How to Blind Hem Pants with Sewing Machine – Step-by-Step Guide

Embarking on the journey of mastering the art of garment alteration is a fulfilling endeavor, and if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, How to blind hem pants with sewing machine? you’re in for a treat. Picture this: seamlessly transforming the length of your favorite trousers with just a few stitches, unlocking a world of wardrobe possibilities.

In this exploration, we’ll delve into the empowering skill of blind hemming, demystifying the process and empowering you to revitalize your wardrobe effortlessly. So, grab your sewing machine and let’s embark on a stitching adventure that will redefine your relationship with fashion and self-expression.

Key Highlights

• Select the blind hem stitch on your sewing machine for a nearly invisible finish.
• Attach the blind hem foot to guide fabric accurately, ensuring a neat and consistent hem.
• Fold and press the fabric before stitching to create a clean, polished edge for the blind hem.
• Periodically check and adjust the fold and guide to maintain a seamless blind hem throughout the sewing process.

What Is Blind Hem?

Blind hem is a sewing technique used to create a nearly invisible hem on garments. This method is particularly handy when you want a clean and professional finish without visible stitching on the fabric’s right side. To achieve a blind hem, a special presser foot on a sewing machine, known as the blind hem foot, is utilized. The foot has a guide that helps to keep the fabric aligned while the machine stitches.

The key to a successful blind hem lies in adjusting the machine settings correctly, including the stitch width and length, to match the fabric type and thickness. The outcome is a professional-looking hem that maintains the overall aesthetics of the garment. For instance, in a dress with a delicate fabric like chiffon, a blind hem ensures a polished appearance without visible stitching lines, contributing to a seamless and refined finish.

How to Blind Hem Pants with Sewing Machine?

Blind hemming is a sewing technique used to create nearly invisible hems on garments. It’s particularly useful for pants, where you want a clean finish without visible stitching on the outside.

1. Select Blind Hem Stitch:
   • Set your sewing machine to the blind hem stitch. This stitch has a unique zigzag pattern that incorporates straight stitches.
2. Attach Blind Hem Foot:
   • Swap your regular presser foot with the blind hem foot. It helps in keeping the fabric aligned during sewing.
3. Fold and Press:
   • Fold the pants hem to the desired length, with the wrong side facing you.
   • Press the fold to create a crisp edge.
4. Align Fabric:
   • Lay the fabric flat with the folded edge under the blind hem foot.
   • Align the guide of the blind hem foot with the folded edge.
5. Start Stitching:
   • Begin sewing slowly, allowing the machine to catch a small amount of the folded fabric and a small amount of the main fabric.
   • The zigzag stitch will secure the hem without being noticeable from the right side.
6. Check and Adjust:
   • Periodically check the hem to ensure it’s catching the fabric properly.
   • Adjust the fold or guide as needed for a consistent blind hem.
7. Finish Seam:
   • Once you reach the end, backstitch to secure the stitch.
   • Trim any excess thread.
8. Press Again:
   • Press the finished hem to set the stitches and give a polished look.

Now let’s discuss these steps in more detail.

Selecting Blind Hem Stitch:

Choosing the right stitch on your sewing machine is crucial for achieving a seamless blind hem. Locate the blind hem stitch setting, usually represented by a unique zigzag pattern on your machine. This stitch combines straight stitches with a zigzag, creating a discreet yet secure hem.

1. Turn on your sewing machine and set it to the stitch selection mode.
2. Navigate to the available stitches and identify the one labeled as the blind hem stitch. This may vary depending on your machine’s model, so refer to your manual if needed.
3. Once selected, adjust the stitch length and width settings if your machine allows. For blind hemming, a slightly wider zigzag may be preferable.

Attaching Blind Hem Foot:

The blind hem foot is a specialized attachment designed to make the blind hemming process more manageable. It aids in guiding the fabric and ensures accurate stitching.

1. Locate the presser foot release lever on your sewing machine and lift the current presser foot away.
2. Align the blind hem foot with the machine’s presser foot holder, making sure the metal guide is on the right side.
3. Lower the presser foot holder to secure the blind hem foot in place.

Folding and Pressing:

Preparing the fabric by folding and pressing it accurately is essential for a neat blind hem. This step establishes the hemline and creates a clean edge.

1. Take the pants you want to hem and turn them inside out, exposing the wrong side of the fabric.
2. Fold the hem up to the desired length, ensuring an even fold along the entire width of the pant leg.
3. Use a hot iron to press the fold, creating a crisp and well-defined edge. This step makes it easier to sew and results in a professional-looking finish.

Aligning Fabric:

Proper alignment of the fabric under the blind hem foot is essential for a precise blind hem. The blind hem foot’s guide helps keep the fabric in place during sewing, ensuring the stitches catch the folded edge accurately.

1. Lay the fabric flat on the sewing machine, with the folded edge positioned under the blind hem foot.
2. Align the guide of the blind hem foot with the folded edge of the fabric. This ensures that the machine stitches through both layers, securing the hem invisibly.
3. Take a moment to double-check the alignment, making any necessary adjustments before starting the stitching process.

Starting Stitching:

Initiating the blind hem stitching requires a slow and controlled approach. The machine will create a series of stitches that alternately catch the folded fabric and the main fabric, creating a discreet hemline.

1. Begin sewing slowly, allowing the machine to catch a small amount of the folded fabric and a small amount of the main fabric with each stitch.
2. Observe the zigzag pattern forming as the machine progresses, securing the hem without leaving visible stitches on the right side of the fabric.
3. Maintain a steady pace, guiding the fabric as needed to keep the alignment consistent.

Checking and Adjusting:

Regularly assessing the blind hem during the sewing process is crucial for ensuring a uniform finish. Periodic checks allow you to catch any misalignment or stitching issues early on.

1. Stop periodically to inspect the blind hem. Examine both the right and wrong sides of the fabric to ensure the stitches are securing the folded edge effectively.
2. If needed, make adjustments to the fold or the guide of the blind hem foot to maintain a consistent and inconspicuous hemline.
3. Taking the time to check and adjust as you go contributes to a polished and professional-looking blind hem.

If interested you can read where should a shoulder seam fall. Moreover, you can read how to cut sleeves off a shirt here.

Finishing the Seam:

Completing the blind hem involves securing the stitches at the end to prevent unraveling. Backstitching reinforces the seam, providing a durable finish.

1. Once you reach the end of the pant leg, reduce the sewing machine speed.
2. Engage the machine’s backstitch function to sew a few stitches backward. This secures the end of the blind hem.
3. Release the backstitch and cut the thread, leaving a small tail. This prevents the stitches from coming undone.

Pressing Again:

After sewing the blind hem, pressing the finished seam is crucial. This step sets the stitches and gives the hem a polished appearance.

1. Turn the pants right side out.
2. Use a hot iron to press the blind hem. Apply gentle pressure to set the stitches and smooth out any wrinkles.
3. Pay special attention to the hemline, ensuring it lays flat and looks well-pressed.

Remember, practicing on scrap fabric or an old pair of pants before attempting the actual hem ensures familiarity with the process and increases the likelihood of a successful blind hem.

How to Blind Hem Pants by Hand?

Blind hemming is a sewing technique used to create a nearly invisible hem on garments, giving them a polished finish. Blind hemming by hand is a handy skill to have, especially for those without access to a sewing machine. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather Materials:
   • Needle: Choose a sharp needle appropriate for your fabric.
   • Thread: Select a thread color that matches the pants.
   • Fabric marker or chalk: Use this to mark the hemline.
2. Mark the Hem:
   • Turn the pants inside out.
   • Measure and mark the desired hem length using a fabric marker or chalk.
3. Fold and Pin:
   • Fold the fabric at the marked line towards the inside of the pants.
   • Secure the fold with straight pins.
4. Thread the Needle:
   • Thread the needle with a length of thread, and tie a knot at the end.
5. Begin Stitching:
   • Start stitching from the inside of the pants to hide the knot.
   • Take a small stitch on the folded edge, and then a longer stitch on the main fabric.
6. Continue Stitching:
   • Repeat the process, keeping the stitches evenly spaced.
   • Ensure that the needle only catches a small amount of fabric on the outer side.
7. Check the Hem:
   • Periodically, check the right side of the fabric to ensure the stitches are not visible.
8. Secure the End:
   • When you reach the end, tie a secure knot and trim the excess thread.
9. Press the Hem:
   • Iron the hem to set the stitches and give a professional finish.

Now let’s discuss these steps in more detail.

1. Gather Materials:

To begin blind hemming pants by hand, gather the essential materials:

• Needle: Choose a sharp needle suitable for your fabric. A sharp needle ensures smooth penetration through the fabric without causing snags.
• Thread: Select a thread color that closely matches the color of your pants. This helps in concealing the stitches and achieving a seamless finish.
• Fabric Marker or Chalk: Use a fabric marker or chalk to mark the hemline accurately. This ensures that your hem is even and at the desired length.

2. Mark the Hem:

Once you have your materials, turn the pants inside out. Measure and mark the desired hem length using a fabric marker or chalk. This step is crucial to achieving a neat and even hemline. Take your time to ensure accuracy, as it sets the foundation for the entire blind hemming process.

3. Fold and Pin:

After marking the hem, proceed to fold the fabric along the marked line towards the inside of the pants. Secure the fold in place using straight pins. Pinning ensures that the fabric stays in position while you work on the blind hem. The fold should align with the marked hemline, creating a clean and uniform edge for stitching.

4. Thread the Needle:

With the pants prepared, it’s time to thread the needle. Take a length of thread and pass it through the eye of the needle. Tie a knot at the end of the thread. This secured knot will prevent the thread from pulling through the fabric as you stitch. Ensure the thread color matches the pants to maintain the seamless appearance of the blind hem.

5. Begin Stitching:

Start the stitching process by inserting the needle from the inside of the pants, hiding the knot on the inner side. Take a small stitch on the folded edge, piercing through both layers of fabric. Follow this with a longer stitch on the main fabric, ensuring the needle only catches a minimal amount of fabric on the outer side. This alternating pattern creates a secure hem while keeping the stitches inconspicuous.

6. Continue Stitching:

Continue the stitching process along the folded hemline. Keep the stitches consistently spaced and maintain a steady rhythm. The goal is to create a series of small, evenly distributed stitches on the folded edge while allowing longer stitches on the main fabric. Periodically check the right side of the fabric to ensure the stitches remain hidden. This meticulous stitching technique contributes to the seamless and professional appearance of the blind hem.

7. Check the Hem:

As you progress with the stitching, it’s crucial to periodically check the right side of the fabric to assess the visibility of the stitches. The goal is to maintain an almost invisible hemline. If the stitches are too noticeable, adjust your technique by taking smaller stitches on the outer fabric or ensuring the needle catches less material. This step ensures that the final result meets your expectations for a clean and discreet blind hem.

8. Secure the End:

When you reach the end of the hem, tie a secure knot to prevent unraveling. Trim any excess thread carefully. A secure knot ensures the longevity of your hand-sewn blind hem, keeping it intact through wear and washing. This step is crucial for maintaining the durability and appearance of the hem over time.

9. Press the Hem:

To set the stitches and give your blind hem a professional finish, use an iron to press the hem. Heat helps the fabric fibers settle, and it smoothens out any wrinkles or irregularities in the stitching. Be cautious not to flatten the fabric too much; a gentle press is sufficient to achieve a neat and polished appearance.

Following these steps ensures that your hand-sewn blind hem is secure, virtually invisible, and presents a finished look. With practice, you’ll refine your technique and confidently apply blind hemming to various garments.

Conclusion

In conclusion of how to blind hem pants with sewing machine, we discussed that mastering the art of blind hemming with a sewing machine is a valuable skill that can enhance your sewing projects. The clean, professional finish achieved through this technique elevates the overall look of your garments, making them appear tailor-made. 

As you embark on your sewing journey, let this guide be your trusted companion, offering valuable insights and step-by-step instructions to achieve impeccable blind hems. With practice and precision, you can confidently tackle any hemming project, transforming your garments into polished and stylish creations. Blind hemming is not just a skill; it’s a gateway to elevating your sewing craftsmanship to new heights.

References

1. Mechanisms of sewing machines
2. Association of individual and work-related risk factors with musculoskeletal symptoms among Iranian sewing machine operators
3. Reduction of work-related musculoskeletal risk factors following ergonomics education of sewing machine operators
4. A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of new task chairs on shoulder and neck pain among sewing machine operators: the Los Angeles garment study

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