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Sewing a straight hem

19 years ago

I am EXTREMELY new to sewing, but found GREAT instructions for making a pillowcase dress on this forum. (thanks!)

I have made a couple with actual pillowcases, but would like to try actual fabric now. However, when it comes to sewing a hem along the bottom of the dress, I know that my hem line will be anything but straight. Any tips for sewing a straight line? My machine is ancient (Singer Merritt 4525) but is there any sort of attachment that I could buy? I also thought about sweing ribbon over the hem line so that your eye is drawn to the ribbon. Is there some other technique that I am unaware of?

Thanks!

Heather

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Comments (3)

salena
19 years ago
Well Heather, don't LOOK at the needle while sewing, look at the fold of the fabric and keep it straight. I am assuming that you are talking about a machine hem and not hand sewn. On the machine stick a vertical bit of masking tape where the fold of the fabric goes (bottom of the hem) and it will be easy to follow with your eyes. Don't sew over pins! Make sense? Salena
kathyg_in_mi
19 years ago
Press the hem into the fabric BEFORE you sew it, then you will be able to see the straight pressed line and follow it.
Kathy G in MI
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imsewhappy
19 years ago
Dotting a chalk like makes it easy for learners, too.

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