hemming
Finishing fabric edges
Hemming is the act of creating a hem—folding and sewing the edge of fabric to prevent fraying: She spent the afternoon hemming curtains.
To be hemmed in is to be surrounded or confined: The protesters found themselves hemmed in by police.
Hemming also describes hesitant speech, usually paired with hawing: After much hemming and hawing, he finally agreed.
Pointed implement for sewing
Concealed hemming method
- whipstitchQuick edge-finishing loop
- topstitchVisible exterior seam decoration
- overlockEdge-binding stitch
- sergerEdge-finishing sewing machine
chainstitch · lockstitch · basting · edgestitch · overcast · zigzag · slipstitch
Changes made to something
- shorteningReducing length or duration
- lengtheningIncreasing in extent
- adjustingAltering to correct
- fittingSuitable or proper
tapering · seamstress · tailor · dressmaker · bespoke · custom · measurements · muslin
Bending something over itself
- creasingCreating fold marks
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- measuringDetermining size or amount
- markingIndicating with symbols
pinning · turning · doubling · ironing · tucking · trimming · cutting · finishing
needle
Pointed implement for sewing
blindstitch
Concealed hemming method
- whipstitchQuick edge-finishing loop
- topstitchVisible exterior seam decoration
- overlockEdge-binding stitch
serger · chainstitch · lockstitch · basting · edgestitch · overcast · zigzag · slipstitch
alterations
Changes made to something
- shorteningReducing length or duration
- lengtheningIncreasing in extent
- adjustingAltering to correct
fitting · tapering · seamstress · tailor · dressmaker · bespoke · custom · measurements · muslin · pattern
folding
Bending something over itself
marking · pinning · turning · doubling · ironing · tucking · trimming · cutting · finishing · straightening
hemline
Garment's lowest edge
trousers
Bifurcated lower-body garment
- skirtsLower-body garments for women
- dressesOne-piece women's garments
- curtainsHanging fabric window covers
pants · jeans · sleeves · cuffs · tablecloths · napkins · sheets · drapes · slacks · gowns
- Sewing Taskssewing, stitching, button sewing, basting, embroidery
- textile workweaving, spinning, dyeing, sewing, knitting
- sewing finishesserging, overlocking, pinking, topstitching, French seam
- dressmakingsewing, fabric, pattern, fitting, seam
- hesitatingpausing, stalling, wavering, faltering, delaying
- homecraftssewing, knitting, crocheting, crochet, quilting
hemmingfraying
Coming apart threadwise
unraveling · raveling · letting out · tearing · ripping
hemmingdeciding
Making a choice
committing · declaring · asserting · resolving · getting to the point
hemmingfreeing
Releasing from confinement
releasing · liberating · letting go · opening up · emancipating
- hemming and hawingIndecisive verbal stalling
- hemming inRestricting movement by surrounding