow hem. This trick is definitely something you can use in your everyday sewing.
Materials to Sew a Narrow Hem:
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Marking pencil or chalk
- 1 yard of tightly woven Buckram or BanRol tape 1-1 1/2″ Wide
- Sewing machine (I’m using the BERNINA 480)
Prep your Buckram to Sew a Narrow Hem:
Buckram comes tightly woven. You will need to use a straight pin or needle to expose the teeth. Start at the edge & pull the strings away from the buckram. The average tooth exposure is about 10 strings. If your sewing a larger hem pull more threads.
Step 1: Mark Your Cut Line
Make sure you leave enough to sew your hem, for instance if you are shortening 1 3/4″ & your hem is 1/4″ cut 1 1/4″
Step 2: Cut Along Your Markings
Step 3: Place Your Buckram Over Your Hemline
Line the loose tooth edge. Straight stitch
Step 4: Flip Your Shirt Over Enveloping the Buckram in the Fabric Creating the Hem
Edge stitch.
Step 5: Remove the Buckram & Press
You’re finished! You now have a beautiful narrow hem.
Happy stitching!!!
Used Products
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10 comments on “How to Sew a Narrow Hem: On-Set Tailoring Tips”
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No added bulk & yes it’s super easy to pull away. Make sure you’re sewing on the loose teeth it makes it much easy to pull away.
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Thanks for that quick tip! Wish I had known it earlier.
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Glad you know now! I used to be intimated with this task but with this tip I can do these hems all day 😉 good luck
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I am a more visual learner. I wish there was a YouTube video showing this!
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Hello! Here is the link to the YouTube video: https://youtu.be/mGp9rBmOHSo Happy stitching!
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A great tutorial! I’d never heard of using buckram for hemming. I’m short, so shortening things is a frequent task. Thank you.
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Thanks for checking out this post. Glad this tip is useful to you 🙂
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What a great tip! Thank you. But will it work on a curve?
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Yes! Buckram is flexible in both examples I’m sewing a curved hem.
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What a great tutorial tip. There is no added bulk & it looks easy to pull away from the hem.