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Simple rolled hem and I can't do it! Help!
lisalu Advanced Beginner GA USA Member since 2008 Posts: 1265	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/14/11 9:43 AM Its not like I haven't been sewing all my life but this simple task has me stumped! How the heck do I hem this? This is a very lightweight seersucker fabric. It is the tie for a pinafore on a baby dress. The pattern instructions call for a 3/8" doubled folded hem. It is almost impossible to double fold this fabric without the edges disintegrating. I have never had any luck with my rolled hem foot (has ANYONE ever been able to use it?) But the most challenging part is how to finish those corner edges on the end of the tie. How do you double fold this along the sides and then along the end and make those corners turn out right with only 3/8" of skimpy fabric to work with? I thought about doing a serged rolled hem, but I don't know how you would do the corners with that either (I'm not very experienced with the serger.) Suggestions?
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 2007 Posts: 4714	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/14/11 10:11 AM I never got a sm rolled hem foot to work. The serger loves doing them, though. For a very fray-happy chiffon, I painted the edge with white glue and that kept it together enough to hold stitches. The glue more or less fell out afterward. I don't know how well a rolled hem would hold up as a tie. I would be inclined to try using two pieces, sew them together and turn inside out if the fabric is light enough. Or do the hemming by hand. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
EveS   Intermediate MI USA Member since 2006 Posts: 2700	Login to reply to this post In reply to tourist Like this post Date: 4/14/11 11:13 AM Quote: tourist I don't know how well a rolled hem would hold up as a tie. I would be inclined to try using two pieces, sew them together and turn inside out if the fabric is light enough. Or do the hemming by hand. EXACTLY my thoughts, Tourist. I would definitely opt for the double layer turned in. I think you need that extra little something to hold up well as a tie, anyway. If you do think you need to keep it single layer, try a hand-rolled hem. I did one last year on a dress and not only was it easier than I thought (MUCH easier to control than by machine!!), I actually kind of enjoyed it. It was fun to see it come together (but I'm weird like that ) ------ People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it - Chinese proverb
diane s   Intermediate OR USA Member since 2002 Posts: 3345	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: Simple rolled hem and I cant do it! Date: 4/14/11 11:18 AM Use steam a seam light in the 1/4" roll. Fuse it on the raw edge, fold up the hem and fuse, fold it again and sew. There is also fusible thread you can put in the seger looper, fold a hem a fuse and stitch again. Otherwise cut 2 ties, and make it double. ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
lisalu Advanced Beginner GA USA Member since 2008 Posts: 1265	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/14/11 1:10 PM I think the best idea is to seam and turn two pieces. I can't even figure out why it wasn't designed that way. When I was cutting out the ties, I had a vague idea that I would be folding them in half and seaming them or else I would have planned to go ahead and cut two of each. I don't have enough fabric to cut more, I'll either have to go back to the store, or use a lining fabric. Sigh... -- Edited on 4/14/11 1:11 PM --
kkkkaty   Intermediate UT USA Member since 2005 Posts: 1903	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/14/11 1:36 PM You've already gotten such good advice that I hate to jump in, but if you don't want a fusible (which might add a little stiffness), you could get some wonder tape, which washes out, and then just tape the fold up. you can get it in 1/4 inch thickness ------ Viking Lily 545 Viking Scandinavia 400 Bernina Activa 210 Brother 1034d
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 2007 Posts: 4714	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/15/11 10:31 AM A lining fabric might look very pretty. Can you piece together the second layer from the fabric you have? I am presuming that this is a waist tie and half or more will be sewn to the front of the dress and never seen. You could use a lining fabric for that part. I used wonder tape to hem DD's chiffon grad dress sleeves. It was my first glimpse into the wonderfu world of modern sewing! This was pre-PR in 2000 and a real discovery since I was struggling mightily with that darn chiffon! ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Patti B   Intermediate OR USA Member since 2002 Posts: 2163	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: Simple rolled hem and I cant do it! Date: 4/15/11 11:09 AM How about using a pretty grosgrain ribbon to coordinate with the dress fabric? If it seems too limp, fuse two layers together or just edgestitch them together. It will be a design element! ------ Patti R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
gramma b Advanced USA Member since 2008 Posts: 1418	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 4/15/11 11:13 AM Spray starch often helps too on those lite fabrics. But I would double the tie too, so it holds up to all that twisting. Try a contrast print or solid for the underside, then use the 2 fabrics to make a little flower to pop on the dress, at the waist or shoulder. There are many free tutorials online, so find the kind you like. This will tie the whole thing together, plus you could also make a matching headband!
poplin Intermediate WA USA Member since 2006 Posts: 1320	Login to reply to this post In reply to lisalu Like this post Date: 4/15/11 12:29 PM Seersucker... very lightweight... edges disintegrating... and I bet you were using the 2mm narrow hemmer your machine came with, too. You just stumbled upon a recipe for trouble. You have some awesome advice here. I would sew it by hand--just 'cause I like sewing by hand. But it's seersucker. Yikes. Lightly starch it. In the future if you ever want to get the hang of sewing narrow hems by machine, practice on a 4mm narrow hemmer and stable cotton menswear shirting. A ss plate will help, too. ------ Her needlework both plain and ornamental was excellent, and she might have put a sewing machine to shame. ~James Edward Austen-Leigh, about Jane Austen

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