Help Removing an Invisible Stitched Hem

[The Wizard of BC]

OK. super easy. That is a machine sewn blind hem.

Basically a chain stitch.

So cut one of the threads at one end. If you got the right end all the stitching should just pull out.

If it does not un-ravel, try the other end.

Then set up a steam iron set to the Wool setting. Get a pillow case and a spray bottle full of water.

Put the cloth on the inside of the fabric and spritz liberally with water. Well damp but not wet.
When you put the iron on the pillow case the heat will heat the water to steam that softens the fibers.

Don't worry about trying to keep the pleat creases right now, just try to steam the hem flat and if you lose the bottom couple of inches of the pleat crease don't worry you will be pressing them right back in later.

The pillow case prevents the hot iron sole plate from damaging the wool. The water creates steam to soften the wool fibers. And all the iron does is create heat and allow you to put pressure on the fabric to flatten the creases.

Go slow and give the fabric time to heat up. It should be hot enough that you cannot keep your hand on the fabric for more than a few seconds. The secret is the steam which does all the work.


When the hem is totally gone, baste the pleats and the apron edges back into place and press them down - HARD -. This sets the creases back in the pleats and where the hem was creased in the opposite direction.


Please don't skip the basting. Its job is to hold everything aligned as you move the kilt around and you can press over basting without leaving the puckers that pins leave.