Sewing: What is the best and fastest way to sew hems or finish raw edges?

Answer 1

My personal favorite is serging. But you've gotta have a serger for that. ;)

You can finish raw edges in many ways.

Pinking shears will keep it from unraveling but also can look very, very "country", which may not be the look you're going for. Good for inside seams that won't show.

A tight zig-zag stitch done on a sewing machine is also fast, but can look messy. Again, good for inside seams that you won't see.

Iron-on hem tape works ok. I find that about half the time I have to stitch over it.

If all you're worried about is fraying, you can use a thin line of liquid Fray-Check on the edge of a piece. Beware, though, that this can show up on certain fabrics, so test it out first on a scrap piece.

Another fave of mine is to zig-zag the edge of something-- say, a skirt hem-- and then stitch a line of lace or ribbon over the outside edge to hide the zig-zag action. Really, it depends on the look you're going for, what the materials are, and HOW fast you need it done. Good luck!

Answer 2

The fastest way to hem is with a sewing machine that has a blind stitch. The fastest way to finish a seam is with a serger machine. It finishes the seam and cuts away the excess fabric at the same time.

Answer 3

For crafts use pinking shears-makes a nice finish.For clotjing use a machine blind stitch or a serger that cuts and finishes all at once.There are also several types of "iron-on" tapes-but I personally find they do not last as well as sewing them down.

Answer 4

A quick way to finish raw edges on craft projects with no sewing is to trim with pinking shears. This leaves a nice decorative edge that doesn't ravel.

Answer 5

There is a great inventory that is an iron-on tape for quick hems and will also adhere raw edges. Comes in 1/2 wide and a roll and not expensive, and is washable All you need is that and a nice iron

Answer 6

fabric fusing tape - use with an iron - also a surging machine (can get one cheap @ Walmart/Target)