How do you sew a rolled hem (easy way?)

[DanAyo]

I searched the forums for information relating to an easy and efficient ways to sew a 3/8 to 1" rolled hem. If there is an existing post please let me know so I can take a look.

I'm sure everyone that sews light weight fabrics have struggled with this. I know I have. Here are some of the things I've tried.

Standard process of rolling fabric once and then once more. --- Works decent but I find that the fabric will twist and distort at times.

I thought about tape, either single side or double. The single sided masking tape works best for me at this time, but it doesn't want to stick very well to Silploy. I assume the silicone causes that. For a 1/2" hem I put 1/2" tape on the outer edge and then turn the taped fabric over once and then then once more. Being able to feel the 1/2" tape inside the fold helps.

NOTE; I plan to order some double sided tape so that I can try it.
Has anyone tried this?

Any suggestions concerning tape that will stick to Silpoly and other such light weight materials?

--- I thought the tape glue might present a problem with the needle, but so far I haven't experience any. ---

Thanks in advance...
Dan Ayo

[Wanderlost]

I'm probably odd, but I have always just eyeballed my seams as I go. Occasionally, when I'm sewing multiple pieces together, I'll use binder clips to hold them together. I don't like using tapes and such because of the residue and extra junk.

[KINGLONESTAR]

I'm brand new to sewing (as of 4 months ago)...I'm somewhat OCD but I've realized that for me at least, it's easier to have a not-quite-so-straight-and-perfect seam than it is to try and get the light fabric held together. I gave up trying pretty quickly and like him ^^^^^ I just kinda wing it.


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[Karla "with a k"]

As I kid, I remember seeing my mom using straight pins. I started with that method, however, when I read about binder clips on a thread, I switched. Now, I'm a binder clip convert!

[rais'n hammock]

I'm probably odd, but I have always just eyeballed my seams as I go. Occasionally, when I'm sewing multiple pieces together, I'll use binder clips to hold them together. I don't like using tapes and such because of the residue and extra junk.

I am odd too (so my wife says) but I too just eyeball the rolled hem for anything under 1/4" I have used the rolled hemming foot but I think the eyeball method is just as good. I like Wonder Clips if I need to hold multiple pieces together or for managing large tarps/quilts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JSLECLY?psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/URBEST-50-Pie...E8VVDBSR3VXSB0

[G-Rat]

Cut a strip of paperboard (aka cereal box cardboard) the desired width and 8 to 10 inches long. I make it with a metal straight edge and a box knife so that it's very uniform. Double roll the fabric over the cardboard as you sew. Stop every few inches to slide the cardboard back and roll a new section of fabric over. Be sure to stop and readjust before the cardboard advances under the needle (unless you enjoy ripping stitches).

Note: the finished seam will end up about 1/16 to 1/8 inch wider than the paperboard.

[groupertrpr]

I am odd too (so my wife says) but I too just eyeball the rolled hem for anything under 1/4" I have used the rolled hemming foot but I think the eyeball method is just as good. I like Wonder Clips if I need to hold multiple pieces together or for managing large tarps/quilts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JSLECLY?psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/URBEST-50-Pie...E8VVDBSR3VXSB0

+1 on the Wonder Clips. They work great for me.

[DrPhun]

Here are two threads that were very helpful to me.:

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ing-(DIY-tool)

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...led-Hem-Guides

I made guides with the plastic from the fruit container as practice before making a metal one, but the plastic one works so great that I just use that. It is a little tricky to get the size of the guide just right so I made multiples and use the one that is most precise. I tape it down to the machine with masking tape. Then I roughly prefold the hem, and secure with the wonderclips. I can fly through the rolled hem, and it comes out perfectly uniformly sized with the stitching always in the right place on the hem.

Another tip is that I lower the needle into the fabric before I put the foot down, so the bottom layer doesn't move.

[BCBob]

I'm in the middle of 3/4" folded hem on a Membrane Silpoly tarp. No chance I can do a double fold and sew it once with light, slippery material. Not fast, but I chaulk a line, fold, clip with Wonderclips, sew it. Chaulk a line, clip with Wonderclips, and sew again. That leaves two stitch lines on the underside and one on the top side.

hem.JPG

[tennistime99]

On a sewing site one lady runs a basting stitch down the length of the fabric at where you'd make the first fold. It adds a little structure and gives you something to fold over top of. You can then fold once more for the rolled hem.

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