How to Hem Chiffon Without a Serger

Hemming a garment is dependent upon the nature of the fabric you are using. Sewing a hem on your garment improves its lifespan considerably.

Chiffon consists of light fabric, so you need to have a machine meant to do that work. But, you can still hem your Chiffon without a Serger by following the steps discussed below.

How to Hem Chiffon Without a Serger?

Since Chiffon includes a light and delicate material, you may find it hard to sew a hem on it. You can find Chiffon fabric in cotton, rayon, and synthetic fiber.

On that note, you may wonder whether it is possible to hem Chiffon without a Serger. Read on to find answers below.

Ways to Hem Chiffon Without a Serger

Chiffon fabric comprises fragile materials. It is primarily sleek and soft, and this explains why it requires particular attention while sewing to avoid any damages.

Take care whenever you are cutting this fabric; place the material on a flat surface to cut through the grains with much ease.

So, how do you hem Chiffon fabric without a Serger? To answer this question and others regarding this subject, continue reading to learn more.

1. How to Hem Chiffon by Hand

Step 1: Stitch Along the Edges

This approach requires you to be more creative with your hands. Since you are working on a light and delicate fabric, it would be helpful to consider using a light thread that matches the color of your fabric.

Start by making stitches across the folded edge of your garment. Remember to leave an allowance between the edge of your material and the stitch line for the hem.

Reduce the width of the edge by making an even cut through the stitches you made. The width between the edges and the stitches should be about 3mm.

Be sure to have the stitches hanging beneath your hem so that you can achieve a consistent sew.

Step 2: Folding the Edges

Use your iron box to fold the edges. Ensure that you make the fold on the opposite side of the fabric. Maintain the press using your iron box to keep the hem in place and ensure the hem doesn’t come off quickly.

When folding the edge, ensure the end of your fold aligns with the initial stitches you made earlier. You should be able to see your stitches from beneath the garment.

Step 3: Picking Threads With Your Needle

Use your needle to pull a few threads through your hem. Be sure to use the edges of your fold while picking threads and ensure you make steady pulls on your needle.

It would be helpful if you use tiny needles for this exercise. The stitches ought to be near the folds. Align your stitches to the initial stitch line and the fold.

Ensure the threads you pull through the hem are suspended on top of your fold line to enable you to achieve a clean hem.

Be sure to pull about two strings from the garment. You don’t want them to appear prominently on the surface of your clothing.

Step 4: Create More Stitches by Repeating the Procedure Highlighted Above

When creating subsequent stitches on your fabric, be sure sure to select only two threads as you continue stitching. Allow a spacing of about a quarter of an inch.

You might want to repeat this stitch a couple of times until you attain a width of about 2 inches of your hem.

Step 5: Make a Steady and Consistent Pull on the Thread

It would be helpful to you if you maintain consistent pressure while pulling the thread. You will notice the edge of your fabric begin to curve along the edges until it goes out of sight completely.

A few distortions might appear on the hem you are sewing; press your fingers against them to flatten them and achieve an even look.

Step 6: Repeating Along the Hem

Repeat the whole procedure and make stitches along your hem until you reach the end.

The more you make stitches, the more you begin perfecting the art of pulling the thread. Be sure to maintain a width of about 1 to 2 inches.

If you do it correctly, you will notice that the fabric conceals the edge, and the hem is barely visible on the front part of your fabric.

Step 7: Use Your Iron to Press the Final Hem

You might consider having a smooth and even finish, so you should iron press along the fold to achieve the final look you want.

2. How to Create a Hem Using a Sewing Machine

Step 1: Sew a Basting Line Around the Raw Edge

If you have a sewing machine, then you can easily create a hem on your Chiffon with much ease. Sew a consistent line along the edge of your fabric. Make the line even and straight to enable you to make the folds with much ease.

It will help if you increase the tension of your thread by a slight margin. Be sure to reset this change to your preferences once you finish with the line.

Step 2: Folding and Pressing

Consider flipping the edge of your fabric to the opposite directions and make a fold along the basting line.

Stretch the fabric to enable you to make an even fold. Press the fold using your iron in side-to-side movements to elongate the edge of your fabric.

Use an iron box that can produce steam. The steam will enable you to achieve a consistent and even fold.

Step 3: Make an Inner Stitch on the Fold

Sew an additional line along the edge of your fabric and maintain a consistent width of one-eighth of an inch.

Step 4: Trim Back the Raw Edge

You might consider using a sharp tool to streamline the edges of your garment. Ensure you cut steady along the edges to avoid damaging your Chiffon fabric.

Step 5: Make a Fold Along the Hemline

Fold the fabric inwards to the opposite side of the material. Use your iron to press the fold into position.

Be sure to fold the second stitch line you made earlier at this stage. Note that the initial stitch line will still be visible.

Step 6: Stitch Through the Middle of the Hem

Make steady stitches along your hem, working your way on the hem to the end. Ensure the stitch lines are visible from both sides of your fabric. Determine the nature of the stitch line to use to give you a consistent line.

Step 7: Press the Hem

Apply one last press over the hem of your Chiffon and ensure it is entirely flat. By now, you may realize that your hem is complete, and you will need to flatten it to prevent the stitches from coming off.

Essential Tips to Note When Sewing a Hem on Your Chiffon Fabric

• Be sure to use a light thread when sewing your Chiffon because the Chiffon fabric is equally light and delicate.
• Stabilize your Chiffon with an appropriate fabric-friendly stabilizer before you start working on it; this will enable you to make cutting with much ease.
• It might be best if you give your Chiffon a maximum of 30 minutes to dry properly after stabilizing it. Giving your Chiffon enough drying time ensures that the grains of your fabric return to their initial position.
• Consider using brand new tools, including the needle, for your exercise. You want to produce a clean hem on your Chiffon, so be sure you have worthy items to use.
• Maintain a relatively short stitch length over your hem when using your hand. A length of about 20 stitches for every inch is appropriate.
• Use a straight stitch surface if possible to minimize the chances of uneven stitches over the fabric.
• Ensure you coordinate your hands and feet properly when sewing to achieve a consistent and even stitch on your Chiffon.
• Be sure to make steady stitches along the hem of your Chiffon fabric. You want to create a stunning finish on your fabric, so ensure you do the stitches invariably.

Can Chiffon Be Hemmed?

Although it consists of light and delicate fabric, you can quickly stitch a hem on Chiffon. You can hem your Chiffon fabric by employing two basic approaches.

Firstly, you can use your hands, although the outcome might not be as clean. Secondly, you can use a sewing machine but be sure to hold your fabric in position to prevent it from dropping off the table.

Do You Have to Hem Chiffon?

In all honesty, if left unhemmed, Chiffon fabric may not be so appealing. After all, we all want to have a pleasant look. Aside from that, the edge of your favorite chiffon garment will come off quickly, so you might consider hemming it.

So, yes, your chiffon fabric should be hemmed to not only make it more presentable but also make it more durable. Learning a few tricks will help you sew a hem with much ease.