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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: novicesewer
Date: 11-30-2004, 09:16 PM (1 of 5)
Hello there. I'm new to all this so please be patient with me!
INTRO: I have a sewing machine but just know and do the very very basic with it on rare occasions! and I can manage to sew buttons and do some basic hand sewing if the need arises.
QUESTION: I have new pants which are just a bit short so I took out the hem and because there isn't enough material to fold over to hem I bought some hem facing bias. I thought I could figure out how to sew all this together but once I got home and really thought it through realized I have no clue what I am doing. I was going to simply zigzag the bias to the right side of the pant leg hem and then fold the sem and iron. I figured then I'd just sew the hem by hand (it'll be slow but it will look better than my trying to do it with the sewing machine). I'm I on the right track??????
thanks for the help :)
User: novicesewer
Member since: 10-23-2004
Total posts: 4
From: bunzino
Date: 11-30-2004, 11:23 PM (2 of 5)
Hi Novice,

Sure, that soundslike it will work fine. There are more high-tech/faster ways to do it, but I've done it like that before and it's the methodthat everyone used before sewing machines did everything but iron your clothes!!!!

nancy
User: bunzino
Member since: 08-16-2002
Total posts: 119
From: paroper
Date: 12-01-2004, 04:16 AM (3 of 5)
That's me! We learned to use this when I was just beginning to sew. For years I had a huge stash of bias tape in every color in the rainbow (and a few that weren't). If you do it the old fashioned way, you open your tape up and place the top of the tape wrong side up and unfolded at the top edge of your fabric so that they are even. You "stitch in the ditch" or in the fold as the case may be all the way around your pant. I used to fold the end of the tape up at the start so that I would have a smooth edge when I finished. Sew all the way around allowing the tape to lay over itself a half inch (max) when you come to the end. Then you just turn the tape up and stitch it down. We used a hidden slip stitch that went between the folded edge of the tape and the garment. It makes a nice clean finish that I always liked better than hem tape.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: MaryW
Date: 12-01-2004, 08:02 AM (4 of 5)
Novicesewer, welcome to Sew Whats New.

Let us know how your pants look, you are on the right track. :smile:
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: novicesewer
Date: 12-13-2004, 08:58 PM (5 of 5)
Thanks for the input! I finally got down to business and sewed on the hem tape the old fashioned way. Looks like I've gained about 3/4 inches in the length of the pant leg. I must admit I'm inpressed with myself as my work looks pretty good so far. I just have to hand sew the hem and the pants are ready to wear!!
Happy Holidays to all of you
User: novicesewer
Member since: 10-23-2004
Total posts: 4
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