Hemming help

G'day WhitePages

Sounds like a rolled hem is needed. If you have an overlocker (serger) that will make it a whole lot easier, otherwise you can do a rolled hem on your sewing machine. Personally I prefer the overlocker one the best, and would use woolly nylon thread in one of the loopers. A contrast colour could be used for effect....depending on the style of the dress.

H> I purchased a gown made of 100% polyester and thought I'd have no problem

Hand rolled or baby hem would be my first two suggestions. I'd probably hand roll it. Serger rolled hem is another possibility.

A rolled hem should do the trick. I learned how to do this on the sheer overskirt of a dress I made for my daughter a few months back. It was actually easier to do than I expected and stopped the fraying. Good luck.

Overlock/serge the edge to stop fraying and turn it up by hand.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I don't have a serger and I've never done a rolled hem before. I'm going to the fabric store today to see if I need a special attachment for my sewing machine to do a rolled hem. Thanks again!!!

Dear White Pages,

If you haven't done a rolled hem before, you need practice if you purchase a foot for your machine. Here's an alternative method that gives a fine finish.

Fold over the hem allowance, and stitch close to the FOLDED edge, not the raw edge. Cut away the raw edge right up next to your stitching. Now, set your machine to do a very short stitch (1-1/2 or 2) and a wide zigzag (my machine goes up to five). With the left swing of the needle posed to the left of the remaining hem, zigzag around. I'm assuming that when you say "flimsy" you mean that the fabric is sheer. The hem will roll by itself.

Teri

If the suggestion from Teri doesn't work - try this:

Put the presser foot about 1/4 in. from fabric edge and stitch around garment. Fold on stitching line, press....then turn again, press and stitch.