Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Conversational Threads

HELP!!! Slip stitch hem

shera | Posted in General Discussion on

Hi there, I am a rookie here as well as with sewing.  I have done a few projects which have all turned out beautifully.  The project that I am currently working on is a silk dress.  Very slippery fabric.  The pattern is telling me to slip stitch the hem.  It is proving to be very difficult as no matter how small the thread is that I bring the needle through you can still see the threads very much!  Any suggestions to make a very nice looking hem on material like this?

Replies

  1. Tatsy | | #1

    If you know someone with a serger having them do a rolled hem might be a possibility, but an even easier solution is to bead the hem. Buy some matching or coordinating seed beads and just slip one on the needle every time you take a stitch through the front side of the fabric. I hate hemming anything because my stitches are never fine enough for my taste, but adding beads makes it a design detail.  You can get beads that are quite small and barely show, or you can make them stand out and shout.

    1. shera | | #2

      Thank you so much, your suggestions are great!  I really like both ideas so I am going to have a hard time deciding which one to do!!!!

      1. Tatsy | | #3

        Do them both, just on different garments. I also use cover stitch, decorative stitches, piping, and applied bands to avoid the hem mess. Threads has lots of ideas. Have fun.

  2. zuwena | | #4

    the other thing to watch for when do a slip stitch is to make sure you are not pulling the thread too tightly. When picking up the one thread just the slightest pull will cause an indentation. It is very difficult to maintain the right amount of looseness--that's why couture sewers get so much for employing these techniques and why couture sewing is considered an art form. Personally, I like the seed beading technique--something I never though of before now. Z

  3. mygaley | | #5

    Dear Shera, Be sure you are using fine silk thread and a fine needle as well. I once read to make your tiny stitch lengthwise (up and down) and it would blend in better and that's what I do. God bless you Galey

  4. shera | | #6

    Thank you everyone for your ideas!!  I have decided to do the beading!  I think it will give it a little extra!  I will post pictures when it's all done!

    Again thanks for all your help!

    1. Stillsewing | | #7

      No one else has suggested using a "web bond" I made a fine silk dress earlier this year and found it impossible to hemstitch it. I tried using this bonding on a sample first and then used on the hem of the dress. I'm delighted with the results. So much so that I also turned up the hem of the jacket sleeve in the same way and I have no bother looking at this at close quarters - it certainly is an improvement on my own hand stitching. Good luck with the project!

This post is archived.

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Conversational Threads

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More