This store-bought blouse (below) has a narrow hem that could have been sewn with a rolled hem foot. The foot can be really helpful in dealing with delicate fabric that seems to fray like CRAZY. You know, the ones that fray when you barely touch them?
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How to Sew a Rolled Hem
Begin sewing a straight stitch. I usually topstitch with a stitch length of 2.8-3.0. The curl controls the width of the rolled hem so it is even throughout. Stitch along, folding the fabric with your hand and carefully guiding it into the curl.
Sometimes the fabric tries to pop out of the curl. If you are stitching, slowly, you’ll be able to correct this problem. Simple put your needle in the down position and lift your presser foot up. Maneuver the fabric back under the curl. Then, put your presser foot back down and continue stitching.
When you are done, you will have a beautifully stitched rolled hem on your garment! Your raw edges are enclosed in the seam and no pressing is required. Pictured below is the wrong side of the fabric. (This is the back side of the hem.)
This is the front side of your hem, the side everyone will see. How easy is that?! It will hem your projects in a flash! Some rolled hem feet come in different widths. Look around and see what’s available for your machine and have fun!
This post was originally published in 2012. It has now been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
What a valuable tip! I do have that foot and have wondered "what the heck am I supposed to do with this?!". 🙂
THANK YOU I've never been able to get mine to start properly..love the seam ripper tip!
I'm so pinning this. I haven't gotten around on ordering my rolled hemmer foot, but as soon as I have one, I 'll come back and look at your how-to. Thanks so much.
Greetings from Germany
Catrin
Thank you! Is there any easy way or tips to tackle the corners in a rolled hem? or is that something just not to bother with?
Great tutorial ….. you make it look so easy. I haven't tried this for years so I must give a whirl today. Thanks for sharing.
Crafty Acorn – it's possible to do curves with this presser foot. For corners, you'll have to end on one side of the corner, backstitch, cut your threads and start stitching from the other side of the corner. Claire OKC explains in this video how to get going if the fabric comes out of the scroll— http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH6Vq7WEZTk. She starts out with the fabric folded, starts stitching, and then pops it into the scroll. This may be a better method for you when dealing with corners because it's nearly impossible to move an already hemmed edge through the scroll. I hope that makes sense. Feel free to email me if it doesn't.
I am pinning this…have a couple of projects that it would be perfect for and the tips are great…thanks!
I always thought that was a piping foot! I could have been using this all along…
Hi, thanks for showing me how to use it. My book that came with my machine just list it not how to use it like everyone just knows. I can now use it.
I'm so glad to have found your blog! So that's what it is for lol – thank you! I will be trying this out 🙂
so I popped my rolled hem foot onto my machine, so excited to try! And wouldn't you know it: mine doesn't come out evenly. It's all crazy and wonky (just like me. LOL) I guess it takes practice? Thanks for the tips, love them!