How to finish a rolled hem with a sewing machine?

Question

I do NOT have a serger. I bought a rolled hem presser foot for my sewing machine so I could finish the edges of some sheer fabric. However I can't find any how-tos on how to finish the edge when I loop around to the section I started sewing (I'd like to hem a skirt).

I'd also like to know if I could incorporate zig-zags into the stitch or if it has to be done in a straight line.

It's a 1/8" hemmer foot if that helps.

Pictures or video would be very much appreciated.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3744/mastering-the-narrow-hemmer-part-one http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3744/mastering-the-narrow-hemmer-part-two http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3744/mastering-the-narrow-hemmer-part-three

If you read those three carefully and work through them on scrap fabrics first, I think you'll have no trouble.    But it does take some practice to use a narrow hem/roll hem/shell edge foot.   The last part does cover the join of beginning and end -- basically you stop with the needle down, raise the presser foot, work the last bit of fabric out of the foot, let the hem form UNDER the foot, and finish the seam.  I find it useful to pre-press that join area ahead of time, but you really don't have to.

(Carol Ahles' book, Fine Machine Sewing, is one that I highly recommend you read.  Excellent instructions in a number of mystifying techniques! I think it's still Taunton Press's best seller, so is likely available through your library system.)

The alternative, which I find rather relaxing, is to do a hand rolled hem.  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKD1mQOuQfY  Put on an old favorite movie and stitch away.

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How to finish a rolled hem with a sewing machine?

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