Contour hem
Also known as: Shaped hem, Contour edge stitch
Hem that precisely follows a shaped edge (curve, neckline, saddle line) — either invisibly stitched down or executed as a visible decorative topstitch.
Description
A contour hem is a hem that follows a non-straight edge and whose stitching precisely tracks a curve or shaped contour. It is used on all garment features with curved or padded edges — e.g. necklines, armholes, waist curves, saddle seams on riding-breech gussets or hood hems.
Contour hems are made with a straight twin-needle chain stitch, a coverstitch or a narrow decorative topstitch at 3-6 mm needle spacing. For curves, a slightly stretchy sewing thread (textured polyester) is recommended so that the hem does not snap when moving. In visible applications, contrast threads are often used for design effect.
- Use: necklines, hoods, saddles, waist curves
- Stitch types: twin-needle chain stitch, coverstitch, twin decorative topstitch
- Thread: textured polyester preferred for stretch
- Look: invisible or contrast-colour decorative
Properties
| Use | Curves, necklines, hoods, saddles |
|---|---|
| Stitch types | Twin-needle chain stitch, coverstitch |
| Needle spacing | Typically 3-6 mm |
| Thread | Textured polyester (slightly stretchy) |
Related product categories
Sources & references
2- Wikipedia: Saum (Naeharbeit) Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saum_(N%C3%A4hen)
- Coats: Sewing threads guide coats.com https://www.coats.com/en/information-hub
