When you're done with this hem, the inside of your garment will look just as good as the outside! Check out our step-by-step instructions and printable guide below to learn how to finish a hem with seam binding—a narrow, woven sewing tape used for finishing and reinforcing seams. This method is great for garments like skirts and pants and leaves you with a hem that doesn’t show stitching on the front and is neatly finished in the back.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Sewing Machine or Hand Sewing Needle
(Machine Sewing Only) Blind Hem Foot or Edge Stitch Foot
HOW DO YOU USE SEAM BINDING?
Although it's a versatile sewing notion (also loved for its crafting and decorative applications), the most common use for seam binding is right there in the name! There are two main ways seam binding ribbon can be used to bind a seam: flat or folded. In folded applications, like finishing a seam edge, the ribbon is folded over a raw edge and stitched to encase it. In flat applications, like the technique discussed in this post, the seam binding ribbon is sewn down as-is. Seam binding is best applied to medium-to-heavyweight garments, as adding the ribbon does add a bit of bulk that might weigh down very lightweight fabrics.
HOW TO SEW A HEM WITH SEAM BINDING:
STEP 1: PRESS THE HEM
First, measure, fold, and press your hem as you would for a single-fold hem. Make sure to get a good crease in the fabric!
STEP 2: LINE UP SEAM BINDING OVER THE FABRIC EDGE
Unfold the hem and place the seam binding over the raw fabric edge on the “right” side of the fabric. (Since you’ll be folding the hem back over, the ribbon won’t be visible on the front side when finished.) If binding curved seams, you might find it helpful to pin the seam binding in place before sewing.
STEP 3: STITCH ALONG THE SEAM BINDING EDGE
Now stitch the seam binding in place. Sew along the right edge of the binding, making sure the seam binding covers the raw fabric edge.
STEP 4: TRIM & FOLD THE SEAM BINDING
When you reach the point where you began stitching, keep sewing until the seam binding overlaps itself, covering the raw cut edge of the binding. Next, trim the seam binding, leaving about 3” of extra length. Fold the cut end of the binding under itself so the raw edge is hidden.
STEP 5: FINISH THE SEAM BINDING END
Finish the seam binding by stitching down the fold to keep the ribbon end in place. This prevents the end from unraveling or stretching.
STEP 6: BLIND STITCH THE HEM
Fold over and press the hem again, pinning or basting as necessary. Then, blind stitch the length of the hem, using the edge of the seam binding ribbon as your hem allowance. Blind stitching can be done by hand, with a home machine with a suitable presser foot, or using an industrial blind stitch machine.
SHOP FOR SEAM BINDING AT WAWAK
Download the printable guide below for our step-by-step hem binding instructions with images.
