How To Sew Rolled Hem Without a Rolled Hem Foot
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Learn how to sew a rolled hem without a rolled hem foot. This is a great way to create a really tiny hem in lightweight fabric.
I love the look of a tiny rolled hem in lightweight fabric. It’s just so little and perfect, and it’s almost invisible. It doesn’t affect the drape of the fabric at all.
Being able to sew a rolled hem without a rolled hem foot is a great basic sewing skill to know. In this post I will teach you two different ways to sew a rolled hem. A rolled hem is also called a narrow hem, takes precision to sew, and it’s perfect for lightweight fabrics.
What is a rolled hem?
A narrow hem or a rolled hem is a really tiny hem perfect for lightweight fabrics. Rolled hems look professional and would be impossible to hem like regular double fold hems. I sew rolled hems two different ways, and they each have their time to be used.
I will say that it is not the fastest technique, but it looks really good. It’s used by professionals, but it’s easy enough for anyone to sew.
You can buy a special foot to sew rolled hems, but I find them difficult to use. They take a long time to learn and getting used to, and I found even after I learned that I would still have to unpick a part of every hem I did.
You will see a rolled hem on any lightweight material, sheer or not. It’s perfect for high low hems since it looks good on the outside and on the inside. It’s also used a lot on formal dresses. Learn more about all the basic sewing stitches you need to sew clothing.
How to Sew a rolled hem without a rolled hem foot when constructing clothing
Sew a straight line along the bottom edge. Sew 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch from the edge or at the hem line given in the pattern.
Iron the hem allowance up towards the inside of the garment on the stitched line.
Trim the fold down to 1/8 inch with scissors. Be careful not to cut into the garment. I like to use duckbill scissors* for this step because it helps prevent cutting holes in the wrong place.
Don’t worry about the cut line being perfectly straight.
Fold the hem up one more time and iron it.
Stitch in between the two folds to enclose the raw edges.
If you have a corner then do each rolled hem separately: one first and then the other.
How to Sew a rolled hem with a rolled hem foot when altering clothing
I use this method whenever I’m altering a finished garment. I most often use it when hemming a garment for a client like this wedding dress where I added a front godet.
Put your dress or skirt on and mark where you want your hem to be. DO NOT CUT IT. Mark with your favorite marking tool.
Fold the marked line with the hem allowance towards the back. Sew 1/8 inch from the fold in matching thread through both layers of fabric.
You will have a some excess on one side of the hem. This is what it looks like looking at the inside of the dress.
Trim the excess fabric off as close to the stitching as possible. Be very careful not to cut into the other side!
Don’t worry if the trimming is uneven because it won’t be seen.
Roll the fabric towards the inside of the garment and enclose the raw edge. Sew 1/8 inch from the fold. Overlap the stitches so that stitches lock.
Press your beautiful rolled hem.
I used a rolled hem on my pleated Harper skirt to have an overlay that looked nice when it moved.
If you make something using this tutorial, I’d love to see! Please share it on social media with the hashtag #heatherhandmade and tag me!
I believe small sewing moments can create great joy. Find your own “right” way to sew. -Heather
Can you have a rolled hem on stretch maerial for shorts?
Are you talking about knit fabric or woven fabric that stretches?
Thank you. I can see how this would prevent some of the usual problems.
My question, though, is whether this method will work for curved hems. I just put a rolled hem on a 1/2 circle skirt and am planning to make another, in a lightweight cotton.
Yes, this works great on a curved hem as long as it’s not an extreme curve (think of a shirt tail that is long but curves up short on the side seams). A gradual curve should work great!
What sewing machine needle should I use for fine thin scarf fabric?
I like to use a universal or sharp size 70/10 for really lightweight fabric. I have this post this goes more in depth: https://www.heatherhandmade.com/18-tips-for-sewing-lightweight-fabric/
Thank you so much for all you posts. I am following you from South Africa
I have a very diffucult time keeping the fabric on an 1/8″ line. It keeps slipping to the left. I tried adjusting the tension, holding and guiding the fabric different ways, still slips. Tips please, I have to get the cone for a wedding.
Would it help if you had tissue paper under the fabric? Or could you try a different sewing machine foot?
this is the way i’ve always done hems and seam edges this is the way i was taught in school along time ago
Your technique was really helpful. Thank you so much.
Heather…I am working on a prom gown of stretch material. Would you make any technique modifications? Thank you
Heather, does this method do nicely on satin as well? Thank you.
Yes! I've used it on all types of woven fabrics with great results!
Thank you so much!
this is one of the most helpful tutorials I have seen!! I have always wondered how people get the perfect finish on the rolled hem, specially on flowing fabrics! It was driving me crazy thinking of doing the rolled hem by a rough hand stitch first and getting it right..I am definitely gonna try this out 🙂
So you fold it, sew it, fold it again and sew it again? All folds to the inside of the garment?
Yes this is right. Don't forget to trim the seam allowance after the first folding and sewing.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I can't purchase my special foot yet, but I want to get started so this is just what I needed. Thanks again!
Excellent tutorial! Your way is soooo much simpler… especially since you don't cut until after you sew… makes it so much easier to hold onto the fabric! Thanks for sharing this tip…
You are a life saver! I made a deal with my mom, if I hem her skirts that are to long she's iron my families laundry. I took her first skirt home with me and could not figure out how to get a nice rolled hem, I really hope I can figure this out, I did already cut it so I guess I'll just have to make it a little shorter? Just found you blog today, LOVE it!
Mm hm. Sometimes I wonder why we have to make it so much harder for ourselves.
Great tip!
I will definitely be using this trick – thanks!
That is FANTASTIC! So much easier! Thank you :)))