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Member since 1/13/07
Posts: 38
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Posted on: 7/28/09 6:34 PM ET
I'm making V1104 in a cotton batiste.

I need suggestions on how to do the hems on the ruffles. The pattern instructions suggest stitching 1/2" from the raw edges, then turning it under, pressing, and stitching. This doesn't work for me-- I don't have good enough control with my sewing machine. I tried doing a normal hem as narrowly as I could by hand, and while this hides the raw edges, the edge it produces is too stiff for the ruffles to drape properly.

What would you recommend? (I don't have a serger to work with, and my machine only stitches straight stitches.)
  
Member since 12/15/07
Posts: 559
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Posted on: 7/28/09 7:14 PM ET
If you sew a line of stitches about 1/2 inch (or less if you feel up to it) you can press along that line -- use short stitches. It isn't hard -- just go slow -- and the stitching line makes it easier to fold and press. If you have a walking foot use it. And expect a few little burns when you press if you are at all like me!!
Now stitch as close to the folded edge as you can. Go slow. You can do this.
Trim above that stitching, just as close as you can. I find it is easier to trim if you lightly press the edge back toward the fold and lay it over a seam roll or ham to trim -- carefully.
Now fold it over one more time -- as near the edge as you dare -- and very carefully sew the hem. Go really slow -- a stitch at a time. If you are really worried about it, do it by hand.
When you are finished you have made a perfect rolled hem -- the hard way.
That pattern is so pretty. If I was young and skinny I'd be making it too.
  
Member since 5/28/06
Posts: 1449
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Posted on: 7/28/09 7:56 PM ET
In reply to Uhoh
The issue you have with the drape may come from the fabric and not the technique that you're trying to use.

I suspect that the fabric featured on the pattern's cover is silk chiffon and that the edges were serged with a rolled hem. (Most) cotton batiste is not as fluid as silk chiffon, and will likely not drape like chiffon when sewing two rows of straight stitches near the edge. Even if you manage to do it well, all that thread, turning and folding, will weigh down or stiffen the ruffles.

If you have friend who owns a serger, ask if you can borrow it.

Or maybe, you can use LJ Designs' ultra-soft double sided fusible tape? I have never used mine before, but the stuff is ultra, ultra sheer and ultra, ultra lightweight to the touch.
  
Member since 12/15/07
Posts: 559
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Posted on: 7/28/09 9:49 PM ET
Quote:
If you have friend who owns a serger, ask if you can borrow it.


I don't think a serger will make a softer or lighter rolled hem than a traditional one.
  
Member since 8/4/06
Posts: 2079
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Posted on: 7/29/09 6:37 AM ET
In reply to Uhoh
You can use some tear away or water soluble stabilizer such that is used for embroidery to sew narrow hems and keep things stabilized Use a very fine thread and small needle as well.
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Be true to yourself. Push your boundaries. Do everything with love in your heart and a grin in your head. Move a little, eat good food, enjoy good health. Spread sunshine.
  
Member since 10/11/08
Posts: 992
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Posted on: 7/29/09 7:07 AM ET
In reply to Uhoh
I agree that it may be your fabric choice. However, you might have luck with this method to get a hem that is narrower than what you are getting. I use it all the time and on all fabrics.
Turn your hem up the ½" that is suggested, or even a little more. Stitch super close to the folded edge (a bigger hem actually makes this easier, if you have the extra). Trim the excess very close to the stitching. Don't cut too quickly or you'll snip the good side. You might try little snips for this. It will take forever, but you'll have control.
After you have that "hem" snipped, fold it over again, to the wrong side, just enough to cover the snipped edge, and stitch close to the fold again. You'll know you are doing it right if you have 2 rows of stitching on the wrong side and one row on the right side. Practice on a scrap first. Good luck!

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"You are in charge of your own ride!"

Learning-Alterations.com
  
Member since 3/27/08
Posts: 2890
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Posted on: 7/29/09 2:35 PM ET
What about a rolled hem foot? I just bought one and am completely in love with it

I used it to hem the edges of a flounce for a blouse and it turned out well.
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http://kimsewsilly.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 1/13/07
Posts: 38
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Posted on: 7/29/09 8:57 PM ET
Thanks for all your responses!

You have a lot of good suggestions. What I think I'll try next is making a hand rolled hem, or, if that doesn't work, borrowing a friend's serger, serging the edges, and then folding them over and hemming. That way there will only be one fold of fabric.

I'll let you know how it goes!
  
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