Shell Hem Edge

Finished hem as seen from front side.

Photo: Anna Mazur

by Anna Mazur

In the June/ July 2009 issue of Threads (Issue #143) author Anna Mazur creates 4 fabulous edge enhancements inspired by designer Elie Tahari. On one of her styles, the yellow, silk charmeuse blouse with pearls over the tucks, she added a shell hem edge on the sleeve cuff. Below, Anna walks you through the steps of creating this shell treatment to use on an edge of any garment.

1. Fold over the raw edge 1/4”. then fold over again another 1/4”.

2. Anchor the thread along the folded edge and take a tiny stitch directly below on the garment.

3. Travel the needle along the folded edge for 1/8”.

4. Take a tiny stitch on the garment directly below where the thread exits the fold.

5. Travel the needle along the fold for 1/8” and repeat step #4 above.

6. Wrap the thread around the outer edge, bringing the needle up from the front side through the fabric and through the edge on the fold.

7. Pull the thread to tighten the stitch and loop the thread a second time over the first stitch, tightening again.

8. Secure the stitch.

9. Repeat steps 3-8.

10. This is the finished hem as seen from the front side.

Threads Magazine, editor
Posted on Apr 30th, 2009 in online extras

Comments (13)

mommysew writes: Never seen it before I love it!

Posted: 3:15 pm on June 25th

dezzyw writes: Lovely. Perfect for lingerie.
Posted: 11:08 am on July 1st

denise writes: Dear Anna, i do wish sometimes the authors of these articlew would read and leave a message.

I am following the way you have done the neck line
but where you have put the ribbon on the back confuses
me i do not quite understand how to baste it on.

Posted: 3:27 am on December 9th

BelleBeryl writes: very pretty
I am doing this on a skirt I am handsewing
Posted: 5:09 pm on May 13th

ohbegrey writes: cancel

Posted: 2:57 pm on May 6th

Deana writes: I'm so glad you like this technique. Check out the latest issue of Threads (#143 June/July)for even more edge treatments from Anna Mazur. If you don't subscribe, it hits the newsstands early next week.
Posted: 11:42 am on May 5th

KimsIdleHands writes: I'm thinking (look out) this will be the extra special personal touch to my grandbaby's dedication gown.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Posted: 10:12 am on May 5th

TweedleDeee writes: Wouldn't this also look nice with a small bead(s) added to the loop-over?
Posted: 1:53 pm on May 4th

sewhappy1221 writes: MissesStitches - This is lovely done on flannel using Pearl Cotton crochet thread. It really is an old, old technique - one of my infant receiving blankets from almost 60 years ago is finished this way - it was done by my Grandma, and my Mom kept it through 6 kids, only using it for church, christenings, an other special occasions.
Posted: 1:35 pm on May 4th

rr528 writes: Very pretty! The next time I have an extra week to spend on a project, I'll try it!
Posted: 11:39 am on May 4th

sewnsew7 writes: I see no reason why this would not be beautiful on a receiving blanket. I have done it myself. JOYce
Posted: 11:38 am on May 4th

MissesStitches writes: I think this is just beautiful! And looks easy. Do you think it would work on flannel for a receiving blanket?

MissesStitches.blogspot.com
Posted: 11:50 pm on May 3rd

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