A hem is the finished edge of a garment, such as the lower edge of a trouser leg, a dress, around the top of a bag or laundry bag. There are a number of ways to make a hem, depending on the fabric you are using and the finish you want:
Type
Turned and stitched hem
Machine stitched hem
Zig-zag hem
Description
Cut edge is turned over and pressed. The hem is then slip-hemmed by hand.
Cut edge is turned over and pressed. It is then stitched using the machine to hold the hem in place.
A zig-zag is stitched close to the cut edge, and excess fabric trimmed off. This is a fast and easy way to finish fabric.
Seams
Seams are used to join pieces of fabric together to make clothing and other textile items. The flat seam is the most common type and needs to be finished off to prevent fraying.
Type Flat seam Description
Basic seam used for most types of seams, but raw edge needs to be finished off.
Flat
zigzagged seam
Flat pinked seam
Quick method of finishing a raw edge. Not very neat only used when the seam will not be seen.
Made using the pinking shears. Quick method of finishing a seam but not very secure.
