There are so many different techniques that you can do when it comes to sewing. Have you ever bought a pair of pants that you loved but they were to long, or a dress that fit you perfect except that you step on the bottom of it when you walk? To fix this problem with out having to try to find another pair of pants is to use the technique in sewing called hemming. If you have never heard of hemming something up or just don’t know how to hem here is a look at hemming.
The first look at hemming is to find out what it is. Hemming is a technique used in sewing where you take a piece of cloth and fold up the cut edge. You then take it and fold it down to cover the edge that is not straight. You then sew it down. This is done to enclose he cut edge so it cannot ravel. If you want to hem the bottom of a pair of pants, skirt, dress, or even a robe you would just want to take the bottom edge and do the same process that you would with a cut edge.
The second look at hemming is to know how it can be done. Hemming can be done either by hand or by a sewing machine. A hem can be sewn down by either using a line of invisible hem-stitch or a blind-stitch that you can do by hand. Or you can sew it down with your sewing machine. If you use a sewing machine you can usually be able to set a certain setting that can make decorative or functional stitches. Using a sewing machine for a hem stitch will cause the hem stitch to be larger and more visible then if you did it by hand.
Another look at hemming is when you are going to be hemming heavy material. If you are going to be hemming heavy material you will have deep hems that you will probably want to use a dress-maker’s hem. A dress-maker’s hem is a hem where you do an extra line of loose running stitches that you do in the middle of the hem. Doing a dress-maker’s hem will help you with the weight of the material so it does not hand from one line of stitching.
Another look at hemming is when a piece of fabric needs repair. If your fabric rips where the hem is there are different methods you can use to repair them. You can repair your hems the easy way by getting tape that is called "hem repair tape". Hem repair tape is tape that you place inside of the hem and then ironed. The heat from the iron melts the glue on the tape and glues the hem shut. Using this method is not used by a lot of the professionals because they believe the glue stiffens and in return makes that hem hang badly. Instead professionals like to re sew the ripped hems by re sewing them like they were done the first time with matching thread so you cannot tell where the rip ever was.
These are a few different looks at hemming. Depending on what type of project you are doing will depend on what type of hemming you will want to do. If you are still not sure that hemming is the way you want to go you can do some research and see what else is out there. Make sure that you take the time to take a look at hemming to see if it is what you are looking for.