How to Hand Stitch a Rolled Hem

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A rolled hem is a popular stitch for delicate fabrics and projects, such as scarves, napkins, and handkerchiefs. This stitch involves stitching in two locations on the folded edge of fabric and then pulling the stitches to roll them. It is a simple, yet elegant stitch. Learn the rolled hem stitch so you can use it for all of your delicate hemming needs.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Creating the Rolled Hem

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-5.jpg\/aid8557668-v4-728px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your thread should be coming out of the right side of the fabric from securing the knot. Bring the needle up and over the top of the folded edge and then insert the needle near the bottom of the raw edge.
    • The needle does not need to go all the way through the fabric. It is okay if you just catch a few threads. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/15\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-6.jpg\/aid8557668-v4-728px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Next, insert the needle near the top edge of the fold. This is the second stitch location for the rolled hem stitch.
    • After you go through the top, go back through the bottom again. Repeat this pattern about every 1/4 inch (1cm).
    • Continue to alternate between stitching at the bottom and top of the fold for three to five stitches. These two stitches work together to create the rolled hem.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-7.jpg\/aid8557668-v4-728px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    After you have completed three to five stitches, you can tug the thread to roll the hem. Gently tug on the thread to tighten the stitches. By tugging on the thread, you will be pulling the two edges together and this is what creates the rolled hem.
    • Tug the thread to tighten the stitches about every three to five stitches.
    • Continue to stitch and tug until your project is complete.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Starting the Hem

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f8\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-1.jpg\/aid8557668-v4-728px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It is important to make sure that the edge of your fabric is even and not frayed. Use a pair of sharp scissors to trim along the edge of your fabric as needed. [2]
    • To ensure a straight edge, you may want to trim about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of fabric from the edge before you begin sewing the rolled hem.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-2.jpg\/aid8557668-v4-728px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Thread a needle . It is important to use a needle and thread that are appropriate for the type of fabric you are sewing. Rolled edges are popular with delicate projects like scarves and handkerchiefs, so you may want to use a fine needle and fine thread.
    • Try using a straw needle in size 11 with some delicate thread. [3]
    • Thread the needle by inserting the end of the thread through the eye of the needle.
    • Tie a couple of knots at the end of the thread to anchor it in place when you begin sewing.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-3.jpg\/aid8557668-v4-728px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To secure your thread and hide the knot, insert the needle into the wrong side of the fabric. Push the needle through near the corner of the fabric. After you fold down the fabric and complete your first few stitches, the knot will be hidden. [4]
    • Some sewers do not recommend knotting the thread to secure it out of concern for the fabric. Instead, they recommend allowing the stitches to hold the thread in place. If you are concerned about the knot damaging your fabric, then you can try starting the stitch without a knot. You will just need to take care not to let the end of the thread pull through. After several stitches, your thread should be secured.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-4.jpg\/aid8557668-v4-728px-Hand-Stitch-a-Rolled-Hem-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Next, fold over the edge of your fabric by about 1/8 of an inch. There is no need to secure it in place with pins, which may damage delicate fabric. However, it is a good idea to crease the fabric, such as by pressing the edge with an iron. [5]
    • Keep in mind that pressing with an iron is optional. You can also crease the edge with your fingers or use a coin to crease the edge if ironing is not an option.
    • Be careful when creasing or pressing delicate fabric. You may want to lay a piece of scrap fabric over the fabric and crease or iron through the extra fabric to protect it.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Hem a Dress by Hand
      How to
      Hand Sew a Hem
      How to
      Hem Shirts
      How to
      Hem a Skirt
      How to
      Sew a Hem
      How to
      Blind Hem Stitch
      How to
      Hem a Shirt Sleeve
      How to
      Remove Hem Marks
      How to
      Hem
      How to
      Hem a Prom Dress
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2015/06/23/video-sew-a-hand-rolled-hem
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dt_5vnOJ_E
      3. ↑ https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2015/06/23/video-sew-a-hand-rolled-hem
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dt_5vnOJ_E
      5. ↑ https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2015/06/23/video-sew-a-hand-rolled-hem

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 59,408 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement