Replies

1. 
   FitnessNut | Jan 17, 2005 08:27pm | #1

   I've put up hems in leather and suede with double-sided tape from 3M....works like a charm. And FWIW, I've seen suede skirts with the raw cut edge at the hemline....no foldback whatsoever. Not my style, but if it works......

2. 
   carolfresia | Jan 17, 2005 11:56pm | #2

   I've used rubber cement on leather and it works very well, as half-baked as it sounds. I didn't know about the double-sided tape, but I'd try that, too. HOw was the skirt originally hemmed? If it was sewn you could sew it the same way, but I'd probably use an adhesive to start with, to avoid needle holes.

   Carol

1. 
   rjf | Jan 18, 2005 12:37am | #3

   I've done the rubber cement thing too and it's easy to do.  It was my aunt's coat and there were no complaints so I guess it worked fine.  The hard part was to gather courage to cut it shorter.       rjf

2. 
   Madeleine | Jan 18, 2005 03:20am | #4

   Thanks for your suggestions...now I just have to get the courage to cut it...but it is very long...so long that it's a little outdated, so I might not wear it even if it didn't have the stain.  So...I guess I just need to get those scissors going!

1. 
   carolfresia | Jan 18, 2005 04:55pm | #5

   And think of the things you can do with whatever clean suede you salvage!

   Carol

3. 
   suesew | Jan 18, 2005 06:25pm | #6

   If you have real suede or leather you really do use rubber cement. Determine your finished hem length and add the hem - don't make it too narrow - at least an inch or an inch and a half. Spread glue on the inside of the hem and the inside of the garment, allow it to dry and then hand press the two together. Try it on some of your scrap first and you will see how nicely it works.

4. 
   TJV | Jan 25, 2005 11:44pm | #7

   Another thing you could do is not hem it at all, but cut it crooked like a new suede or leather skin. Check out ideas in fashion magazines at your local library, also pattern books are showing a lot of  variety of slanting hems, and are really in style today. Keeping it longish will give you the option of cutting it shorter later for another look.  There are lots of cool new looks out there.

   Envy your situation
   TJV