When sewing a flared skirt, do you have a problem with a too much bulk in the hem?

Here is the answer for a smooth finish.

Face a circular or flared skirt hem with bias.

Cut a 5-6 inch wide bias strip of organza or light weight lining fabric long enough to fit the lower edge of the skirt.

Piece the strip on the straight of grain of the fabric to create the length you need.

Mark the desired hemline on the skirt with chalk or basting thread.

For medium flared skirts, trim off the lower edge 1-1/2 inches below the marked line.

For circular flares, trim off 1 inch below the marked line.

Fold the organza/lining fabric strip in half lengthwise with right sides out.

Baste the two bias edges of the strip together.

Slightly stretching the raw edges of the bias, stitch it to the outside of the skirt at the lower edge with raw edges meeting. Do not stretch the hem

Join the ends of the bias at one side seam of the skirt.

Press the seam toward the bias.

Turn up the hem on the marked line and baste along the lower fold edge.

With the skirt wrong side up, press the bias lightly and gently shape the bias strip to fit inside the skirt.

Pin in place.

Slip stitch the upper fold of the bias to the inside of the skirt. Look how nice and neat it is!

If you are hemming a straight edge, there is no need to stretch the bias.

This is a great technique to use when you hem pleated garments or any heavy fabric to help

lessen the bulk and create a nice finished look.

Try it! It just makes sense!

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