Category Archives: Being Creative

Fostering creativity through sewing and other hobbies

Presser Feet: Hemming Foot

mardi gras ruffle pant set with Louisiana and fleur de lis ruffle closeup

I’ve made a lot of ruffle pants lately.  A lot.  I have two tricks that make these sweet pants come together quickly with a professional finish.  Here’s the first trick:

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That’s a hemming foot.  It’s one of my favorite presser feet for my sewing machine.  Your machine may have come with one.  If not, you can find one pretty easily at Hancock’s or JoAnn’s or your local sewing machine center or here.

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Confession time:  I’ve had a hemming foot for years.  I didn’t start using it until about 2 years ago.  Why?  Well, it had a little learning curve.  Please don’t let that stop you.  Get out your presser foot and let’s start sewing.

Here’s what you need to know:

 

  • The foot is designed to roll a narrow hem and stitch it in place.IMG_8209 (2)
  • To sew with it, place your fabric RIGHT SIDE DOWN on the faceplate.IMG_8202 (2)
  • Make sure you like your bobbin thread color because this is what will show on the finished product.
  • I fold up and hold 1/4 to 1/3 inch of the edge of the fabric.   This starts the fold that the foot makes in the fabric.IMG_8207 (2)
  • I use my needle in the middle position because that is just inside the fold.
  • I like to use a slightly longer stitch (3mm, as my default is usually 2.5) as this will be a top stitch.
  • When I’m making ruffles for pants, I hem each fabric stripe before gathering it.

 

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So that’s it.  Do you have a hemming foot?  What size is yours?  I have a 4mm and a 6mm. Get it out, put it on the machine and try it out on a few strips of scrap fabric.  I’d love to see your hems.  You can share pictures with me on Facebook or Instagram,

February Sewing Day

I’m so excited about a new event on my sewing class calendar!

Sewing Days!

February’s Sewing Day is Thursday, Feburary 6th!  I’ll be teaching 3 one-hour sessions.  You can choose to take 1, 2 or all 3. The sessions will vary from month to month. Here are the details:

February Sewing Day
February 6, 2014
@Lil’ Miss Priss on Youree Drive

11:00 Using a ruffle foot
12:00 Gathering (with and without a ruffle foot)
1:00  Using your rolled hem foot
You’ll need your machine and a yard or so of scrap fabric.  You can sign up here.