Replies

1. 
   Cobra | Nov 22, 1999 11:51pm | #1

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   I am using chiffon for the first time, making a ballet costume for my daughter. Have only a regular sewing machine what stitch do I use to finish skirt edges?

1. 
   Betty_Kershner | Nov 23, 1999 08:59am | #2

   *I would use a hem roller. These are tricky to use so you need to practice. These are used with a straight stitch. These look a little funny they have a little curly cue in them.

1. 
   Stephanie_Corina_Goddard | Nov 23, 1999 08:47pm | #3

   *By "edge" to you mean the hem? If so, here is an easy way to make a narrow rolled hem with only your straight stitch and regular sewing foot. As an example, here's how to arrive at a finished 1/4" narrow hem. Make sure you have about 1-1/2" or so hem allowance to start with. Turn up the hem at 1/4" longer than the desired finished hem. Press firmly. Sew a line of straight stitching as close to the fold as you can. Next, VERY carefully trim the excess hem allowance to just less than 1/4". Turn up the hem another 1/4" and press again. Then top stitch in place, stitching with the good side of the fabric on top.

1. 
   Bill_Stewart | Nov 29, 1999 11:19am | #4

   *Cobra, the best method is the one described by Stepahnie. But a finer hem will be achieved if, after the 1st stitching, you trim the allowance as close to the stitching as possible, then fold over just enough to put the 1st line of stitching on the wrong side and try to stitch on it a 2nd time. This produces a hem barely 1/8" wide. Bill

1. 
   Evita_ | Nov 29, 1999 10:39pm | #5

   *Cobra, see also "Hems of sheer brilliance" under Fit and Fabric. This is a novel approach.

2. 
   silkscape_ | Dec 06, 1999 03:51am | #6

   *You may wish to try a zigzagged rolled hem for a quick finish for yards and yards of skirt. The zigzag width should be large enough to go past the edge of the fabric. So, zig into the fabric, then zag past it. This may produce a neat little rolled edge, or create a mess, so test run first. If the skirt is not on straight grain, add a line of monofilament cording inside the zigzag "channel", as you are stitching, for stability. Another option is to do the rolled hem over a fold, made as described by Stephanie and Bill, then trim close to the rolled stitching. At least this saves you one pass of stitching. Let us know how you do.