Do you want to hide the stitches on your project? A blind stitch is your answer. It makes a hem that looks almost invisible. Many sewing machines can do this special stitch. Using a sewing machine for a blind stitch saves time. It gives you a neat finish. Learning how to hem with a sewing machine using this stitch is a great skill. It works for many things, like clothes or home decor.
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Grasping the Blind Stitch
A blind hem stitch is a stitch mostly hidden on the back of the fabric. You see only tiny dots on the front. It is perfect for hemming. Hemming is folding and sewing the edge of fabric. This stops the edge from fraying. It makes the item look finished.
Think of blind hemming like this:
* You fold the hem edge.
* Most stitches go into the folded part.
* Only a small bite of fabric is caught on the main piece.
* This small bite is hard to see from the front.
Using a sewing machine for this is called machine blind hemming. An invisible stitch sewing machine setting makes this happen. It uses a zig-zag pattern. But it is not a regular zig-zag.
What Makes the Stitch Special?
The blind hem stitch has a pattern. It sews straight stitches most of the time. Then, every few stitches, it makes one wide zig-zag stitch. This wide zig-zag stitch is the key.
Look at how it works:
* Most stitches sew in the folded part of the hem. They are straight.
* The one wide zig-zag stitch swings over.
* It just grabs a tiny bit of the main fabric fold.
* Then it goes back to sewing straight stitches in the hem fold.
This pattern hides the stitches well.
Why Use Machine Blind Hemming?
Sewing a blind stitch by hand takes a long time. It is also hard to make the stitches even. Machine blind hemming is much faster. It is also very consistent.
Benefits of machine blind hemming:
* Speed: Finish hems quickly.
* Evenness: Stitches are the same length and width.
* Strength: The machine stitch is strong.
* Look: It gives a clean, professional finish.
It’s a top way of hemming fabric with sewing machine ease.
Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Before you sew, get everything ready. Having the right tools makes the job easier. You do not need many special things.
Basic Sewing Items
You will need common sewing supplies.
* Your sewing machine.
* Thread that matches your fabric color.
* Fabric you want to hem.
* Sharp sewing scissors.
* Pins or fabric clips.
* An iron and ironing board.
* A measuring tape or ruler.
The Special Foot: Blind Hem Foot
Most sewing machines come with a blind hem foot. This foot is very helpful. It is not strictly needed on some machines, but it makes a big difference.
What a blind hem foot looks like:
* It often has a guide blade or metal bar in the middle.
* It might have different channels or grooves on the bottom.
* Some have a way to adjust the guide blade position.
This foot helps you guide the folded fabric. The guide blade runs along the edge of your hem fold. This keeps the fabric in the right spot. It makes sure the needle takes just a small bite of the main fabric.
Locating Your Blind Hem Foot
Check the box that came with your sewing machine. Look through the manual. It will show you all the feet that came with your machine. Find the one labeled “blind hem foot.” It might look different depending on your machine brand.
Attaching the Foot
Putting the foot on your machine is simple.
* Turn off your machine for safety.
* Lift the presser foot lever.
* Remove the current foot. Usually, you push a lever behind it.
* Position the blind hem foot.
* Lower the presser foot lever. The foot should snap into place.
Make sure it is attached firmly.
Preparing Your Fabric for Hemming
Good preparation is key to a good blind hem. The hem must be folded and pressed correctly. This gives the machine a clear path to sew.
Deciding on Hem Depth
How deep should your hem be? This depends on your project. Common hem depths are 1 inch or 2 inches. Skirts, pants, and curtains often have hems. Blind hem pants look best with a neat hem.
Measure carefully. Mark your desired hemline. You can use tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker.
Folding the Hem
You will make two folds for a blind hem.
1. First Fold: Fold the raw edge up by about 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Press this fold with your iron. This hides the raw edge inside the hem. It makes a clean finish.
2. Second Fold: Fold the hem up again. Fold it up to your desired hem depth. For example, if you want a 1-inch hem, fold it up 1 inch from the first fold. Press this second fold well. Use pins or clips to hold this double fold in place.
Pressing is very important. It makes crisp folds. This helps the fabric feed evenly under the foot. It makes it easy to guide the fabric along the blind hem foot’s guide.
Pressing Tips
- Use the right heat for your fabric type.
- Use steam if your fabric allows.
- Hold the iron in place; do not slide it.
- Press slowly and carefully along the entire hem.
A well-pressed hem is halfway to a perfect blind hem.
Setting Up Your Sewing Machine
Now it’s time to get your machine ready. You need the right foot, the right stitch, and the right settings. These sewing machine settings for blind stitch are crucial.
Choosing the Right Stitch
Look at your sewing machine stitch types. Find the blind hem stitch. It usually looks like a straight line with small zig-zags popping out to one side. The icon might show this pattern.
The stitch might be labeled “blind hem stitch,” “blind stitch,” or have an icon that shows the pattern. Check your machine manual if you are unsure.
Some machines have different blind hem stitches. One might be for woven fabrics. Another might be for knit fabrics. Choose the one best for your fabric. The knit version might have a slight stretch.
Setting Machine Controls
Setting up the stitch involves a few controls:
* Stitch Type: Select the blind hem stitch.
* Stitch Length: This controls the space between the straight stitches. A shorter stitch length means more stitches, a stronger hem, but maybe more visible. A longer stitch length means fewer stitches, less visible, but maybe weaker. A good starting point is often between 2.0 and 3.0. You might need to adjust blind stitch length based on fabric type.
* Stitch Width: This controls how wide the zig-zag bite is. This is very important. You want the zig-zag to just barely catch the main fabric. Too wide, and the stitches show a lot. Too narrow, and it misses the main fabric. Start with a medium setting, maybe 2.0 to 3.0. You will likely need to adjust blind stitch width later.
* Needle Position: Most blind hem stitches use a needle position that lines up the straight stitches with the edge of the fold. The zig-zag swings left or right from there.
Consult your machine manual for suggested settings for the blind hem stitch. It’s a good starting point.
Attaching the Blind Hem Foot
Make sure the blind hem foot is on your machine. We covered this earlier. This foot guides the fabric edge perfectly.
The Process: Sewing the Blind Hem
Now you are ready to sew. Take your prepared fabric to the machine. Follow these steps carefully.
Positioning the Fabric
This is a key step for an invisible stitch sewing machine effect.
* Open up the second fold you made. Open it so the wrong side of the fabric faces you.
* You will see the first small fold (the raw edge tucked under).
* You will also see the crease line from the second fold.
* Fold the hem back on itself away from the main fabric. Fold it back along the crease line of the second fold.
* Leave about 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch of the hem fold sticking out to the left. This is the part the needle will sew into most of the time.
* The main fabric body is to the right. The folded edge you just made is to the left.
Place the fabric under the blind hem foot. Position the fabric so the guide blade of the foot runs along the folded edge you just created. This edge is the “wall” the guide runs against. The part sticking out (1/4″ to 3/8″) is under the foot to the left of the guide. The main fabric body is under the foot to the right of the guide.
Guiding the Fabric and Sewing
Start sewing slowly.
* The straight stitches will go into the 1/4″ to 3/8″ section of the hem fold to the left of the guide.
* The zig-zag stitch will swing over.
* It should just barely touch and pick up a tiny bit of the main fabric fold right next to the guide blade.
Watch closely as you sew.
* Keep the folded edge pressed gently against the guide blade. This is the blind hem foot’s job. It keeps the fabric straight.
* Sew at a steady pace. Do not rush.
* Let the machine feed the fabric. Just guide it with your hands.
If the zig-zag is missing the main fabric, the foot is positioned too far to the left. Or the stitch width is too small. If the zig-zag is taking too big a bite, the foot is too far right, or the stitch width is too big.
Checking and Adjusting Blind Stitch
Stop sewing after a few inches.
* Take the fabric out.
* Turn it to the right side.
* Look at the seam.
* You should see very tiny dots or dashes where the zig-zag caught the main fabric.
* If the dots are too big or too visible, you need to adjust blind stitch settings.
Adjusting Blind Stitch Width:
* If stitches are too visible: Make the stitch width smaller.
* If zig-zag misses the main fabric: Make the stitch width larger.
Adjusting Blind Stitch Length:
* If you want fewer stitches (less visible): Make the stitch length longer.
* If you want more stitches (stronger): Make the stitch length shorter.
Put the fabric back and sew again. Keep checking and adjusting until you are happy with how the stitches look on the front. This trial and error is normal when learning machine blind hemming. Practice on a scrap piece first!
Using Machine Blind Hemming on Projects
Once you know the steps, you can use machine blind hemming on many things. It’s perfect for hemming fabric with sewing machine speed.
Hemming Garments
Blind hems are common on clothing.
* Skirts and Dresses: A blind hem gives a smooth, clean edge.
* Pants: Learning how to blind hem pants is very useful. It gives a nice finish for dress pants or jeans. Just be careful with thick seams on jeans. You might need a special needle or a hump jumper tool.
* Sleeves: Some sleeves look great with a blind hem.
For garments, match your thread color closely. This helps the stitches disappear.
Home Decor Items
Curtains, tablecloths, and napkins often have blind hems.
* Curtains: A weighted blind hem can help curtains hang well.
* Tablecloths: A neat blind hem is a professional touch.
Tips for Different Fabrics
The blind stitch works best on medium-weight woven fabrics.
* Lightweight fabrics: Can be tricky. The zig-zag bite might pull too much. Use a very fine needle and thread. Use smaller stitch width and length settings. Practice on scraps.
* Heavy fabrics: Like denim or thick upholstery. Your machine might struggle. Use a heavy-duty needle. Go very slowly over thick seams.
* Knit fabrics: Use the specific blind hem stretch stitch if your machine has one. This stitch is designed for stretch. It looks slightly different, maybe with zig-zags within the straight stitches.
Always test your blind hem stitch settings on a scrap of the exact fabric you are using.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes things go wrong. Do not worry. Machine blind hemming takes practice. Here are some common problems and how to fix them.
Problem: Stitches Are Too Visible on the Front
This is the most common issue. The “invisible stitch sewing machine” effect is not working.
Why it happens:
* The zig-zag stitch is too wide. It is grabbing too much main fabric.
* The fabric is not guided right against the blind hem foot’s guide.
* The thread color does not match well.
How to fix it:
* Decrease the stitch width setting. Make the zig-zag narrower.
* Make sure you are folding the fabric correctly and guiding the edge against the foot’s blade. The fold needs to be right next to the guide.
* Use thread that matches your fabric color as closely as possible.
Problem: Zig-Zag Stitch Misses the Main Fabric
The stitch is only sewing in the hem fold. No dots on the front.
Why it happens:
* The zig-zag stitch is too narrow (stitch width is too small).
* The fabric is guided too far to the left. The main fabric fold is not close enough to the guide for the needle to reach.
How to fix it:
* Increase the stitch width setting. Make the zig-zag wider.
* Make sure the main fabric fold is right next to the guide blade on the blind hem foot. The 1/4″ to 3/8″ section should be to the left of the guide.
Problem: Fabric Won’t Feed Evenly
The machine is having trouble moving the fabric.
Why it happens:
* Hem is too bulky (especially with thick fabric or many layers).
* Needle is wrong type or dull.
* Presser foot pressure is wrong (less common issue on newer machines).
* You are pushing or pulling the fabric too much.
How to fix it:
* Trim away some bulk in the hem if possible.
* Use a new, sharp needle that is right for your fabric type (e.g., denim needle for jeans).
* Check your machine manual for presser foot pressure settings.
* Just guide the fabric gently. Let the machine do the feeding.
Problem: Stitches Are Loopy or Messy
The blind hem stitch does not look neat.
Why it happens:
* Thread tension is off.
* Machine is not threaded correctly.
* Needle is bent or wrong size.
How to fix it:
* Check your thread tension. You might need to adjust it slightly. Test on a scrap.
* Rewind your bobbin. Rethread the machine completely from the start, with the presser foot up.
* Change your needle. Make sure it is the right size for your thread and fabric.
Using the correct sewing machine settings for blind stitch and the blind hem foot correctly solves most problems.
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning machine blind hemming takes practice. Do not expect your first blind hem to be perfect.
- Start with simple fabrics: Cotton or linen are good choices. Avoid slippery or very stretchy fabrics at first.
- Use scrap fabric: Cut strips of fabric. Fold and press hems. Practice sewing the blind stitch repeatedly.
- Test settings: Spend time testing different stitch widths and lengths on scraps. See how they look on both the front and back.
- Master the foot: Get comfortable guiding the fabric edge along the blind hem foot’s guide blade.
The more you practice hemming fabric with sewing machine using this stitch, the better you will become. Soon, you will be making invisible hems like a pro.
Taking Care of Your Machine and Stitch
Proper care helps your machine work well for tasks like machine blind hemming.
Cleaning Your Machine
Lint and dust can build up. This can affect stitch quality.
* Turn off and unplug your machine.
* Remove the needle and presser foot.
* Remove the bobbin and bobbin case.
* Use a small brush (often comes with the machine) to clean the bobbin area.
* Clean around the feed dogs.
* Follow your manual for other cleaning spots.
Do this regularly.
Oiling (If Needed)
Some machines need oiling. Check your manual. If it does, use proper sewing machine oil. Oil only where the manual says.
Needle Changes
Change your needle often. A dull needle can cause skipped stitches or fabric damage. Change it after every project or every 8-10 hours of sewing. Always use the right needle type and size for your fabric. This is important for getting a good blind hem stitch.
Expanding Your Skills
Knowing how to sew a blind stitch opens up new possibilities. You can hem garments to the perfect length yourself. You can finish home projects beautifully.
Consider these stitch types:
* Straight stitch: For seams and topstitching.
* Zig-zag stitch: For finishing edges or joining fabrics.
* Buttonhole stitch: For making buttonholes.
* Overlock or Serger stitches: For professional edge finishing (requires a different machine).
The blind hem stitch is one of the key sewing machine stitch types to master for garment construction and home decor.
Summary of Simple Steps
Here is a quick look at the process to machine blind hem.
Getting Ready
- Gather tools: machine, thread, fabric, scissors, pins, iron, blind hem foot.
- Press the hem: Fold raw edge up, press. Fold again to depth, press.
Setting Up Machine
- Attach blind hem foot.
- Select blind hem stitch (sewing machine stitch types).
- Set stitch length (2.0-3.0 is a start).
- Set stitch width (start around 2.0-3.0).
- Check sewing machine settings for blind stitch in your manual.
Sewing the Hem
- Open the second fold.
- Fold hem back on itself, leaving 1/4″ – 3/8″ sticking out to the left.
- Position fabric: Guide blade of foot runs along the main fabric fold edge.
- Sew slowly, guiding fabric gently.
- Check stitching on the front.
- Adjust blind stitch width and length if needed.
Finishing
- Press the finished hem gently from the right side.
It really is a series of simple steps. Each one builds on the last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do people often ask things about machine blind hemming? Yes! Here are some common questions.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the difference between a blind stitch and a blind hem stitch? | They are often the same thing. A blind stitch is a general term for a hidden stitch. A blind hem stitch is the specific stitch used for hemming fabric with sewing machine or by hand to be mostly hidden. On a machine, they refer to the same stitch type pattern. |
| Can I do a blind stitch without a blind hem foot? | Yes, you can. You need to be very careful to guide the fabric precisely. The blind hem foot makes it much easier and more accurate. It uses the guide blade to help you keep the fabric edge in the right place. This is key for the needle to just catch the main fabric fold. |
| Why does my blind hem look messy on the back? | The back of a machine blind hem will show the straight stitches and the full zig-zags. It will not look hidden. That is normal. The goal is for the stitch to be hidden on the front. If it looks messy with loops or knots, check your thread tension and make sure the machine is threaded right. |
| How do I choose the right thread for a blind hem? | Use good quality polyester or cotton thread. Match the color to your fabric as closely as possible. This helps the small stitches on the front blend in. For knit fabrics, you might use a polyester thread that has some stretch. |
| Is machine blind hemming strong enough? | Yes, for most hems, machine blind hemming is strong enough. It is used on ready-to-wear clothing all the time. For very stressed seams, like perhaps a heavily weighted curtain hem, you might add a line of straight stitching higher up, hidden inside the hem allowance. But for blind hem pants or skirt hems, the stitch is plenty strong. |
These questions help clear up common points. Learning to use the invisible stitch sewing machine setting is worthwhile.
Machine blind hemming is a valuable skill. It gives your projects a clean, finished look. With practice and the right setup, you can achieve beautiful, nearly invisible hems. Happy sewing!