Stabilizing a hem

IIRC, Martha Schmidt (Lordy, I miss her and her classes) taught a nun stitch as a hem stitch on a project that was very soft even weave. We had to measure and then carefully count the threads when doing this, cutting away all but one or two threads at the corners. Then we folded up a certain number of threads of the hem allowance, basted that in place and then folded up the remaining hem allowance, finger pressed and then did the stitch. We had to be ever so careful not to pull or tug the fabric on the diagonal but the hem was really lovely when finished. HMMM, I wonder if the nun stitch was used on something that didn't have a folded hem, just a raw edge? I KNOW she taught something for a folded hem. I would need to dig through my CATS stash and find the project to be certain it was a nun stitch but nothing else comes to mind. I'm sure there will be others who either confirm this or not. Once I get up the energy, I'll go look for the project -- it was a fingertip towel and the hem HAD to be sturdy enough to stand up to use! CiaoMeow >^;;^<

Boy, Phylis, I simply don't know. But if you get an answer, I'd appreciate your updating us. I have Ilsa's book on hemming, but after a quick look, it gave no answer for your particular query. Dianne

Phylis Maurer wrote:

I hate to sound too simple, but what about a running stitch just behind the fold (anchor it every inch or so). It wouldn't show on the front side, and the edge wouldn't stretch any more than you give it the option with the length of the thread. Since there is no backstitching (or diagnal) there would only be the give of the thread itself. Tara