How to hem a curved edge | Easy & clean finish tutorial
Select high quality and adjust playback speed using the controls at the bottom right of the video.
How to hem a curved edge | Easy & clean finish tutorial
A smooth, professional curved hem can be tricky without the right technique. This tutorial shows you how to ease fullness along any curved edge using a basting stitch — perfect for shirt hems, dresses, circle skirts, or any garment with a rounded hem.
Materials needed
- Fabric with a curved edge
- Matching thread
- Iron and pins or clips
- Sewing machine
Step-by-step instructions
-
Sew a long basting stitch
Sew a straight basting stitch approximately 5 mm (¼″) from the raw edge of the curved hem. Use the longest stitch your machine allows — this stitch is temporary and exists only to help you ease the curve smoothly.
-
Gently pull to ease the curve
Lightly pull one of the basting threads to gather the edge slightly. This draws in the fullness and allows the curved edge to lie flat when folded, without pulling or distorting the fabric.
-
Distribute the gathers evenly
Work along the full curve, adjusting the gathering so it is distributed evenly with no puckering or bunching in any one spot. Even distribution is what gives the hem a smooth, professional look.
-
Fold, pin, and press the hem
Fold the hem up to your desired depth, pin carefully in place all the way around, then press thoroughly with an iron. The iron shapes the curve and sets the fold so it stays in position while you sew.
-
Sew the hem
Using a short stitch length, sew the hem close to the inner folded edge, following the curve smoothly and consistently. Sew slowly around any tighter curves to keep your stitching even.
-
Remove the basting stitch
Once the hem is sewn, gently remove the original basting thread if it remains visible on the right side of the fabric. Give the finished hem a final press for a crisp, polished result.
Pro tip
This method works best on light- to medium-weight fabrics. It is ideal for shirt tails, circle skirts, and curved dress hems where a smooth, flat finish is essential. The more evenly you distribute the basting gathers before pressing, the smoother your final hem will be.
Related tutorials
Want to keep building your skills? Browse all our sewing video tutorials.
Ready to start sewing? Discover all our patterns
Need help? Use our live chat or leave us a message — we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.