How to Sew an Invisible Hem

How do you hem a dress, skirt, or pants without stitches showing? Do a catch-stitch!

A catch stitch is a hand stitch with a zigzag pattern that is mostly used on garment hems. This kind of stitch, also known as herringbone stitch, is a strong and permanent stitching method. When you look at the right side of the fabric or garment, the stitches will be almost hidden. Learn how to do it with Tailor Crazed tutorial.

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This method is used to join two folded edges together. If you don’t want your stitches to show, this type of stitch is the way to go. The steps below are easy to follow and do not require any special sewing skills. Watch the video below for full instructions.

Here’s another sewing tip for you: A Clever Sewing Hack Using Dental Floss

What You Need to Sew an Invisible Hem

• thread
• needle
• pins

Note: make sure to use a thread that closely matches your fabric color

How to Hem Using a Catch Stitch (Invisible Hem)

Step 1:

Fold the edge by your desired hem thickness, then iron. Fold and iron again.

Step 2:

Thread your needle. You will be using a single thread for this stitch. Tie a knot on one end. Pull the knotted side through a bit further so that the knotted side is twice as long as the other side.

Step 3:

Anchor your stitch. Thread the needle just to the fabric of the hem from behind. Do a couple of stitches on the same spot. Remember that your anchoring stitch should not penetrate the outer layer of your skirt.

Step 4:

Move about a half inch along your hem to the right but point your needle to the left. Make a small stitch on the outer layer of the skirt. Try to make it as small as possible.

Move another half inch along your hem to the right. With the needle pointing to the left again, make a small stitch, this time only on the folded edge of the hem.

Repeat the two stitches all along your hem.

Step 5:

Once you reach the end, do a couple of stitches on the same spot on the folded edge of the hem.

Step 6:

Finish by knotting the thread, behind the folded edge of the hem. Cut the excess thread.

How to Sew an Invisible Hem