machine or attachment for narrow hemming
.: Groups .:. Search .:. About :.
User Password
Register Now! Lost Password?

Sewing Discussions - A group that is not as it seams. 

Bookmark this page:  YahooMyWeb Yahoo!  Google Google  Windows Live Favorites Windows Live  del.icio.us del.icio.us  digg digg  Add to Netscape Netscape
Subject Author Date
machine or attachment for narrow hemming hugh_stanley 05-10-2008
If you were  Registered and logged in, you could reply and use other advanced thread options
Posted by hugh_stanley on May 10, 2008, 5:47 am
Hello All
I wonder if someone could advise on which piece of kit to use to put
very small hems on super lightweight cotton fabric, the type of hem you
might see on a handkerchief.
It doesn't matter if the stitching is visible both sides, but it needs
to be a double hem so that no ragged edge is visible.
It would be nice to automate the process as much as possible, ie I would
rather not have to absolutely guide it along keeping it straight by eye,
if that makes sense.
I want to do a quantity of these and will buy a machine to do it.
Will I need a sewing machine or an overlocker for example? I don't have
any plans to use it for anything else so a dedicated machine would be OK.
As you can probably tell I know practically nothing at this point, but
life is for learning.
Any tips most welcome.
Hugh


Posted by Kate XXXXXX on May 10, 2008, 9:00 am
hugh_stanley wrote:
> Hello All
> I wonder if someone could advise on which piece of kit to use to put
> very small hems on super lightweight cotton fabric, the type of hem you
> might see on a handkerchief.
> It doesn't matter if the stitching is visible both sides, but it needs
> to be a double hem so that no ragged edge is visible.
> It would be nice to automate the process as much as possible, ie I would
> rather not have to absolutely guide it along keeping it straight by eye,
> if that makes sense.
> I want to do a quantity of these and will buy a machine to do it.
> Will I need a sewing machine or an overlocker for example? I don't have
> any plans to use it for anything else so a dedicated machine would be OK.
> As you can probably tell I know practically nothing at this point, but
> life is for learning.
> Any tips most welcome.
> Hugh
>
What you need is a one of these:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41NVp1F3LcL._SS500_.jpg

You need to order/buy the correct one for the machine you have. Generic
ones are available for high and low shank machines. Talk to your local
store.

The best instructions I've found for these feet are in Fine Machine
Sewing Revised Edition: Easy Ways to Get the Look of Hand Finishing and
Embellishing (Paperback) by Carol Laflin Ahles, available from Amazon.

There *is* a learning curve! It's a bit fiddly and takes time and
patience to lean, but looks great. The feet come in various different
widths: the narrower the hem, the better they work on finer fabrics.
--
Kate XXXXXX R.C.T.Q Madame Chef des Trolls
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.katedicey.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

Posted by The Wanderer on May 10, 2008, 9:01 am
On Sat, 10 May 2008 10:47:58 +0100, hugh_stanley wrote:

> Hello All
> I wonder if someone could advise on which piece of kit to use to put
> very small hems on super lightweight cotton fabric,

<snip>

> I want to do a quantity of these and will buy a machine to do it.
> Will I need a sewing machine or an overlocker for example? I don't have
> any plans to use it for anything else so a dedicated machine would be OK.
> As you can probably tell I know practically nothing at this point, but
> life is for learning.

An overlocker would be your best bet. Make sure you buy one that can do
rolled or wrapped/rolled hems. Basically that's like an overlocked edge
except that the tensions and the 'mechanics' are adjusted to pull the
overlocked edge into a very narrow (about 1/8" wide) hem. I've just
recently used mine to put that sort of edge onto some bridal tulle (veil).

Adjustments are very simple, and will be fully explained in the manual.
It's just a matter of adjusting dials to alter tensions on the threads, and
the 'mechanics' is merely to move a slider from one position to another.

Most modern overlockers are 3-4 thread. There are two threads that get
woven to form the underneath part of the stitch, and you can use one or two
needles and upper threads, *except* to get a narrow rolled hem you only
need one needle. The deluxe models are 4-5 thread. As your need is quite
specific, don't let the store sell you something you don't need.

Only thing may require a bit of practice, and that's working around squared
corners, that's assuming that whatever it is you're making has squared
corners.

I'd suggest your best bet is to find and talk to a local dealer, tell them
what you want to do.

You can expect to pay £150/£250 for a reasonable quality domestic
overlocker, lots more if you're not careful!

--
Richard - The older I get, the better I used to be!

the dot wanderer at tesco dot net


Posted by Phaedrine Stonebridge on May 10, 2008, 10:33 am

> Hello All
> I wonder if someone could advise on which piece of kit to use to put
> very small hems on super lightweight cotton fabric, the type of hem you
> might see on a handkerchief.
> It doesn't matter if the stitching is visible both sides, but it needs
> to be a double hem so that no ragged edge is visible.
> It would be nice to automate the process as much as possible, ie I would
> rather not have to absolutely guide it along keeping it straight by eye,
> if that makes sense.
> I want to do a quantity of these and will buy a machine to do it.
> Will I need a sewing machine or an overlocker for example? I don't have
> any plans to use it for anything else so a dedicated machine would be OK.
> As you can probably tell I know practically nothing at this point, but
> life is for learning.
> Any tips most welcome.
> Hugh

I have several "rolled hemmer" feet for my sewing machines and would not
be without them. They vary in the width of rolled hem they produce and
the thickness of fabric they will accommodate. I use them most often
for shirt tails. One of my overlock machines also does a rolled hem
but, depending on the application, I usually prefer to do it on a
regular machine because I have much better control and precision,
especially with curved hems like the ones on shirt tails. Perhaps if I
was more skilled with the overlock machines, I'd have better results.

For example the Bernina hemmer feet look like this... see 061 thru 069:

<http://www.sewing-world.co.uk/accessories/bernina_sf.htm?menu=y>

It is very helpful if you have someone demonstrate the foot for you and
then help you do it yourself a few times. How you begin stitching and
how you guide the fabric thru the foot is important. It takes a bit of
practice to get comfortable. But once you learn it, it's like riding a
bike.

Phae
--
"The tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time
with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
-- Thomas Jefferson

Posted by hugh_stanley on May 10, 2008, 2:48 pm
Phaedrine Stonebridge wrote:
>
>> Hello All
>> I wonder if someone could advise on which piece of kit to use to put
>> very small hems on super lightweight cotton fabric, the type of hem you
>> might see on a handkerchief.
>> It doesn't matter if the stitching is visible both sides, but it needs
>> to be a double hem so that no ragged edge is visible.
>> It would be nice to automate the process as much as possible, ie I would
>> rather not have to absolutely guide it along keeping it straight by eye,
>> if that makes sense.
>> I want to do a quantity of these and will buy a machine to do it.
>> Will I need a sewing machine or an overlocker for example? I don't have
>> any plans to use it for anything else so a dedicated machine would be OK.
>> As you can probably tell I know practically nothing at this point, but
>> life is for learning.
>> Any tips most welcome.
>> Hugh
>
> I have several "rolled hemmer" feet for my sewing machines and would not
> be without them. They vary in the width of rolled hem they produce and
> the thickness of fabric they will accommodate. I use them most often
> for shirt tails. One of my overlock machines also does a rolled hem
> but, depending on the application, I usually prefer to do it on a
> regular machine because I have much better control and precision,
> especially with curved hems like the ones on shirt tails. Perhaps if I
> was more skilled with the overlock machines, I'd have better results.
>
> For example the Bernina hemmer feet look like this... see 061 thru 069:
>
> <http://www.sewing-world.co.uk/accessories/bernina_sf.htm?menu=y>
>
> It is very helpful if you have someone demonstrate the foot for you and
> then help you do it yourself a few times. How you begin stitching and
> how you guide the fabric thru the foot is important. It takes a bit of
> practice to get comfortable. But once you learn it, it's like riding a
> bike.
>
> Phae

These are terrific responses from Kate, The Wanderer and Phaedrine.
There is no substitute for this type of advice. You are a super-duper
group and no mistake. I am off to study the job and will report back
when I am expert! Thank you v. much.

Similar ThreadsPosted
Hemming Machine September 8, 2005, 5:31 pm
Trim attachment query March 19, 2006, 11:12 am
Newbie questions and attachment ones too.. March 23, 2008, 9:44 pm
Kenmore Model 120 & Greiss Zig-Zag Attachment May 26, 2008, 8:47 pm
Hemming help November 5, 2005, 2:44 pm
hemming nylon - help January 22, 2006, 8:01 pm
hemming a taperd leg November 10, 2007, 12:52 pm
Hemming pants? March 27, 2008, 8:37 am
Need help with twin needle hemming December 9, 2005, 9:42 am
hemming chiffon ruffles? April 14, 2006, 4:20 pm

Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Sewgirls.com XML SitemapXML Sitemap