It’s always fun to add hem details on sleeves and skirts! Adding just a bit of detail is easy plus makes the dress unique.
I have a couple details I would like to show you that I came across and looked like fun!
Hem detail: wrong side out
The first detail is super simple and takes just as much time as a regular hem. Well, almost.
This hem detail is good for woven or knit fabrics.
It is simply hemming the skirt or sleeve edge to the right side of the fabric instead of the wrong side. The only difference is that you need to fold the hem over twice before stitching.
Like this.
Stitch as close as you can to the folded edge. Press again and the hem is complete!
Lettuce edge plus stitching
The second hem detail is to first make a lettuce edge around the bottom. This type of detail can only be done on knit fabrics.
First set your machine to a small zigzag stitch.
This is how my zigzag stitch settings are.
Pull the edge of the fabric tight as you sew.
Then turn to the right side and stitch about 3/8 inch away from the lettuce edge leaving the nice ripply edge above the stitching.
The hem is done!
Even more simple, just leave the lettuce edge as is without turning up and stitching.
Adding a small detail can just give the dress that much more appeal. These details could also work really well in refashioning to make it feel like a new dress!
Do you have a hem detail you like to use to spruce up a dress? Let me know in the comments below!
Dress Sewing FAQ:
That all depends on the design of the dress pattern and what fabric you are going to use. For example: Using the free Anna dress pattern with 25% stretch fabric you can plan to sew this dress in 90 minutes or less
Sewing a dress may look like a major undertaking. However, even those just starting their sewing journey can accomplish a nice-looking simple dress design using simple patterns and easy-to-work-with fabric
Can your patterns be made from woven fabric with a zipper down the back?
At this point the Mollie Dress pattern is the only one we have that is designed for woven fabric. If you use a pattern designed for stretch fabric but want to use woven instead, keep in mind that you will need to make several ease adjustments. Woven fabric doesn’t stretch and needs more ease so it isn’t too tight and uncomfortable. So if you like a challenge give it a try! 😊