How to Sew a Blind Hem Stitch by Machine and Hand

How to sew a blind hem stitch by machine and hand—that’s a skill I didn’t know I needed until I found myself standing in front of a pair of dress pants with a sad, saggy hem and no time to run to the tailor. Sound familiar?

I’ll never forget the first time I attempted this. I was trying to fix a pair of trousers for my brother before a wedding. I had about two hours, zero patience, and a vague memory of watching my grandma hem curtains ages ago. Let’s just say… thank goodness for seam rippers.

But once I figured out how to sew a blind hem stitch by machine and hand the right way, it totally changed how I approached hemming clothes. It’s one of those sewing tricks that feels like a magic trick once you get the hang of it. And whether you’re working on pants, skirts, curtains, or jackets, knowing this will save you time, money, and a trip to the dry cleaner.

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So, What Is a Blind Hem Stitch Anyway?

If you’re thinking, “Wait, what’s a blind hem stitch?” you’re not alone. It’s basically a stitch that holds your hem in place without being visible from the outside. It’s perfect when you want your hems to look clean and professional without topstitching showing.

Now, there are two ways you can go about this—by hand or with a sewing machine. Both work great, but they do have different vibes. Let’s talk about both and figure out which one suits you best.

More Things to Know About How to Sew a Blind Hem Stitch by Machine and Hand

Machine Method: Fast, Neat, and Surprisingly Easy

If your sewing machine has a blind hem stitch setting (most modern ones do), you’re golden. I used to avoid it because the stitch looked confusing, but once I actually tried it, I was shocked at how quick it was.

Here’s the basic idea: You fold your fabric in a way that lets the needle catch just a tiny bit of the outer fabric. The result? A nearly invisible hem that looks sharp and tailored.

Don’t forget to use a blind hem foot—it helps guide your fabric and keeps the stitches even. I messed up a few times before realizing that this little foot was the MVP. And yeah, practicing on a scrap piece is a smart move. I may or may not have learned that the hard way.

Hand Sewing: Slower but Totally Zen

Sometimes, you just want to slow down, right? Maybe you’re working with delicate fabric or just love the rhythm of hand stitching (I do—it’s weirdly calming). Knowing how to sew a blind hem stitch by machine and hand means you get the best of both worlds.

To sew it by hand, you’ll fold the fabric much like you do for machine stitching. Then you make tiny, barely-there stitches every half inch or so, catching just a thread or two of the outer fabric. When you’re done, the hem holds beautifully, and the stitches disappear like magic.

It takes longer, sure, but if you’re someone who enjoys sewing as a way to unwind, this method might just be your new favorite thing.

Little Tips That Make a Big Difference

Let me be real with you—when I first tried to figure out how to sew a blind hem stitch by machine and hand, I made every rookie mistake. I skipped pressing the hem (don’t do that). I sewed too far in and the stitches showed. I even used black thread on beige pants once. Yeah… don’t be like me.

So here’s what I’ve learned:

• Always press your hem before you sew. It helps everything stay in place and look polished.
• Match your thread to the fabric. Super obvious, but easy to forget when you’re in a rush.
• Take your time with folding. That one step determines whether your hem will look clean or just “meh.”

Why It’s Worth Learning

When you know how to sew a blind hem stitch by machine and hand, you unlock a whole new level of sewing confidence. You can fix hems last-minute, tailor thrift store finds, or finish homemade clothes with a pro-level finish.

Plus, there’s something kind of satisfying about knowing you’ve got a trick up your sleeve that not everyone does. Like, yeah, I could take this to a tailor—but I won’t, because I’ve got this!

Professional Touches You Can Totally Master

Whether you’re team machine or team hand stitch, mastering how to sew a blind hem stitch by machine and hand is a game-changer. It’s not just a skill—it’s a little superpower that makes your sewing projects look clean and professional.

And hey, if you mess up the first few times, don’t sweat it. I’ve been there. The good news? Fabric is forgiving, seam rippers are cheap, and every stitch you make just gets you one step closer to nailing it.

So go grab that pair of pants or those curtains and give it a try. You might surprise yourself—and maybe even impress a few people while you’re at it.