Hem vs. Seam — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
A hem is a finished edge of fabric, often folded and sewn down, while a seam joins two pieces of fabric together.
Difference Between Hem and Seam
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Key Differences
A hem involves folding the edge of a fabric and sewing it down to create a finished edge, preventing fraying and adding decorative elements. On the other hand, a seam is the result of stitching two or more pieces of fabric together, essential for constructing garments or other fabric products.
Hems are typically found at the edges of garments like the bottom of skirts and sleeves, whereas seams are located throughout a piece, determining its shape and structure. While hems are often visible and can be decorative, seams may be hidden within the garment to improve appearance and comfort. Additionally, the techniques and purposes behind hems and seams differ; hems primarily serve to finish fabric edges, while seams are fundamental to joining fabric pieces.
Seams come in various types, such as plain, French, and flat-felled, each offering different strengths and aesthetic qualities, depending on the garment's needs. Meanwhile, hems can be simple, double-folded, or even use binding techniques for thicker fabrics or specific finishes.
In terms of durability, the construction of a seam can significantly impact a garment's overall strength and durability, while the type of hem can affect the wear and appearance of the fabric edge over time.
The choice between different seam and hem types depends on the fabric type, garment design, and desired final appearance, demonstrating their complementary roles in garment construction.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To finish the edge of fabric, preventing fraying and adding detail.
To join two or more pieces of fabric together.
Location
Typically at the bottom edges of garments, sleeves, etc.
Throughout a piece, determining its shape and structure.
Visibility
Often visible and can be decorative.
May be hidden within the garment for a better appearance.
Techniques
Folding and sewing down the fabric edge.
Stitching fabrics together using various types of stitches.
Types
Simple, double-folded, blind, and decorative.
Plain, French, flat-felled, and decorative.
Compare with Definitions
Hem
A folded edge of fabric sewn down to prevent fraying.
The skirt's hem was carefully stitched to ensure a clean finish.
Seam
The junction where two pieces of fabric are joined together.
The seamstress ensured every seam was strong and straight.
Hem
Can be decorative, adding elegance or detail to garments.
The hem of the dress was adorned with lace, adding a touch of elegance.
Seam
Can be structural, decorative, or reinforcing.
The jacket featured reinforced seams for extra durability.
Hem
Often found at the bottom of skirts, sleeves, or curtains.
The curtain's hem was weighted to ensure it hung straight.
Seam
Crucial for the garment's fit and shape.
Adjusting the side seams significantly altered the dress's fit.
Hem
Requires precision for a neat appearance.
The tailor measured the hem meticulously for a perfect fit.
Seam
Requires different techniques based on fabric and garment type.
She used a French seam for the silk blouse to hide the raw edges.
Hem
Varies in style, including blind, rolled, or faced hems.
She chose a blind hem for her trousers to keep the stitching invisible.
Seam
Includes various types like plain, French, and flat-felled seams.
For the denim jeans, a flat-felled seam was used for strength.
Hem
A hem in sewing is a garment finishing method, where the edge of a piece of cloth is folded and sewn to prevent unravelling of the fabric and to adjust the length of the piece in garments, such as at the end of the sleeve or the bottom of the garment.
Seam
A line of junction formed by sewing together two pieces of material along their margins.
Hem
An edge or border on a piece of cloth, especially a finished edge, as for a garment or curtain, made by folding an edge under and stitching it down.
Seam
A similar line, ridge, or groove made by fitting, joining, or lapping together two sections along their edges.
Hem
The height or level of the bottom edge of a skirt, dress, or coat; a hemline.
Seam
A suture.
Hem
A short cough or clearing of the throat made especially to gain attention, warn another, hide embarrassment, or fill a pause in speech.
Seam
A scar.
Hem
To fold back and stitch down the edge of.
Seam
A line across a surface, as a crack, fissure, or wrinkle.
Hem
To surround and shut in; enclose
A valley hemmed in by mountains.
Seam
A thin layer or stratum, as of coal or rock.
Hem
To utter a hem.
Seam
To put together with or as if with a seam.
Hem
To hesitate in speech.
Seam
To mark with a groove, wrinkle, scar, or other seamlike line.
Hem
Used to fill in the gap of a pause with a vocalized sound.
Seam
To become fissured or furrowed; crack open.
Hem
An utterance or sound of the voice like "hem", often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.
Seam
(sewing) A folded-back and stitched piece of fabric; especially, the stitching that joins two or more pieces of fabric.
Hem
(sewing) The border of an article of clothing doubled back and stitched together to finish the edge and prevent it from fraying.
Seam
A suture.
Hem
A rim or margin of something.
Seam
(geology) A thin stratum, especially of an economically viable material such as coal or mineral.
Hem
In sheet metal design, a rim or edge folded back on itself to create a smooth edge and to increase strength or rigidity.
Seam
(cricket) The stitched equatorial seam of a cricket ball; the sideways movement of a ball when it bounces on the seam.
Hem
To make the sound expressed by the word hem; to hesitate in speaking.
Seam
A joint formed by mating two separate sections of materials.
Seams can be made or sealed in a variety of ways, including adhesive bonding, hot-air welding, solvent welding, using adhesive tapes, sealant, etc.
Hem
To make a hem.
Seam
A line or depression left by a cut or wound; a scar; a cicatrix.
Hem
(transitive) To put hem on an article of clothing, to edge or put a border on something.
Seam
(figurative) A line of junction; a joint.
Hem
(transitive) To shut in, enclose, confine; to surround something or someone in a confining way.
A small yard hemmed about by a tall hedge.
Seam
(historical) An old English measure of grain, containing eight bushels.
Hem
Obsolete form of 'em
Seam
(historical) An old English measure of glass, containing twenty-four weys of five pounds, or 120 pounds.
Hem
Them
Seam
Grease; tallow; lard.
Hem
An onomatopoetic word used as an expression of hesitation, doubt, etc. It is often a sort of voluntary half cough, loud or subdued, and would perhaps be better expressed by hm.
Cough or cry hem, if anybody come.
Seam
To put together with a seam.
Hem
An utterance or sound of the voice, hem or hm, often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.
Seam
To make the appearance of a seam in, as in knitting a stocking; hence, to knit with a certain stitch, like that in such knitting.
Hem
The edge or border of a garment or cloth, doubled over and sewed, to strengthen it and prevent raveling.
Seam
To mark with a seam or line; to scar.
Hem
Border; edge; margin.
Seam
To crack open along a seam.
Hem
A border made on sheet-metal ware by doubling over the edge of the sheet, to stiffen it and remove the sharp edge.
Seam
(cricket) Of the ball, to move sideways after bouncing on the seam.
Hem
To make the sound expressed by the word hem; hence, to hesitate in speaking.
Seam
(cricket) Of a bowler, to make the ball move thus.
Hem
To form a hem or border to; to fold and sew down the edge of.
Seam
Grease; tallow; lard.
Hem
To border; to edge
All the skirt aboutWas hemmed with golden fringe.
Seam
The fold or line formed by sewing together two pieces of cloth or leather.
Hem
Lap that forms a cloth border doubled back and stitched down
Seam
Hence, a line of junction; a joint; a suture, as on a ship, a floor, or other structure; the line of union, or joint, of two boards, planks, metal plates, etc.
Precepts should be so finely wrought together . . . that no coarse seam may discover where they join.
Hem
Fold over and sew together to provide with a hem;
Hem my skirt
Seam
A thin layer or stratum; a narrow vein between two thicker strata; as, a seam of coal.
Hem
Utter `hem' or `ahem'
Seam
A line or depression left by a cut or wound; a scar; a cicatrix.
Seam
A denomination of weight or measure.
Seam
To form a seam upon or of; to join by sewing together; to unite.
Seam
To mark with something resembling a seam; to line; to scar.
Seamed o'er with wounds which his own saber gave.
Seam
To make the appearance of a seam in, as in knitting a stocking; hence, to knit with a certain stitch, like that in such knitting.
Seam
To become ridgy; to crack open.
Later their lips began to parch and seam.
Seam
Joint consisting of a line formed by joining two pieces
Seam
A slight depression in the smoothness of a surface;
His face has many lines
Ironing gets rid of most wrinkles
Seam
A stratum of ore or coal thick enough to be mined with profit;
He worked in the coal beds
Seam
Put together with a seam;
Seam a dress
Common Curiosities
How does a seam differ from a hem?
A seam joins two pieces of fabric together, while a hem finishes the fabric's edge.
Are certain seam types stronger than others?
Yes, some seams, like the flat-felled seam, are designed for extra strength and durability.
Can seams be decorative, or are they always functional?
Seams can be both decorative and functional, depending on the garment's design.
What types of hems are commonly used in garment making?
Common hems include blind, rolled, faced, and decorative hems.
What is the importance of seam allowance in sewing?
Seam allowance is crucial for ensuring there is enough fabric to construct the seam properly without affecting the fit.
What tools are needed for hemming a garment?
Basic tools include needles, thread, scissors, and sometimes a sewing machine.
What is the main purpose of a hem?
To finish the edge of fabric, adding durability and often decorative detail.
What is the role of a hem in home decor items like curtains?
Hems in home decor items like curtains add weight, ensure they hang straight, and prevent fraying.
Can a garment have both hems and seams?
Most garments feature both hems and seams in their construction.
How do you choose the right seam for a fabric type?
The choice depends on the fabric's weight, the garment's design, and desired durability.
Is hemming necessary for all garments?
While not all garments require hemming, it is a common practice to ensure a finished look.
Can seams be hidden in a garment?
Yes, seams can be designed to be hidden for a cleaner and more comfortable finish.
How do fabric types influence seam selection?
The fabric type dictates the seam selection based on its weight, stretch, and intended use.
Why might a garment designer opt for a decorative hem?
A decorative hem can add aesthetic appeal and uniqueness to a garment.
Can the type of hem affect the garment's longevity?
Yes, the type of hem can impact durability, especially in terms of wear and tear at the fabric's edge.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
