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I am making dresses for a show choir, and they want the ripple edge hem style that you make using fishline. I have a book showing me how to do this for bridal veils, but I wondered if anyone with some real life experience could offer me some tips.
Thanks!
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Carrie,
Hi! I have done this technique on synthetic organza or tulle with the serger. I'd suggest a 3 thread serger narrow hem stitch with "invisible thread" at least in the lower looper. Regular thread or wooly nylon in the upper, regular thread or invisible in the needle.
You must first start with a long, about 12" tail of the fishline, make the narrow hem over it for awhile. Then you can add the fabric underneath the fishline, trimming off a little if you like. You will get the best curls if the fabric is bias on a woven fabric.
You may wish to stretch the fabric along as you hem the fishline into the edge. And/or you can stretch the fabric hem over the fishline (gently) after you are done. If you over stretch it, it can fold up on itself and actually look less full and curly than if you don't, so try some test samples.
At the end of stitching the hem, remember to leave another long fishline tail.
You may wish to do the fishline hems before adding the skirts to the bodices, or finishing them on top with elastic or whatever, so you can adjust the final length from the top. Good luck!
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