We can hardly believe it but today is the very last Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong post. We’ve got that all important hem to do, and we're going to show you a couple of different options.
You can find the rest of the sewalong posts here:
Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong: Measuring and Cutting
Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong: Tips for Working with Finer Fabrics
Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong: Getting Started on the Bodice
Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong: Bodice and Tie - Version 1
Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong: Bodice and Tie - Version 2
Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong: Attaching the Cuffs
Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong: Inserting the Sleeves
Pussy Bow Blouse Sewalong: Centre Front Seam (Version 1)
All right, let's hem!
NB - For all of these hem options it is important to pay attention to your seam allowances on the blouse. Your side seams should be pressed towards the back, and the centre front seam should be pressed open. You can always pin them in place to make sure they don't wriggle.
NB 2 - When sewing hems, some people prefer to use a slightly longer stitch length than usual, such as stitch length 3. Because the stitch is slightly longer it can help you to achieve a straighter line with less wavering.
Option 1: Single hem
Very popular on clothes you buy in shops, your first hemming option is a single hem. Simply finish the hem with an overlocker or a zigzag stitch, before pressing 1cm to the inside, and secure with a line of topstitching.
It's quick, easy and does the job!
Option 2: Double hem
If you don't want any finished edges on show, you could try a double hem. Lightweight fabric tends to work better with a fairly narrow hem of about 1cm. So, fold and press the raw edge up by 5mm and press all the way around. Then turn it up by a further 5mm, and press again.
Pin the hem in place, and sew with a line of topstitching.
All the raw edges are encased and your hem looks very smart!
Option 3: Rolled hem on the overlocker
If you have an overlocker you might find that it has a rolled hem setting. This is a different type of hem from the rolled hem you can achieve on a normal sewing machine, and looks more like a super thin overlocked edge. Follow our Tutorial on Stitch School here!
Once you have finished the edge with a rolled hem you can either leave it as it is, or press it up by 1cm and topstitch it in place.
Once you have chosen an option and hemmed your blouse, you are all completely finished! Well done! We think you should wear it every day for the next week...
But if you're not prepared to do that, we would at least LOVE to see you wearing your finished creations, tag us on Instagram and use the hashtag #soipussybowblouse.