tips on hemming the bottom

The Imperial Royal Guard costume as seen in Return of the Jedi

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Dew
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tips on hemming the bottom

Post by Dew »

So I'm getting VERY close to finishing and I'm looking for some tips on hemming. The challenge is that there is the outer velvet and the burgundy lining.. My original thought was to sew right sides together along the hem and then turn it inside out but the construction will not allow that method. Now my plan is to turn up the velvet about 1 inch, turn up the burgundy about 1.25 inches and then hand sew the lining with an invisible hem across the bottom. Just wondering if anyone had any good tips or ideas/pointers for me? I've worked SO hard on this thing and pieced it together completely without a pattern, I would really hate to ruin it at this point.
 
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Pinned for length measurement.
 
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This is where I plan to sew the two pieces together. I just have it tucked in so you can see my idea.
 
Anyway, I'd certainly be happy with any input you might have.

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stripes
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Re: tips on hemming the bottom

Post by stripes »

For my cloak, the lining and outer shell are sewn together down the sides and each is hemmed on its own along the bottom to allow for them to hang freely without the fabric puckering or rolling in on itself.
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Dew
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Re: tips on hemming the bottom

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stripes wrote:For my cloak, the lining and outer shell are sewn together down the sides and each is hemmed on its own along the bottom to allow for them to hang freely without the fabric puckering or rolling in on itself.
That's a good idea Stripes. Do you have pictures of the hem inside and out?

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stripes
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Re: tips on hemming the bottom

Post by stripes »

Dew wrote:
stripes wrote:For my cloak, the lining and outer shell are sewn together down the sides and each is hemmed on its own along the bottom to allow for them to hang freely without the fabric puckering or rolling in on itself.
That's a good idea Stripes. Do you have pictures of the hem inside and out?
I don't have any handy right now... I can see if I can get some taken in the next week or so
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Dew
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Re: tips on hemming the bottom

Post by Dew »

I'm trying to find out if visible stitches along the bottom hem edge are acceptible. Im trying to work out an invisible stitch with a hidden stitch or possible hem tape (which is tough since you can't iron velvet)
If a thin line of visible stitching the same red as the velvet along the very bottom is acceptable then I am WAY over thinking this

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stripes
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Re: tips on hemming the bottom

Post by stripes »

If done properly, you should be able to get a thread that matches in colour to your velvet and it won't show.
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