In this week’s session, I demonstrated techniques for creating clean, professional edge finishes on delicate fabrics like chiffon and georgette. I focused on achieving a very thin, high-end look using baby hems and discussed the importance of proper needle, thread, and stitch length selection. The session included live demonstrations on different fabric types to showcase the nuances of working with various materials.

Demonstration Steps:

• Use a very fine needle (65/9) and thin thread for delicate fabrics
• Set stitch length to 1 or even smaller for a clean finish
• Fold fabric close to the presser foot when sewing curves
• Press the first fold before trimming excess fabric
• For the second pass, fold very close to the edge and stretch slightly while sewing
• Silk fabrics tend to produce thinner, cleaner hems than polyester
• Test techniques on scrap fabric before working on garments

Questions & Answers:

Q: What’s the best way to finish edges on chiffon?

A: For high-end looks, a baby hem sewn by hand or machine gives the cleanest finish. For multiple layers like full skirts, a rolled hem on a specialized machine (Merrow) can work well.

Q: How do you prevent stretching when hemming curved edges?

A: Fold and sew in small sections close to the presser foot. Slightly stretching the fabric as you sew can help it lay flat.

Q: What thread should be used for nearly invisible hems?

A: Use thread that matches your fabric color. The extremely short stitch length will make it virtually invisible, especially on fine fabrics.