How to sew a lettuce hem

inside: learn how to sew a lettuce hem with a serger OR sewing machine. Create beautiful lettuce hems with two different sewing methods that both achieve the same look.

My mom sewed a lot for us in the 80s and early 90’s and I feel like the lettuce hem was totally in style then. It’s also really making a come back now, as I’ve seen it on lots of tops again. Check out my posts on clothes my mom made for us here and here. It’s also a great way to finish knits with a regular sewing machine.

How to sew a lettuce hem –

This tutorial is primarily a video tutorial. You can find the video here, and if can’t see it make sure your Ad blocker is off, or try a different browser.

I will also type out the instructions here, but all the details are in the video above. You can create this fun hem on both a serger or sewing machine, so anyone can do it!

Here are my two versions, one sewn on the serger, and one sewing with the sewing machine.

Rose loves these new shirts, they are cute and comfy and fit here great. I made a straight up size 8 for her and you can see the body is a bit wide, but I’m ok with that. I could have gone in a size for the side seams, but decided not to. Links to free pattern below.

If you look close you can probably tell which one was sewn on the serger and which one was sewn on the sewing machine. When you take a step back though, you can’t tell and all, so use the method that works best for you and your machines.

The more your stretch, the better the flutter hem will be! Stretch away! I know this goes against all our sewing instincts to stretch the fabric so much, but it really does look great. Here is another flutter hem/sleeve tutorial I wrote awhile ago.

I used two pretty different fabrics – and it did make a bit of a difference. On the left is tri-blend t-shirt fabric and on the right is rib knit. The rib knit is WAY stretchier so it can really be stretched out at the seam. Find my favorite summer fabrics here.

T-shirt with lettuce hem hack-

I used the free fitted t-shirt pattern for this, but it works with ANY t-shirt pattern you like.

Below I will walk you through each method of creating this fun look.

How to use a serger to sew a lettuce hem:

The settings are also in the video above but here is what you need to do for your serger to sew a rolled hem {lettuce hem}

• remove left needle
• remove stitch finger and store
• stitch width 5R
• stitch length R
• right needle 4-6 {I used 5}
• Upper looper 4-6 {I used 5}
• Lower looper 6-8 {I used 7}

Start sewing your fabric as normal until the needles catch the fabric, then start stretching. I like to use my hands in the front and back of the needle to stretch the fabric while continuing to feed it through the machine.

How to sew a lettuce hem with a sewing machine –

For this method you want to create a short, close zig-zag stitch. I set my zig-zag at about 2 width and usually around 1, or slightly less length. Again make sure the needle is in the fabric before you start stretching. One hand in the back and one in the front is really useful.

And there you go! Two fun methods that are easy to use to create a beautiful lettuce hem. I cant’ wait to sew myself a top using this as the hem. It’s not just for kids!