hem
HEM
/hem/
The finished lower edge of a piece of clothing, created by folding back and sewing down the raw fabric.
Prevents unraveling while defining the bottom boundary and total length of a garment.
The story behind the word. Derived from Proto-Germanic 'hamjam' (to enclose or restrict), 'hemm' in Old English meant the outer boundary of a garment. It gave rise to the verb meaning to enclose or wrap an edge tightly.
Word relationships
- border: Border is a general term for an edge, while hem specifies a folded and stitched edge on fabric.
- margin: Margin refers to blank perimeter space, whereas hem is a physical folded edge.
- raw edge: A raw edge is an unfinished cut fabric margin prone to fraying.
Commonly confused with
- seam: A seam connects two fabric panels together; a hem neatens the bottom outer edge of one panel.
Word family
- hemline (noun): The line formed by the lower edge of a garment.
- hemming (noun): The act or process of stitching hems.
Collocations
- rolled hem
- hemline
- blind hem
- adjust the hem
Idioms & expressions
- hem and haw
Example sentences
- "She took up the hem of her trousers by two inches so they would not drag across the floor." Alteration work
- "A blind hem stitch ensures no visible thread lines show on the exterior of a formal skirt." Garment finishing
Memory hook
HEM holds the end of the garment in place. Fold, sew, finish the bottom.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a seam; a seam joins two pieces of cloth together, whereas a hem finishes a single edge.
Fun facts
- The 'Hemline Index' theory proposed in 1926 suggested skirt hems rise during economic booms and fall during recessions.
Related words
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