How to Create a Rolled Hem

Shannon Dennis, contributor

33 users recommend

Rolled hems are found in almost every area of sewing. Make sure you have the right tools.

Shannon Dennis

Fold the first 4–6 inches over and press lightly with an iron.

Shannon Dennis

The first key to success is the right tools. This is a rolled-hem foot.

Shannon Dennis

Rolled hems are found in almost every area of sewing. Make sure you have the right tools.

Photo: Shannon Dennis

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Creating a rolled hem on your sewing machine can take your project to the next level of professionalism. Rolled hems are found in home decor for sheers and lightweight fabrics, garment sewing, heirloom sewing, and sometimes even quilting. Here is a step-by-step process that will give you great rolled hems that we will practice on a scrap piece of lightweight cotton fabric.

1. On one raw edge, fold over about 1/8 inch and press lightly with an iron. You do not need to fold/press the entire length of your hemline but at least the first 4–6 inches.

Fold the first 4–6 inches over and press lightly with an iron.

2. Snap or screw your rolled-hem foot onto your sewing machine. Rolled-hem feet come in different millimeter widths. When you are making a project, be sure to take a test piece of fabric and try the different widths until you get the desired result.

The first key to success is the right tools. This is a rolled-hem foot.

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Comments (11)

dadudette writes: I just got a rolled hem foot today and, using these instructions, was actually able to do it :) Thank you so much!!

I am having a lot of trouble trying to figure out how to bring the beginning and end together on a loop (a sleeve). Could you describe that? Would you also be willing to describe how to do a corner?

Thank you!
Posted: 6:12 pm on February 3rd

Sewmomg writes: Does it work just as well on a curved edge? I have struggled with both widths for my Viking machine. I just can't get the hang of it. It unrolls, then i have a single fold, or it folds but still leaves a tail causing the raw edge to stick out of the rolled hem. What am I doing wrong. I've tried the 2mm with chiffon,and satin.
Any suggestions?
Posted: 7:06 pm on July 14th

genjii writes: Great explanation....what about the corners??? I have yet to navigate a 90 degree angle on a rolled hem!!

Anybodee have any suggestions? Scarves and napkins have the 90 degree angle that can't be avoided!
Posted: 3:07 pm on November 24th

kerrlynn writes: Love this look. It helps to hold the fabric up slightly to feed into the front of the presser foot. Nice neat hem.
Posted: 9:25 am on November 16th

kellycraft writes: You did a great job explaining this!
Posted: 3:41 pm on September 11th

Shannon_Dennis writes: trusk4u - I am so glad these were helpful to you. For me it just took a bit of practice with different fabrics. If you don't get it the first time, continue to pull your fabric slightly to the left as shown in the 3rd picture and most important keep trying!
Posted: 9:23 am on August 27th

Shannon_Dennis writes: luvin2craft - The foot will make all the difference in the world!
Posted: 9:21 am on August 27th

luvin2craft writes: how awesome is this finally i have learnt to do something right,now off to buy the right foot
Posted: 7:26 pm on August 26th

trusk4u writes: I have been sewing for many years, and have always had trouble with this! Your instructions are so clear,and the pictures are well done for visibility. I'll have to give it a try again! Thanks!
Posted: 2:31 pm on August 26th

Shannon_Dennis writes: Awesome! You'll have a blast with it!
Posted: 2:24 pm on August 26th

LindaPermann writes: nice! I might have to add a rolled hem foot to my list of things to buy for my machine.
Posted: 1:42 pm on August 26th

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