I need to know how to sew a hem for a scarf?

Question

I found a beautiful piece of fabric that I want to just sew a hem around the edges on. I have no idea how to sew and do not own a sewing machine so hand sewing is my only option. The fabric is really thin guaze like material. What sort of stitch would I use for this?

Answer 1

Since it is a gauze fabric I would suggest a blind stitch or blanket stitch. Hand sewing is the neatest way to do this.

Answer 2

The stitch you probably want is called hand rolled hem.  Here's how -- go down to "simplified rolled hem"

http://www.digitalchangeling.com/sewing/...

It's a bit tedious, but find a good movie and curl up in a comfy chair and it'll be done in no time.

Answer 3

Use the slipstitch:

Slipstitch

This stitch is used for holding a folded edge, such as a double hem, to a flat piece of fabric.

    * Slipstitch instructions: Work from right to left with a single thread fastened with a knot hidden inside the hem.

    * Bring the needle out through the folded edge, pick up a few threads of the flat fabric and then work through the fold again.

    * Slide the needle along, come out of the fold to make the next stitch.

Here is a site that I have used before. It has a few illustrations to help you. It also has other stitches you might want to use.

Answer 4

Start by turning under one edge of the fabric.  The smaller you can make this turn the better, but no bigger than 1/4 inch for a scarf.  Pin the fabric in place as you go.  Ironing it flat will make the sewing easier, but be careful to use the proper temperature for the type of fabric.  Once you have this first turn secure, turn it under again so that no raw edge is visible.  Now do this on the opposite side, then on each end

After the hem is pinned in place.  Cut about 14 to 18 inches of thread from a spool and thread a needle.  Too much thread will likely tangle.  You can use the thread singly or double it for more strength.  A single thread is good for a scarf.  Tie a knot in one end of the thread so it can't pull through the fabric.

Begin at one corner of the scarf with the folded edge up so you can see your stitches.  Catch a few threads of the scarf near the folded edge, and come up through the edge.  Take a second stitch on top of this first one.  Then run the needle through the edge of the fold about 1/4 inch, so the thread is hidden.  Come up through the fold, then go down into the scarf to pick up a few threads and back through the folded edge.  Pull the thread taught as you make each motion, so the thread cannot tangle.  You should only see a small stitch at the folded edge where you take a stitch.  When you look at the front of the scarf you should only see a tiny thread at the point where the stitch is made.  Keep the space between your stitches even as much as possible.  Below is a link showing how this slipstitch looks.

Answer 5

seriously, if you don't want to be there all day for one hem, buy a machine, even a cheap one.