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How to Blind Hem or Appliqué With a Machine

Blind hem and appliqué stitches are used mostly to hold fabric and embellishments in place without having unsightly seams showing on the outside of the garment. They can, however, show along the outer edges to produce a decorative look as desired. Each of the stitches catches only a small portion of the fabric that is on top, and the remainder of the seam is sewn on the bottom or underside of the garment to hide them. Many newer-model sewing machines come with built-in blind stitching capabilities or available presser feet that can be attached to complete the stitches.

Things You'll Need

Blind hem or appliqué presser foot

Instructions

- 1
  Install the presser foot on your machine for the blind hem or appliqué stitch. If your machine does not require a special foot, then set the stitch type and style to the desired stitch.
- 2
  Thread the machine with the desired color thread. Blind stitches require thread that matches the fabric as closely as possible to be truly invisible, or blind. Appliqué thread can be the same color or a contrasting color to add interest where the small stitches show.
- 3
  Insert the project underneath the needle assembly, lining up the edges of the project with the edge of the presser foot. If using a standard presser foot, then line the project up with the needle.
- 4
  Lower the presser foot by lowering the lever on the back of your machine.
- 5
  Use the hand wheel to lower the needle. This will provide you the opportunity to verify the needle is lined up correctly and will sew at the right place on the fabric before you begin sewing.
- 6
  Press the sewing pedal gently to begin sewing slowly. Continue sewing until the entire hem is completed or the appliqué is attached to your project.
- 7
  Back stitch at the beginning and end of the blind hem. Do not back stitch at the ends for the appliqué. Instead, tie the threads on the back of the project to prevent any unraveling.

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