Because the Hot Hemmer has identical accurate markings running both horizontally and vertically, it’s easy to move in either direction with your marking and pressing. This is especially nice on very, very long hems. More effort and more time required. To put in a hem we have to make all of those measurements and the markings and then make all of the folds and then put in all of the pins to hold the folds we’ve measured. And then we have to press around the pins and then remove the pins. Below, we walk you through how to use the Hot Hemmer for five of the most common tasks. Flat double-fold hem If we measure, mark, cut, pin, press and sew accurately the result is something that is pleasing to us. If we don’t . . . ah well, then not so much. But there’s more to consider.

Below are the steps a ¼” double-turn hem. This sample is a simple napkin project, but you can use the technique anytime you need a narrow hemmed corner. We love it for single-layer apron skirt corners, placemats, even lightweight blankets. Fold in the corner a second time, at¼” andagain at a 45˚ angle. The outer edges of this second fold should line up with your first set of crease lines. Press.The bottom line is if you use the Hot Hemmer or Hot Ruler (or even see them used) you will want one or both for your very own. Years of development have produced a truly useful sewing tool. The measuring marks on the Hot Hemmer are very accurate and include straight edges, a curved corner, a true 45˚ diagonal for mitering, and ⅛” divisions. The most common ¼”, ½” and ¾” measurements are highlighted.

You can use the Hot Hemmer with either a dry or steam iron, and it will withstand temperatures up to 428˚F (220˚C). As with ironing on any surface, if you hold your iron in one place on the Hot Hemmer for an extended period of time, the surface can become discolored. It worked equally well for the larger hem and heavier fabric shown below as well as for the very narrow hem in lightweight fabric shown above.A standard ½” hem is created in exactly the same manner, but starts with two ½” folds rather than the ¼” folds shown above. This clever product is designed to help you press accurate hems, both straight and curved, but can also be used to make perfect mitered corners as well. It’s made from a heat resistant nylon which allows the steam from the iron to pass through it onto your fabric. It is also non-slip to hold your fabric in place whilst you press. The corner cut out is also very handy when you need to measure and mark on an already dimensional item, such as finding the point at which to insert purse feet on the bottom of a finished bag.

It merely stays in place while you manipulate your fabric into place for pressing. And best of all both are loaded with useful measuring and angle markings and cutouts.They can be incorporated in every class, used at every retreat, even featured as the “Notion of the Month”. We thought we’d write a post to tell you more about one of our new products, the Hot Hemmer, and how it can help you get more accurate hems. Only now that I've had it for a while and used it on several projects with all different kinds and weights of fabrics so that I can review it properly, it's not the miracle helper I hoped for. No question about it, it’s a lot of detail work and if we mess it up we’re going to be disappointed. There’s gotta’ be another way. And there is and that’s where the Hot Hemmer and Hot Rulercome in.

Finally, the material it's made of: not sure what it is, but it feels almost like a grippier version of felt. (Might be that stuff you get at JoAnn's to stiffen the bottom of purses with?) Other reviewers have mentioned how nice that grippiness can be because you can place your fabric on whatever depth of hem you want and get your hands out of the way. I find this is true for some fabrics but not nearly all—so if that's why you wanted it, just be aware that maybe only 50% of fabric types grip enough to let go. The Hot Hemmer and Hot Ruler will revolutionize the way you do hems, mitered corners and pressed curves. They truly are the “go to” tools for anyone who does hems, mitered corners or pressed curves.

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The Hot Ruler is 10″x 2 1/2″ and is designed for completing longer hems in minimum time. If you’re ironing hems for draperies, this is your tool. Align the Hot Hemmer with the corner of the bag bottom, adjusting for your required depth. Then trace the corner with a fabric pen or pencil. For the first time we have a tandem of sewing tools that lets us accurately measure, mark and press all at the same time and with one tool.