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:

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.

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.
• To sew with it, place your fabric RIGHT SIDE DOWN on the faceplate.
• 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.
• 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.

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,