Thread: rolled hem foot for chiffon?

I cut out a handkerchief hem skirt yesterday out of this chiffon-like fabric with a funky print (looks kinda retro imo) but I know I'll need to hem it somehow. I don't have a serger (and don't have room to purchase one at the moment) but have been considering the purchase of a rolled-hem foot instead of trying to create a "normal" hem by folding the fabric.

What would you suggest to this sewing newbie? :)

I have a rolled hem foot for my sewing machine - and it requires a good bit of practice to get it to work. I usually have to fix a good number of sections where it didn't roll perfectly by hand - the end result is really not bad at all, but it is not a joy ride.

Now, my serger and I are currently not on friendly terms - it refuses to do rolled hems (long story full of curse words), and I have to say that the regular machine's rolled hem foot has caused me less frustration. Of course, chances are not too bad that it is all my fault.

My regular sewing machine has a rolled hem foot and I love it. I would recommend it to anyone. See if you can find one to fit on your regular machine. Mine wasn't hard at all to get to work right the first time.

Thanks! I saw one that would work while at Hancock's about 2 weeks ago but wanted to get some opinions first. Depending on where we move next summer, I may have the space to have a "sewing corner" and may look into a serger then if the need really arises.

I just did a down and dirty hem on the ends of a chiffon veil using an overcast foot and it worked quite well. We'll see how long it lasts, though!

I'm at war with my rolled hem foot so I simply pull the fabric tight and use a narow zigzag stitch. Works well and creates a bit of ruffling, often called lettuce-leafed edges. I use both hands so there's so stress on the needle. Once the war ends I will again tackle the rolled hem foot. Maybe.

Can someone post a pick of a rolled hem foot, so I am sure I am using the right one? I get so confused when I try to look up sewing machine footsies.

See if this helps:

Fancy Footwork: Rolled Hemmer - Sew News Library

And I agree with steffi, it does require some practice - and patience - to get this to work well.

{{{HUGS}}}

kazoogrrl - I had thought of that, but the material is already showing a bit of fray and I can't take too much length off and keep it as long as I'd like, so another option it is! lol Um, what's an overcast foot though?

Originally Posted by shahla

Thanks...mine looks like a D. Will that work?

I love my rolled hemming foot!
Tho it took a little practice o get the tension, stitch length, etc just right.
Chiffon veils are a breeze to whip up now!

Great to hear! I have some extra of this fabric so I'll be sure to practice first. :) I'm so excited to try it out... just bought the foot, a fabulous portable sewing machine case with a cute floral pattern and a pair of automatic scissors to try and make cutting easier.

Originally Posted by andalee-oriental

Thanks...mine looks like a D. Will that work?

Yes, it should Andalee. Like others have mentioned here, you might want to practice with a piece of scrap first.

I love my roller hem foot. I have learned to use a narrow zigzag when hemming chiffon skirts instead of just a straight stitch. Then when the fabric is unruly the zigzag takes car of making it all look nice. (Just do it slowly the first time - it the zig/zag is too wide, the needle might hit the foot and break. That is never good)

This may be a silly question... but a zig zag with a roller foot? How?

*totally not adept at sewing yet*

On my machine - I pick the zig zag stitch and attach the rolled hem foot

*duh* lol... sounds cool... maybe I'll try it when I get a little more adept with the straight stitch.

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So far I've worked with 2 test bits of material and have the right tension and stuff for it not to catch. I'm so impressed with how clean the hem comes out and how it makes it look like I can actually sew straight! lol

I use a shell hemmer for chiffon and find that it gives a very professional looking finish. (Essentially, its a rolled hemmer foot thats made to be used with a zigzag stitch).

Mastering the Narrow Hemmer, Part One - Threads

Overcast foot
http://pfaff-shop.co.uk/images/utili...ast%20foot.jpg

With the chiffon the metal guide actually pushed the fabric over on itself a bit. I trimmed the frayed bits down right before I sewed it, so there was less of a chance for little bits to poke out. I used it with a zig zag stitch.

Basina - cool! I didn't know something like a shell foot existed! The article has lots of good info... I'm about to go read the techniques section.

kazoogrrl - Thanks for the picture. I don't see why it wouldn't work for chiffon. Looks like a good hem to me.

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So I've officially hemmed all edges of the skirt and the waistband area. All that's left is to pin down the elastic casing, buy some elastic to put in said casing, and stitch it all together. :) yay!

Thank you all so much for the advice... it was really helpful and I'll be posting pictures soon in the "What are you working on" thread. :)

I use the regular foot, a zig zag foot, and make sure the end or the material is directly in the middle of the foot. Then I lift up the end closest to me and feed it into the foot so that it rolls it self. It works fine.

zigzag stitch not foot.

it's really cold in my place and I realized that my spelling makes me look illiterate. Think of it as a hand stutter. Sorry about the earlier post