Sewing Q&A
Terry Siemsen
How do I achieve the look of a coverstitch hem without a coverstitch machine?
Marianne S.,
Fort Worth, TX
This is an easy technique to duplicate using two steps versus the one step on the coverstitch serger. The result has some stretch making it appropriate for both knit and woven fabrics.
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Serge- or zigzag-finish the raw edge to be hemmed.
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Turn up the hem the desired amount and press; pin or glue in place using a glue stick.
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Consult the sewing machine manual and prepare the machine for sewing with a double needle. Thread the needles with regular sewing thread. The double needle creates two rows of stitching on the garment right side and forms a zigzag stitch on the garment wrong side.
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Topstitch from the garment right side making sure the hem edge is caught in the stitching (Figure 1).
Figure 1
Double-needle Topstitching
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