Hemming Techniques

Before you start a hemming project, consider these tips:

• Before hemming a skirt, dress, or pants, let the garment hang for a day on a hanger to allow the fabric to settle.
• You can often steam out small puckers at the top edge of a hem. Don't redo a slightly puckered hem until you've tried to press it.
• Clip-type clothespins can be more convenient than pins for holding a hem in place while you sew it.

Read the final section to learn some basic stitches that will get you through most sewing jobs.