Hemming a skirt is usually a fast and straightforward technique to alter its size and provides it a extra polished look. Whether or not you are a newbie or an skilled seamstress, with the appropriate instruments and somewhat little bit of endurance, you possibly can obtain a professional-looking hem at dwelling. On this information, we are going to take you thru the step-by-step strategy of the best way to hem a skirt, offering detailed directions and useful ideas alongside the way in which.
Earlier than you start, collect your supplies. You’ll need a stitching machine, thread, a measuring tape or ruler, a material pen or chalk, and an iron and ironing board. In the event you’re working with a fragile cloth, you might also need to use a material stabilizer to forestall stretching or puckering. After you have your supplies prepared, you can begin by measuring the specified size of the skirt and marking it with a material pen or chalk.
Subsequent, fold the hem as much as the marked line and press it with an iron. It will create a crease that can enable you to sew a straight and even hem. In the event you’re working with a thick cloth, chances are you’ll have to fold the hem up twice to realize the specified size. As soon as the hem is folded and pressed, you can begin stitching. Use a small sew size and stitch across the hem, ensuring to catch each layers of material. If you attain the top of the hem, overlap the stitches by a number of inches and backstitch to safe the thread.
Instruments You Want for Hemming a Skirt
To hem a skirt correctly, you will have a number of important instruments. These instruments will assist be certain that the hem is correct, even, and safe.
Measuring and Marking Instruments
Correct measurements are essential for making a hem that matches completely. Listed here are the instruments you may want for measuring and marking:
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Measuring Tape or Ruler:
A versatile measuring tape or a inflexible ruler is important for measuring the specified hem size and marking the fold line.
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Material Marker or Chalk:
Use a material marker or chalk to mark the fold line and the stitching line for the hem.
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Pins:
Pins are used to carry the material in place whereas marking and stitching the hem.
Along with these primary measuring and marking instruments, you might also want different objects comparable to an iron and ironing board to press the hem, and a stitching machine or needle and thread to stitch it in place.
Getting ready the Skirt for Hemming
Earlier than you start hemming your skirt, it is important to organize it correctly to make sure a exact and professional-looking end.
2. Measuring and Marking the Hem
That is probably the most essential step within the hemming course of. This is the best way to do it precisely:
a. Decide the Desired Hem Size:
- Placed on the skirt and mark the specified hem size with pins or chalk.
- For a flat hem, measure from the ground to the specified level.
- For a folded hem, add twice the width of the specified hem to the measurement from the ground.
b. Mark the Hemline:
- Utilizing a ruler or measuring tape, measure and mark the hemline evenly across the skirt’s circumference.
- To make sure accuracy, insert pins or chalk marks each 2-3 inches.
c. Examine the Symmetry:
- As soon as the hemline is marked, dangle the skirt on a hanger and let it accept a couple of minutes.
- Step again and visually examine the hemline from completely different angles to examine its symmetry.
- Alter the markings as wanted to make sure a good and aesthetically pleasing hem.
| Hem Kind | Measurement from Flooring |
|---|---|
| Flat hem | Precise desired hem size |
| Folded hem | Precise desired hem size + twice the specified hem width |
Measuring and Marking the Hem Line
After you have decided the specified skirt size, it is time to measure and mark the hem line. This step requires accuracy to make sure that the skirt hem is even and straight.
This is an in depth information on the best way to measure and mark the hem line:
Supplies Wanted:
- Measuring tape
- Material marker or chalk
- Security pin or massive needle (non-compulsory)
Steps:
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Measure the hem size:
Utilizing a measuring tape, decide the specified size of the hem from the waistline or the place you need the hem to fall.
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Mark the hem line on the aspect seams:
Fold the skirt in half lengthwise and align the aspect seams. Use a material marker or chalk to mark the specified hem size on each aspect seams.
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Mark the hem line on the waistband:
Place the marked aspect seams on the waistband and align them with the corresponding waistline seam. Use a material marker or chalk to increase the hem line from the aspect seams onto the waistband. If the waistband is hooked up to the skirt, you need to use a security pin or massive needle to information the marking device by the waistband seam.
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Join the hem line marks:
Use the material marker or chalk to attach the marked hem line factors on the aspect seams and waistband. Create a clean, steady line that varieties the brand new hem line.
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Examine for accuracy:
To make sure accuracy, measure a number of factors alongside the hem line to substantiate that it’s even and on the desired size. If needed, modify the hem line as wanted.
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Size from waistline to desired hem size | Determines the general size of the hem. |
| Size from the highest of the waistband to the marked hem line | Establishes the brand new hem size on the waistband. |
| Size alongside the aspect seams from the marked hem line to the underside of the skirt | Signifies the evenness of the hem. |
Pinning the Hem in Place
After you have measured and marked the hem, it is time to pin it in place. It will enable you to to maintain the hem even and stop it from shifting as you sew.
To pin the hem, begin by folding the material up alongside the hemline. Guarantee that the fold is even and that the uncooked edges are aligned. Then, use stitching pins to pin the hem in place. Place the pins perpendicular to the hemline, about 1 inch aside.
Ideas for Pinning the Hem
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use sharp pins | Sharp pins will simply penetrate the material and won’t harm it. |
| Pin perpendicular to the hemline | It will assist to maintain the hem even and stop it from shifting as you sew. |
| Place the pins shut collectively | It will assist to maintain the hem from puckering or stretching as you sew. |
| Check the hem earlier than you sew it | After you have pinned the hem, strive on the garment to be sure that the size is right. If needed, modify the hem earlier than you sew it. |
After you have pinned the hem in place, you’re prepared to stitch it.
Stitching the Hem by Hand or Machine
Hemming a skirt is a comparatively simple job that may be performed by hand or machine. The tactic you select will depend upon the kind of cloth and the specified end.
Stitching the Hem by Hand
To hem a skirt by hand, you will have a needle and thread that matches the material. Fold the material as much as the specified size and press it. Then, fold it up once more and sew it in place utilizing a blind sew or whip sew.
Stitching the Hem by Machine
To hem a skirt by machine, you will have a stitching machine and a needle that matches the material. Fold the material as much as the specified size and press it. Then, fold it up once more and sew it in place utilizing a straight sew or a zig-zag sew.
Hand-sewing Methods
There are two predominant hand-sewing methods for hemming: the blind sew and the whip sew.
Blind Sew
The blind sew is an almost invisible sew that’s good for hemming light-weight materials. To stitch a blind sew, insert the needle into the folded fringe of the material, about 1/4 inch from the uncooked edge. Carry the needle out by the folded edge, about 1/8 inch from the primary sew. Insert the needle again into the folded edge, about 1/4 inch from the second sew, and convey it out by the folded edge, about 1/8 inch from the third sew. Proceed stitching on this method till the hem is full.
Whip Sew
The whip sew is a fast and straightforward sew that’s good for hemming heavier materials. To stitch a whip sew, insert the needle into the folded fringe of the material, about 1/4 inch from the uncooked edge. Carry the needle out by the folded edge, about 1/8 inch from the primary sew. Insert the needle again into the folded edge, about 1/4 inch from the second sew, and convey it out by the folded edge, about 1/8 inch from the third sew. Proceed stitching on this method till the hem is full.
Ending the Edges of the Hem
There are a number of methods to complete the sides of a hem to forestall fraying and add knowledgeable contact.
1. Serging
Serging is a quick and environment friendly technique to end the sides of a hem. It makes use of a particular machine that trims, overcasts, and sews the sting of the material in a single step. Serging produces a robust and sturdy end that’s preferrred for materials that fray simply.
2. Pinking Shears
Pinked shears minimize the sting of the material in a zigzag sample that helps to forestall fraying. It is a good possibility for materials that aren’t too delicate and don’t require a extra elaborate end.
3. Hemming Tape
Hemming tape is a fusible tape that may be utilized to the sting of the hem after which ironed in place. It creates a robust and invisible bond that holds the hem in place and prevents fraying.
4. Hand-Stitching
Hand-sewing the hem is a extra time-consuming however elegant possibility. There are a number of completely different hand-sewing stitches that can be utilized to complete a hem, together with the blind hem sew, the slip sew, and the whipstitch.
5. Topstitching
Topstitching is an ornamental sew that can be utilized to complete the sting of a hem. It’s sometimes performed with a contrasting thread coloration and creates a visual and classy end.
6. Binding
Binding is a way that entails wrapping a strip of material across the fringe of the hem and stitching it in place. It creates a sturdy and ornamental end that’s preferrred for heavier materials or materials that fray simply.
| Professionals | Cons |
|---|---|
| Robust and sturdy | May be cumbersome |
| May be ornamental | Time-consuming |
| Perfect for heavyweight materials |
Ironing the Hem
After you have sewn the hem, it is time to iron it. It will assist to create a crisp, professional-looking end. Listed here are the steps on the best way to iron a hem:
1. Put together your iron and ironing board.
Be certain your iron is about to the proper temperature for the material you’re utilizing. Additionally, ensure that your ironing board is roofed with a clear material or ironing board cowl.
2. Place the skirt on the ironing board.
Easy out the skirt in order that the hem is flat in opposition to the ironing board. Guarantee that the hem just isn’t folded or creased.
3. Iron the hem.
Beginning at one finish of the hem, iron the hem flat. Use a light-weight contact and transfer the iron in small, even strokes. Watch out to not press too onerous, as this might harm the material.
4. Press the hem.
After you have ironed the complete hem, use the iron to press the hem flat. Apply somewhat extra stress than if you had been ironing the hem. It will assist to set the hem in place.
5. Let the hem cool.
After you have pressed the hem, let it cool utterly earlier than dealing with it. It will assist to forestall the hem from creasing.
6. Dangle the skirt.
As soon as the hem is cool, dangle the skirt as much as dry. It will assist to maintain the hem in place and stop it from wrinkling.
7. End the hem.
As soon as the skirt is dry, you possibly can end the hem by topstitching it. It will assist to safe the hem in place and provides it a extra skilled look. Listed here are the steps on the best way to topstitch a hem:
| Step | Directions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Thread your stitching machine with a thread that matches the material of the skirt. |
| 2 | Set your stitching machine to a straight sew. |
| 3 | Begin stitching at one finish of the hem. |
| 4 | Sew across the hem, utilizing a small sew size. |
| 5 | Cease stitching on the finish of the hem. |
| 6 | Tie off the thread and trim the surplus. |
Adjusting the Hem Size if Obligatory
As soon as you’ve got pinned the hem in place, it’s worthwhile to examine the size to ensure it is even. To do that, placed on the skirt and stand in entrance of a full-length mirror. If the hem is simply too lengthy, you possibly can unpin it and shorten it by folding up the surplus cloth. If the hem is simply too brief, you possibly can unpin it and let down the surplus cloth by folding it down. When you’re glad with the size, you can begin stitching the hem.
Listed here are some ideas for adjusting the hem size:
- Placed on the skirt and stand in entrance of a full-length mirror.
- Use a measuring tape to measure the specified size of the hem from the waistline or hip.
- If the hem is simply too lengthy, unpin it and shorten it by folding up the surplus cloth.
- If the hem is simply too brief, unpin it and let down the surplus cloth by folding it down.
- As soon as you’re glad with the size, pin the hem again in place.
You may as well use a hem marker to mark the specified size of the hem. It will enable you to to make sure that the hem is even all the way in which round.
After you have adjusted the hem size, you can begin stitching the hem. There are a number of alternative ways to stitch a hem, so select the tactic that you’re most snug with.
Ideas for Hemming a Skirt with a Lining
Hemming a skirt with a lining requires a bit extra care and precision. Listed here are some ideas to make sure a flawless end:
1. Pin the Hem
Pin the hem of the skirt and lining individually, aligning the uncooked edges. Use loads of pins to maintain the material safe.
2. Hand-stitch the Lining
Utilizing a blind sew or slip-stitch, hand-stitch the liner to the skirt alongside the liner’s uncooked edge. It will enable the liner to hold freely with out creating a visual seam.
3. Press the Lining
As soon as the liner is hand-stitched, press the seam to set it and flatten the material.
4. Fold the Hem
Fold the uncooked fringe of the skirt up by the specified hem width. Press the fold to create a crease.
5. Pin the Hem
Pin the folded hem to the skirt, aligning the uncooked edges. Use loads of pins to safe the material.
6. Machine-stitch the Hem
Utilizing a straight sew, machine-stitch the hem alongside the folded edge. Use a small sew size for higher sturdiness.
7. Press the Hem
Press the completed hem to set the seam and flatten the material.
8. End the Lining
Fold the liner’s uncooked edge up and press it to create a slender hem. Hand-stitch the hem to the liner utilizing a blind sew or slip-stitch.
9. Ending Touches
For a extra skilled end, topstitch the hem across the edges. It will reinforce the seam and add an ornamental contact.
| Topstitching Choices |
|---|
| – Use a straight sew |
| – Use an ornamental sew |
| – Topstitch by hand utilizing a needle and thread |
Frequent Errors to Keep away from When Hemming a Skirt
1. Not Measuring and Marking Precisely
Guarantee exact measurements through the use of a measuring tape and marking pins to point the specified hemline. Keep away from guesswork or eyeball measurements.
2. Stitching with the Mistaken Thread or Needle
Select thread and needles appropriate for the material and weight of your skirt. Heavy materials require stronger thread and bigger needles.
3. Stretching the Material Whereas Stitching
Preserve a delicate, even pressure whereas stitching to forestall puckering or stretching the material.
4. Hemming Too Narrowly
A too-narrow hem can simply fray or catch. Enable for a beneficiant hem width that may face up to put on and tear.
5. Urgent Earlier than Stitching
All the time press the material earlier than hemming to take away wrinkles and creases. This ensures a clean, polished end.
6. Stitching the Hem Too Loosely
Safe stitches are essential for a sturdy hem. Keep away from utilizing too large or unfastened stitches that may unravel over time.
7. Not Trimming Extra Material
Take away extra cloth past the sew line to create a neat and tidy look.
8. Not Turning Below the Uncooked Edge
Defend the uncooked fringe of the material by turning it beneath to forestall fraying and guarantee knowledgeable end.
9. Ironing the Hem Over the Stitches
Keep away from ironing straight over the stitches, as this may flatten and weaken them. Use a tailor’s clapper or a material over the hem to guard the stitches.
10. Skipping the Remaining Urgent
Press the completed hem totally utilizing a steam iron to set the material, take away any wrinkles, and obtain a crisp and polished look. This enhances the general look and longevity of the hem.
How you can Hem a Skirt
Hemming a skirt is an easy job that may be accomplished in a number of simple steps. With the appropriate instruments and supplies, you possibly can obtain a professional-looking end that can improve the looks of your skirt.
Supplies:
- Skirt
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Material scissors
- Stitching needle or machine
- Thread
- Iron and ironing board (non-compulsory)
Steps:
- Measure the specified size: Decide the size you need the skirt to be. Measure from the waistline to the specified hemline.
- Mark the hemline: Use the measuring tape or ruler to mark the hemline alongside the complete size of the skirt.
- Fold up the hem: Fold the material up alongside the hemline to create a fold. The width of the fold will depend upon the specified hem model.
- Press the fold: Use an iron and ironing board to press the fold in place. It will assist the hem keep in place whilst you sew it.
- Sew the hem: Sew the hem utilizing a needle or stitching machine. Use a sew that’s acceptable for the material of the skirt.
- End the hem: Trim any extra thread and press the hem in place as soon as extra for knowledgeable end.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I hem a skirt with out stitching?
There are a number of methods to hem a skirt with out stitching, together with utilizing cloth glue, iron-on hem tape, or a fusible hem tape.
How do I hem a curved skirt?
To hem a curved skirt, you will have to mark the hemline fastidiously and fold the material accordingly. Use a curved seam information or a versatile ruler to make sure the hem is even.
How do I hem a skirt with lace?
To hem a skirt with lace, you will have to chop the lace to the specified size and align it with the underside fringe of the skirt. Use a needle and thread at hand sew the lace in place, taking care to not pull the thread too tightly.
