Hemmer feet
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 10:23AM After reading the directions for my little dress on hemming, I was ready to serge it and forget it. LOL The pattern would have me press (all three yards!) a 1-1/4 inch hem all the way around, unfold it and running a basting stitch 1/4 inch in, slightly ease it, then fold the hem up and finish it.
I don’t believe I possess that much patience. That’s the same reason I don’t do hand applique. On the sewing group that is working on the dress sew along, it was suggested that if I owned a hemmer foot, I go that route.
I just so happen to have two! The Bernina #63 and #66 hemmer feet. The #66 foot is more applicable to my project, in both fabric type and the finished hem width. The #63 foot however, is for curved hems. Which should I attempt to use?
Any tips would be much appreciated. After I tackle the hem (if I manage it well enough) I’ll go back and redo the dratted zipper.
Reader Comments (6)
CJ, This is just my 2 cents. I probably would not put a rolled hem on such a fine little dress. Even the 6mm one may flip up. I can not see the dress in person, so a rolled hem may work. I do like bigger hems for the weight they add to the bottom edge. They are tricky to sew if there is a great amount of ease. You can hem by machine with the blind hem setting. Have you thought about trying samples of both to see which effect you like better?
CJ: Remember the slip of the top fabric when you piece quilts? (unless you use dual or walking feet.)
That's probably what happened to your zipper.
And stitch each side from the same direction -- usually top to bottom. Don't stitch a U, in other words.
Good luck!
Eileen
I would love to give you a hint, but I've never been able to make those hemmer feet work! I hope someone helps you out, and then I can learn, too.
I second the blind stitch method.
I use a regular 6 mm straight (never saw a curved) hemming foot. If narrow enough it won't roll if ironed.
Or do the sew around once on a one turn up, then go around again on a second turn up - same effect as the rolled hem.
This dress is a full circle and you'd have to gather the edges when turned up to make it lay anywhere near flat.
or get creative, get a pretty embroider thread and do a serged rolled hem on the edge to decorate it. It will be an embelishment.
Ladies, thank you for all the help, but I gotta say, quilts are a lot less trouble!
Even saying that, I had to slap my hands yesterday as they kept fondling some lavender prints I knew would make another darling dress!