Roll Hem Tutorial

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  Step 1

  Method #1: Without Roll Hem Foot

  This is generally my preferred method but it does depend on the fabric and shape of the edge. The roll hem foot is not good with curved edges or thicker fabrics so this is generally my go-to method especially when hemming dresses or skirts. All you need is your basic machine setup and off you go. This will take twice as long as using the roll hem foot but is much more reliable so its worth it.

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  Step 2

  You will want to start by folding over the edge of your fabric and placing it under the foot. You can make this as small or as wide as you like depending on how deep you want your rolled hem to be. Generally the rolled hem is quite small so turn the fabric over as little as possible but enough that you will be able to sew and fold at the same time.

  Now change your machine's stitch length to the biggest number. We want to use a long stitch length here as we're going to be removing these stitches later and its much easier to do this with a longer stitch.

  Now sew down the edge turning the fabric as you go. Try to keep everything in line so you don't end up with wobbly stitches!

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  Step 3

  You should now have a nice turned over edge. Give it the once over and make sure you haven't turned over too much fabric in one place, you want it to look nice and even.

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  Step 4

  Now grab that edge and turn it over again. You should find that the stitches you've already sewn help you to do this and to hold the fold in place but if your stitches are wobbly this won't work quite as well so keep them straight!

  Pop it under the foot and turn your stitch length back to your usual number.

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  Step 5

  As you did before turn the edge over as you sew. You'll want to make sure you're covering the first turn so you don't get any raw edges peeking out.

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  Step 6

  Now you have two rows of stitching and nice double turn. We only want one row so take your unpicker or snips and take out that first row of stitches we did. If you're really good at this you can actually sew directly over the top of the first row and won't have to remove them later. I've managed to do this a few times and its great for saving time.

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  Step 7

  And there you have it! A neat rolled hem.

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  Step 8

  Method #2: With a Roll Hem Foot

  The roll hem foot is my arch-nemesis, we have a very difficult relationship and I'm always very wary of using it. But I must admit that there have been times when it has saved me from double turning edges for hours. If you can get it to work this thing is a little miracle. As I mentioned before its not great on curves or thick fabrics so stick to nice long straight edges. You can get a roll hem foot in a couple of different sizes, mine is a 5mm and tends to be the standard size.

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  Step 9

  The trick with this foot is to start as you meant to go on, if you can get that first turn right you should be able to keep it up right to the end.

  Take the edge of your fabric and before you press the foot down tease the edge up into the curve. This is the curve that is going to "roll" the edge so you want the fabric in there ready to start turning.

  As you sew try to keep the fabric turning steadily, don't let it bunch up and keep an eye on it as it comes out the other side, you don't want to sew an entire edge only to find that it didn't actually roll it. Hold on to that edge and gently help it turn.

  With a bit of practice you will begin to see how the edge should be turning through the foot and will learn how to control this.

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  Step 10

  And with any luck, you'll have a perfect rolled hem.

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Eleanor · Whitehaven, England, GB · 37 projects 19th September 2013

Using your first method is it not easier to iron the first fold, rather than stitch it? Surely it produces the same effect but without all the unpicking? (That's how I do it at least...)

Carrie · Worthing, England, GB · 3 projects 20th September 2013

I find that ironing it first is unreliable and takes more time. If you stitch it first its actually easier to make the second turn because the line of stitching kind of pushes it over (if that makes sense). I've always had more success this way but it really depends what works best for you

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