Have some linens where the hemstitching is starting to go, and was wondering if it is possible to re-work/mend the stitching by machine. My Elna has several hemstitch patterns one could use, but am wondering if because the "holes" are already made will it be possible to re-work at all. Only other option would be to use a triple zig-zig stitch or honeycomb stitch to join the two fabric edges together again, but this would probably close up the hemstitching effect.
Thoughts or ideas?
Candide
Once hemstitching has started to go, it usually cannot be rescued. (Even Miss Manners, in one of her books, refers to "hemstitching, which rips off like perforated toilet paper").
If the linens are otherwise good, you can rescue them. For sheets, you can do what I did. Rip the hemstitched portion the rest of the way off, preferably deliberately in daylight rather than by accident during the night, then either put a binding on the top - patterned if you like - or add lace.
I haven't had it happen yet to table linens, and mine have been in daily use for over twenty years, but if it did I think I would either bind it or applique a length of ribbon over the disintegrating hemstitching.
If you do use your idea of zigzag stitching, you will still need to rip off the edging completely and start again or it will look like a very obvious "mend".
Olwyn Mary in New Orleans
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Thanks for the suggestions, guess I will just "mend" and be done with the darn things.
Funny enough it is the modern day things which give me the most trouble with hemstitching going; my "older" vintage linens which like yours have seen daily use for years just keep on keeping on. Guess they really don't make em like they used to.
Just for the practice of it, may try and "re-hemstitch" one bit or two, as my "new" vintage Elna does have all those wonderful stitches, and have been dying to give them a try.
Candide
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