What is a hem?

Answer 1

A hem in sewing is a way to finish the edge of the fabric. It prevents fraying and unraveling, and reinforces the edge.

There are several types of hems:

• The most common hem is the cut edge which is folded up twice, and then pressed and sewn down with a straight seam.
• A hem can also be enclosed with binding, which is a piece of already folded and pressed fabric (usually less than an inch wide after folded), and sewn to the hem.
• The hem may also be finished with a serger, which encloses the edge with thread.
• The hem may not be sewn at all, and can be finished with pinking shears, which are scissors with sawthoothed blades.