If you’ve ever tried to hem a circle skirt the way you hem a straight skirt you’ve no doubt had trouble. You work so hard on the whole garment then the curved hem just doesn’t want to cooperate. And if you want a nice wide hem–forget it. You end up with bunching and it’s hard to get it to look good.
Hemming a circle skirt or other curved edge is inherently different because you have more fabric at the edge than where you need to stitch. Your circle circumference is bigger the further you get from the center. So how do you account for that extra fabric?
That’s where these secrets for hemming a circle skirt come in. They’ll help you get a nice smooth hem (even a nice wide one) without all the frustration!
Using bias tape (also called bias binding) is a simple way to hem a circle skirt or other curved edge. Bias tape is fabric that is cut at 45 degrees from the straight grain (or on the bias) into folded strips. When fabric is cut on the bias, it has more flexibility and can more easily wrap around curves without becoming bulky.
When hemming a circle skirt, you use that flexibility to curve smoothly around the circle at its widest while still fitting perfectly at the stitch line. Both layers of the skirt in the main photo above were finished with bias tape.
You can buy pre-made bias tape or make it yourself using one of these tools. I like how this video helps you see how to use bias tape–if you haven’t used it before go check it out.
Creating a facing to hem a circle skirt is a little more laborious but you can get a deeper hem that’s more desirable for a higher-end look. This is how I finish my own clothing because I love the look and weight of deep hems. Here’s how you do it.
Because the facing is the exact same shape as the garment, you won’t have any bunching. Everything should lay perfectly flat, eliminating the headache and frustration of hemming a curved edge. It’s totally worth the added step–especially when you have a really big curved edge like on this maxi skirt. I started to hem it without the facing, and was so mad I almost gave up until I remembered to use this secret.
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Thanks for a great idea. I have just gotten back into sewing (and didn't know that much 20 years ago) so all of these tutorials are great for newbies like me.
Hi Tami, Thanks for your comment! I hope you enjoy getting back into sewing and trying out a few ideas!
Thanks for the tip and for sharing it with us at Show-licious Craft and Recipe party!
I've learned so much from other seamstresses through blogs, and when I learn something new I love sharing!
This is awesome! I have tried to hem a circle skirt a few times and it was so frustrating. The last time I used bias tape, and it took forever! I am doing this trick next. Thanks for the tip.
It's seriously frustrating without this method! You'll love how easily your next project goes--it's so worth the extra step!
Great idea! I totally forgot about this tip. :)
It's amazing the difference it makes on a curve. Totally worth the extra step!
Such a great tip. I'll have to remember this the next time I sew a circle skirt!
Hopefully it helps you Erin!
After you sew on the hem facing, do you then hem it?
Hi Linda, after sewing on the facing, you then either machine or hand stitch the facing to the back side of the main fabric. I promise the extra step is worth it though!
makes perfect sense... thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Carolyn!
I've never thought of making a fabric facing. Will have to try this if I have enough fabric. I've often used this method - it works great as well:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/25887/roll-hemming-a-curve-made-easy/page/all
Thanks for sharing your link, Kathy! That looks a like a great method for small hems.
What an ingenious idea! If only if read this last night before I ruined the neckline of the dress I was making...
You'll have to give it a try sometime. Necklines are a great place for these!
Great tute! Thank you. I love this fabric..so much I made a dress from it a while back :) I still get many compliments on it when I wear it -I'm pretty sure it's all about the print, lol!
http://pinterest.com/pin/56998751508866247/
Isn't it the best? I found it on a bolt end and bought all that was left. I still have some more to make something...just deciding what it should be!