How To Level A Hem? Whats The Best Method? LASERS? Chalk Marker? String? Let's Find Out....
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- čas přidán 28. 09. 2021
- Hey Peeps! I get asked this questions all the time ..... "How do you level the hem on your dresses?". So I thought I would make this video trying out all the different methods I've heard of and see which one/ones I liked the best. Mr Pinchy Pinchy Device is a definite winner but the flat lay method is also brilliant and you don't need any special equipment to do it! Let me know which is your favourite and if you have a method I haven't tried.
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There's a really smart method a sewing book I have from 1951 recommends that can be done by yourself (partially, anyway). With the garment on, stand beside a table or counter that is approximately hip level. Mark or pin that level all the way around your body (tricky on the back, but do-able). Then, carefully remove the garment and use the pinned or marked line as your baseline for measuring. This method does take into account any irregularities in the upper body and hips, so the level you mark would take things like a high hip, full bottom or tummy into account. I have done this with full circle skirts and it does work. Tedious, but....
Brilliant!
Wow, thanks for this tip! I've just improvised my way through a loose, pleated summer dress during which every key measurement and marker changed at least twice... so although the project worked out, I haven't so much as a reliable waistline to hem from. This is just what I needed!
Sounds good
Thank you!
thank you for this tip. I have the puffer but im doing a full circle skirt and with all the fabric I kept knocking the thing over. after reading this, I put the puffer on a chair and marked at my hip level where the skirt was less full and I could keep one hand on the puffer so it didn't fall. worked beautifully.
Great trial of methods! I used the "lay it out" method for. a long time, then I inherited the floor hem gauge from my mother-in-law. Floor hem gauge is what she called it (she was a seamstress for many years). I feel very fortunate, I did not know they were out of production. My hubby is my hem marker, trained by his mother HA HA!! Thank you for this post.
That's a real gift MIL left you. And the pinchypinchy device is nice too. 😅
My mom would stand me on the kitchen table and use the pinchy pinchy device to level the hems on my dresses. That was back in the 1960s. I still have it but it is much shorter than yours. It is now part of the decor of my sewing room. I also have the table, it was an antique when my mom had it, she got it from a good friend who found it at a garage sale thinking my mom would like it because it was hand made oak table and chairs.
You'd never guess.....my cheap body form from Aldi (love the middle aisles) comes with a pinchy pinchy mechanism on it. Until I watched your vlog I had no idea what it was or how to use it. Game changer. Thank you. Now I have this method AND my laser sharks.
Looks like Wawak has the pin type hem marker (pinchy pinchy device sounds more fun 😁) for about $20. American Sewing Supply carries it also.
Thank you very much Sian for your video.I have been sewing mostly dresses since Jan 2020 and majority of them needed hem finishing which I have been holding on to since your video came out.
You are an absolute angel thank you so much
Thank you for this! I've had a pinchy pinchy thing for 30 years and never used it. I don't even remember where I got it. A yard sale maybe? But now that you've demonstrated how it works, I can't wait to try it out!
Oh hallelujah. I just heard Mimi G say on her Vlog that she's working with them...the big 4 . To put more useful information on the back of the envelope. That can only mean....finished garment measurements !!! She's really working for us, the customer and I am grateful
Excellent video - just what I was looking for! Thank you thank you 🥰
Thankyou for this. I know what to do now. I will never forget this lesson. I am new to sewing dresses and i couldnt figure out when the instructions say level the hem. Didnt know how to do it. Thankyou so much.
I was eagerly awaiting this video and definitely wasn’t disappointed! I might have to see if the maker space has a laser level; seems just the kind of thing the guys might invest in. I once bought a snap line to mark straight lines on walls. It pulls back into its chalk filled casing like a builder’s measuring tape so that would save the messy application of powder to a string part and make the door frame option easier. I wonder where that thing ended up 🤔 Otherwise, I just might have to order a Pinchy-pinchy devise from the states!❤️
Hello, loved the demo of these different hem marking techniques. Thank you for taking the time to do this. For the powdered chalk people could use the Clover Chaco Liner Refills.
I have never to be forgotten childhood memories of my mother waking my early to bed father from a deep sleep. Him sitting on the floor with his long legs, pinning her hem (with a pinchy pinchy devise) and when done going right back to sleep.
i have both a pinchy device (I once had a friend pin a hem in the seating area of a supermarket) and a chalk marker that I do do myself.
I think my main concern about levelling the hem without it being on my body is whether the shape of my lumps and bumps will alter what makes it ‘level’.
I have IBS and change shape dramatically even during a single day, maybe the answer is that I need to be less of a perfectionist and just be happy with the best I can do 🤪
I think I will stick to our laser, I had thought that I needed a pinchy pinchy or a chalk spray, but using lasers does make it sound so much more exciting!
Ooh so excited for this video!!
My great grandmother used a devise similar to this. I remember her slowly turning while squeezing the bulb. Her hems were always perfect.
On my way to eBay now! Thanks for this little experiment Sian!
Ebay australia came thru - just ordered a vintage pinchy pinchy (i noticed there were lots of watchers probably thanks to your video)- thank you!! I always have trouble with my hems
I have used my hem puffer marker since the 70's and it has never made such a mess! I wear the heals that go with the dress when I mark - found it makes a small difference on slimmer skirts.
I'm definitely going to try and find some chalk to try ..... or do it outside in future 🤣🤣. Good tip about the heels 😊
I have a very old hem puffer that's from the 50s or something, unfortunately the ruler part has been lost at some point. It's instructions tell you to wear the dress and wear the shoes you plan on wearing! I've never used it as it was a hand-me-down but it has the chalk and everything else so I'm thinking now I should get a ruler made!
What to do when the heels make the back shorter than front on a formal gown?!!! Find any answers I’d love to hear them!!!
Nice video. Good information and very helpful. Thanks for sharing. Tip, put down a plastic shower curtain under your dress form or whenever you use the chalker and when your done, roll the shower curtain up, no chalk mess to clean up.
I find loose chalk at a home improvement store or online at tool shops. It is used in chalk lines for construction to… mark straight lines for cutting wood. It comes in different colors too. I would still use it outside due to the mess though. Thanks for the time you took showing the different methods. It’s very helpful. ~ Diann
Also outdoor or sport shops that have some goods for climbing should generally carry loose chalk, as this is something the people dust their hands in when bouldering / climbing. Although home improvement stores are probably cheaper? ^^'
I bought a dress maker's dummy with a pinchy pinchy device attached! I hadn't used it as to be honest I was unsure how to, without any instructions When I looked at it I considered if to rub chalk on the pincers, or to use pins (as you demonstrated) The central pole that the body form sits on has a ruler on As a new viewer to your channel thank you I had thought that yet again I'd purchased something (as the pinchy pinchy was an optional extra) that would never be used/be useful! After your instruction it could be a very worthwhile investment Thanks again entertaining and informative video
This happened to me also. I now know that the contraption is attached to the lower pole of my cheap dress form from Aldi. Until Sian explained the method on her vlog I had completely ignored this weird device.
Yes, I've got one on the pole of my dress form too. Though I have to say with anything but the fullest skirt I'd rather stand at the cutting table and measure than be on my knees on the floor - but that's probably just my age and dodgy knees😀 Thanks for an informative and fun video.
I resolved this using a rather niche combination of the talc/string and table/pins. I'm a violinist, so I put extra rosin on a bow, put it up to a table edge and turned myself around the tangent. Measured down and pinned, and all anomalies were very obvious. I know this is a bit left field, but it worked very well.
I like the ingenuity!
former violinist from public schools here, I heartily approve this method!
Wawak sells the pinchy pinchy device for $19.95, it's called a Skirt/Hem Marker. They ship internationally.
That's where I bought mine, and it shipped from NYC to the Midwest pretty quickly.
On sale today (October 13, 2021) for $14.95 - don't know how long the sale will last.
I got an attachment which does this with my mannequin from Aldi. Didnt know how it worked but now it makes sense. Thank you
~Thank you! Just what I needed!!
~chalk at quilt stores, called pounce powder.
~I used this very device to (unsuccessfully) mark a hem while wearing the garment. The device came with a small package of chalk. The chalk came out in one big puff, then closed the passageway so no more chalk could come out. I did not find it useful, but see you have a better result not wearing the garment. Still, I needed to know where to apply the chalk--the whole reason for buying it! You have been much more helpful than the device!
I can't wait to use my Pinchy Pinchy Device for my next project. (I'm not quick about finishing projects, so it may be a few weeks yet.) I hope the UK peeps are able to find a local source. It seems like the fabric stores over there cater more to garment sewing, unlike the US which is quilting-dominated, so it surprises me that this handy device isn't more readily available.
I've used the puffy puffy while wearing my dress. Didn't need much twisting at all. I did connect the dots after taking it off and before cutting.
Great video. I needed an easier method to achieve a level hem. As i had a laser, i bought a cheap tripod and rigged it up to give a horizontal beam. It worked a treat, although I found I had to move the tripod around the mannequin rather than twizzle the mannequin. The problem is the screw on my mannequin doesn't hold so it slipped down as I was turning it...ended up with a helter-skelter of a hem. However once I'd realised and altered the method it absolutely worked a treat so no going back to tape measures and swear words. Thanks
Hi Sian l managed to get a hem marker or pinchy pinchy device from USA on eBay. It arrived today and hope this will help me with my nemesis
Level hems!! Thanks for sharing the information on the different types. Something similar on my manakin but never sure how to use it. I think
this will help. 🤗🤞
I have always used the first method,brilliant idea about using the waist line mark it it doesn't have a waist seam.It does make a difference if you use chalk rather than talc as the chalk particles are heavier.I love the last method,it was genius,however,I no longer own a dress form.so I'll be using my original method but a really interesting vlog.
One last attempt to get my comment published. Afraid the previous got labled as possible spam. Oh, oh. Hihi 🤭 Had been looking forward to this video. Very curious about the pinchy-pinchy device.
I have used the chalk marker. Don’t remember it being that messy. Maybe tailor’s chalk “sticks” better to fabric than the powder? Look for prym tailor chalk powder refill. It comes in small bottles with a “spout” that makes filling easy. Also have the spout of the marker touch the fabric and give just light puffs. The big advantage of this method for me is that I can do it by myself while wearing the skirt or dress. I need to wear for levelling, because my waist is slightly tilted and I need extra length over my bum. 😽💕
I can't believe I found one for a similar price here in nz for $25. Thank you for this video
Hi I found this video very helpful I was lucky to find the pinchy device ina charity shop for 1.50 pence but didnt know how to use it thank you so much xx
My more experienced sewing friends recommended I get the other colors that Chaco/clover (?) makes since I started doing more light toned skirts. I found some yellow on Amazon if that helps!
Oh, and I dispense my chalk over scraps of paper... and the chalk vacuums up much better than talc.
You need to be careful with colored chalks. I am a quilter and am informed they are colored due to DYE! They are difficult to get out of fabrics, esp the blue (I think)-- do check.
I am in Australia and have pinchy pinchy device that I purchased within the last few years, it is Birch brand and called a pin skirt hem marker.
For loose chalk, a good place to look would probably be a climbing/bouldering place or a gym. Love the video!
Ooooh!!! Good idea!
Yes, I was going to suggest chalk for weightlifting. Often comes in blocks, but it crumbles very easily.
(blue) chalk powder is also sold at many hardware stores...
I agree pinching machine and laser is the way to go . Pinchi pinchi is probably the Cheapest way to go too because even with shipping could be cheaper than laser and the pinchi will probably out live the laser too
All hail the pinchy-pinchy!
- ✨🐐
YES!! 🤣
This was very helpful n entertaining... lol
That being said... the laser level I have (only used with construction till now) actually suctions to the wall so I was imagining that you would attach it to one of your table legs (sides) then use... I just hadn't thought of it n when you mentioned using it I couldn't imagine how to do it by yourself... duh mannequin of course !!! I have a dress makes form... lol... I have a pinchy pinchy that my mom had... I don't wear skirts but for once or twice a year so I haven't been desperate to solve my situation...
Will that said I wonder if the laser you borrowed had a suctioning option the neighbor didn't mention... if I find a listing for that laser I will let you know I've had mine about 20 years... blessings
OMG... I knew I still had this n I found it... its a Ryobi AIR GRIPE Laser Level n I found it on Amazon... I'll post it n pictures in the Facebook group... yeah !!!
Wawak calls the Pinchy Pinchy devise a skirt/hem marker. When I googled - Skirt Hem Marker Pin UK - i got some results that were used and low priced.
Wawak in the US carries the "pinchy pinchy" hemmers. They are $20.00. Don't know what shipping costs. The base is slightly different also.
Wawak still has them but now they cost about 25 dollars, which is the same price as a basic puffer.
For the first example of leveling adress with waist band could you turn the dress inside out to see the markings easier?
you could get chalk that you use to write on chalk boards and use a grater to make it into powder form.
My mannequin has a pinchy pinchy device attached I hadn't realised what it was so thank you
🤣💚🧙♀️ Could you put a children's mess mat/table cloth underneath to catch the messy chalk? I found one in the baby section in Poundland with Sharks on for my Grandson a couple of weeks ago 🦈
Hi, is it possible to tape the laser on the puff level hemmer, maybe it will work.
My cheap Dritz dress form that I bought last year came with a pinchy pinchy device.
Would this work for asymmetrical shirt hems ? I hate the style, but love the top of the shirt.
How about taping a marker to a yardstick and bracing it on the floor while you spin around? Or taping a marker to a door frame? I'm going to try that since I don't have any LASERS or pinchypinchy devices.
I wonder if you could by some normal chalk, and grind it up finely on a blender? (Thermomix would make a nice powder). You could then buy some different coloured chalks instead of just white. It sure if it would work?
Great vlog. I've never used the chalk powder puff marker myself. I would have thought it was designed so that it could be used solo by the dress maker whilst wearing the outfit. It occurred to me that mayberry the whole chalk chamber slider thingy might be upside down on your vlog. Wouldn't it be easier for the chalk in the container to be gravity fed to the wide thin outlet when puffed out? Not sure if this might make things more messy or if less puff is needed leading to less mess. Worth a play around.
But like I said I've never used one, or even seen one in action before. I've no idea what the instructions say. I'll stick to my sharks with laser method🦈. Never fails 🤣. Although the pinchy pinchy method looks interesting.
It can indeed be used with you wearing the dress; you just have to be careful with the fullness in the hem to make sure it all gets marked. I agree that the chalk chamber seems to be the wrong way up but if you watch the vlog you see me try and put it on that way and it won't fit! The only way it slides on is the way I used it. I think sharks with laser is the superior method for sure 😉🤣
Could you used the chalk blower thingy and mount it on wheels and them mount a pen to mark instead of powder? Maybe we are on to something here. 😁
My Prym dressform has something like a hemming device similar to the pinchy pinchy device on it
I have the punchy punchy device but I don’t have a dress form or mannequin. Would hanging the dress up high work the same as if I had a mannequin?
I’m looking for a device/way to level my makes now and came across your review. Just wondering when you use the flatlay system and measure down from the waist, when you actually try the dress/skirt on, do curves (bum/hips) not affect how level the length is? And probably also when hanging it on a stand unless you have a lifesize mannequin…?
I haven't noticed a discrepancy at the bum/hip point but I do understand what you mean. I think the best device if you are worried about that is the chalk blower; used whilst you are wearing the garment. although you do have to be careful not to "tip and twist" whilst you are marking :) I hope you find something that works for you :)
In the US, you can buy a pin hem marker at Wawak.
Yes, they ship internationally.
Could you attach the laser level to the ruler of the chalk marker somehow? With a clamp or something?
What I learned today, is that the hem height changes around your skirt to accommodate the rear and hips of your body… so either bustle up your dummy or wear the article of clothing to get the true hem height… esp for a really short skirt!!!!
Also, if you use a construction chalk line, that marks really well and is not messy.
Would making a crinoline to hang underneath a fuller skirt to reduce folds make things easier I wonder?
Use chalk. Also must put the nozzle to touch the garment then squeeze to dispense chalk. Gives a precise line. Mine stays on for a while. So, give it another go some time.
I wonder how you could make a pinchy device….I might try that.
What do you do when a skirt that hangs long in the front no matter which way you turn it?
I found a pinchy pinchy! In my sewing room, gifted to me years ago. But it’s in pieces 😢 nothing a bit of wire can’t fix I’m sure 😝
The dress with the lovely collar you are wearing in this video is just beautiful. Do you have the pattern number and name for that dress (or top)? Thanks sooo much!!!!!
It’s all listed in the description box 😊
If I make my hem equidistant from the waist the back hem comes out shorter than the front because of my curves. I stuffed a dressform to fit me and used my pinchy thing (I love how it magically guides the pin in perfectly.) but my dressform leans from the weight of the stuffing so I can't get an even reading it ended up too short in the back. The string in door never worked for me nor the chalk puff and no one will help me.
Does the waist seam method work if you have an empire waist?
@16.34 put the powder on paper, then fold in half and use as a funnel.
As long as the waistline is even all the way around then it could be empire, natural or drop and I think this method would work :)
@@KittenishBehaviourSian does the curve of your bum not mean your hem is shorter at the back?
Depends on the size of your bum! For me I haven't noticed a difference to the hem and I do have fairly big hips/butt and a sway back but it'll be different for everyone. you can mark them hem evenly and try it on before you cut and adjust if needed.
Wawak also offers the pin markers for $19.99 USD
Oops sorry.. I see someone else already notified the group of this :)
Ok, how about a simple laser pointer/cat toy? It is a dot, not a line and you need to put it on something but at least they are about a tenner and you can get USB charged ones, saving on batteries. Maybe put two or three in a row so you get a small row of dots?
I'm not sure I'd be able to ensure the were all level with each other 😬 but I like how you think! 😊
If you want the chalk powder I would use a potato peeler to grate some ordinary chalk off and that would do. Talc is too fine I would think
Thats a good idea! The talc was a recommendation from a Peep and I thought it worth a try .....it definitely smelt nice 😊🤣
Wondering if cornflour would work?
OK, I think the "chalk" method is great-I would have just put newspaper or something around the base area and floor, then you can just pick it up and shake it into the dust bin! :+)
Now why didn’t I think of that! 🤣
@@KittenishBehaviourSian lol
❤️
Kind of random, but climbers and gymnasts use loose chalk...maybe try searching with those terms and you'd have better luck...maybe even carpenters chalk, you know the blue stuff for marking with the string thing...lol, more of a seamstress than a wood worker, but I hope you know what I mean.
how would i find a Mr. Pinchy Pinchy in the US? Does it have another name it goes by?
I've linked the Pinchy Pinchy device search I used in the comments 😊 It'll will show you what to search for on US eBay www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=pin+type+hem+marker&_sacat=0
I just thought I could grate the chalk
🐝
🌹
🐯
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From online: Breathing in talcum powder can lead to very serious lung problems
Thank you for letting me know
Think you should warn people about the flashing in your video, it could cause people that suffer to induce a fit
See, if hubby had asked for a shark with a laser on it's head, I would have found a stuffed shark and put a laser pointer on it's head and given it to him. But smartarsery is an art form in my house.
Shhhhhh that’s going to be Wilson’s Christmas present 🎁 🤣
🐫🎉🌈
wawak sales them
🦊🇨🇦🦊
I went to Amazon to look for laser levels on tripods. I couldn't believe how expensive they were. $400-$650! It seems like such a good idea, but out of my budget. I'm in the US.
I know!! I was quite shocked how expensive some of them were 😳
Look for Bosch Laser Level Quigo. Has it’s own clamp to attached to e.g. a chair or table leg. Also look like it can be used with a regular camera tripod. I wrote a whole comment including this, but the comment seems to have disappeared??