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What is a Blind Hem Foot?

Marilee Reyes
Marilee Reyes

All sewing machines have a presser foot that is used to hold the fabric being sewn in place against a needle plate. The foot is lowered to apply pressure on the fabric and hold it flat so the needle can stitch down through the fabric. Between each stitch, a tiny set of teeth on the needle plate advances or feeds the material a preset distance depending on the type of sewing being done.

In this stitching process, several actions occur. A top thread coming off of a spool runs down through the eye of the needle which will move up and down. The presser foot guides the fabric as the needle punches through the fabric to interlock with thread from a bobbin beneath the plate. This action creates the locking stitches that hold the fabric pieces together to make a seam or hem.

A blind hem foot may replace the traditional presser foot.
A blind hem foot may replace the traditional presser foot.

The standard or all-purpose presser foot that comes with all sewing machines is primarily used for utilitarian, and some decorative, functions. But, as in any undertaking, the right tool for the right job makes every task easier. Today, a variety of specialty presser feet created for specific tasks is available to make the job easier, faster and more enjoyable.

The blind hem foot is a sewing accessory that replaces the all-purpose presser foot. This particular attachment lets the seamstress create nearly invisible stitches. Professional and hobby sewers alike have come to rely on the blind hem foot sewing attachment.

While the regular presser foot can be used for different length stitches, a solid line of the thread is still visible on the outside of the item being sewn. When using the blind hem foot, the stitches on the outside of the fabric catch just a thread or two of the fabric, while on the inside of the hem, the stitches are very long and help secure the folded under portion of the fabric, thereby creating a more finished look on both sides.

At one time, this precise, fine stitching was accomplished by hand. The blind hem foot, however, provides for a professional looking hem for virtually any item of clothing, including pants, skirts, jackets, and even drapes. Blind hem feet can also be used for different types and weights of fabric from chiffon to stretch to heavy, textured fabrics. In addition, using invisible thread (a clear filament) in the needle with regular thread in the bobbin produces a hem stitch even more difficult to detect.

Discussion Comments

MsClean

@babylove - Once you learn how to use a blind hem foot you won't know how you ever got along without it. Every sewing machine is a little different though, so you'll need to read the manual that came with your particular machine.

It will explain how to attach the foot, how to thread it and how to make the necessary adjustments. My machine will do three or four straight stitches and then a zigzag one.

Those long straight stitches will be on the wrong side of the fabric and the zigzag is the blind one on the right side of the fabric.

Make sure you always stitch your fabric wrong side up and try to keep the needle as close to the folded edge as possible. It's not hard to do and I think once you learn to how to use it, you are going to love your blind hem presser foot.

babylove

Well, I certainly feel like an idiot now. My husband bought me a new sewing machine for Christmas and I've been using it like crazy. I love it!

When I was looking over all the sewing machine parts and accessories, I didn't have a clue what that little blind hemmer was.

My mother taught me how to sew but her machine was very old and didn't have this attachment. In school we were only taught to sew a blind hem by hand, so there wasn't any knowledge given to the piece there either.

I'm so excited to know what it is now! I can't wait to use it and I really like the idea of using invisible thread to give my finished hems an even more professional look. Thank you so much for sharing this article.

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    • A blind hem foot may replace the traditional presser foot.
      By: Oleg Zhukov
      A blind hem foot may replace the traditional presser foot.