Page:A complete course in dressmaking, (Vol. 2, Aprons and House Dresses) (IA completecoursein02cono).pdf/10

 used to finish the sides and strings of aprons, armholes of waist linings and sometimes for hemming collars and cuffs. It is practical for anything which requires finishing in a neat, flat, inconspicuous manner.

You will recall in Lesson I that I explained just how to turn a narrow hem with the sewing machine attachment and it may be helpful to you to read that description over again carefully.

If you are not using the attachment, first turn off the sixteenth of an inch along the edge, creasing the material between the fingers as in Fig. 1, and then turn in an eighth of an inch. Press the edge with a hot iron.

A hem that is pressed is much easier to stitch than one that is roughly and irregularly creased. You cannot expect to have a neat finish if the edges are not neatly and accurately pressed before you stitch. Stitch the hem as in Fig. 2.

Cutting True Bias.—Fold the material diagonally, bringing the crosswise thread to a