Getting professional-looking hems with a straight-stitch sewing machine might seem hard at first.

But don’t worry! Once you understand how to do it, it will be super easy. Let’s go through some simple tips that can help you improve your hems.

1. Choosing Your Fabric

Before you start sewing, think about the fabric you want to use.

Light fabrics like cotton are easier to work with than heavy ones like denim. If you’re just starting out, choose a fabric that is easy to manage.

2. Preparing the Hem

The first step to making a nice hem is preparing your fabric:

• Cut Your Fabric: Trim the fabric to the length you want, leaving about 1-2 inches for the hem.
• Press the Hem: Fold the hem up to the inside of your garment, usually about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch, and press it with an iron. This will create a nice crease to guide your stitching.
• Pinning: Use straight pins or fabric clips to hold the hem in place. Don’t be shy with the pins! They keep everything from moving while you sew.

3. Adjusting Your Machine

Before you start sewing, make some changes to your sewing machine:

• Needle Choice: Pick a needle that fits your fabric type. For lighter fabrics, a size 70/10 universal needle is good; for heavier ones, use a size 90/14.
• Stitch Length and Tension: A straight stitch length of about 2.5 to 3 mm is a good start. Also check that the tension is set right; too tight or too loose can make your hem look strange.

4. Sewing the Hem

Now the fun part! Here’s how to sew your hem:

• Start Simple: Begin sewing just below the crease you created, keeping your stitches about 1/8 inch away from the edge. This helps make less bulk.
• Keep a Steady Pace: Don’t rush! Go slowly, especially around corners and curves. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to keep your stitches secure.
• Check Your Progress: Every once in a while, lift the fabric to make sure everything is lined up properly.

5. Finishing Touches

Once you finish sewing, it’s important to make that hem look really nice:

• Press Again: Give the hem a good press with your iron. This helps set your stitches and gives it a sharp finish.
• Clip Threads: Trim any extra threads carefully to keep everything looking neat.

Additional Tips

• Practice Makes Perfect: If you make a mistake, don’t worry! Just take out the stitches and try again.
• Explore Other Methods: As you get better, you can try other ways to finish hems, like blind hems or rolled hems. They can be useful to learn!

That’s all! With these tips, you’re ready to create hems that look so good, even professionals would be impressed. Happy sewing!