Clover Hot Hemmer-6-inch x 5-inch, Nylon, Original Version, Each

Product Information

Part of the Press Perfect collection by Joan Hawley for Clover, the Hot Hemmer is a 5″ x 6″ powerhouse of pressing. It’s definitely one of those, “I-can’t-believe-no-one-thought-of-this-before” kind of products. Of course, there have been hem gauges for years, but they are usually metal or plastic. Ironing over a metal gauge can make it too hot to touch and it can actually get hot enough to damage delicate fabric. Plastic is often simply not able to handle ironing without melting or warping, which means you constantly have to measure and then move the gauge out of the way, hoping you can keep your fold accurate. 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. 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. 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.

Measure, fold and iron any hem in one smooth motion. Measure, fold, press. Repeat as necessary for the length or your project. The Hot Ruler with its increased length makes short work of long hems. Both take all of the guess work out of even, consistent hems. No last minute surprises where hem lines do not match up. Pleats anyone? Yes, you can use it to measure, fold and press pleats as well. With this wider hem, we often suggest cutting off the point of the first corner fold to reduce bulk. To do this, fold in the point of the corner as above and press. 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. 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.Below, we walk you through how to use the Hot Hemmer for five of the most common tasks. Flat double-fold hem Using the corner cut out, position the bottom edge of the Hot Hemmer so it runs along the bottom raw edge of your fabric. Slide the Hot Hemmer right to left, marking at your desired height. We show a 1″ mark in the photo below. Just keep the edge of the Hot Hemmer running flush with the raw edge of the fabric. Refold along your second set of ¼” crease lines and press. If you’ve been careful with your measurements and pressing, this second re-fold will create a diagonal line where your two finished edged meet, making a neat split corner. 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.

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. 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. Then make sure the Hot Hemmer is placed so the diagonal line is pointing towards the corner of your fabric, with the corner touching the point your 2 hems intersect.Can't recommend it fully. It's okay. I really love the idea of burning myself less, and I really, really wanted to love the Hot Hemmer after waiting so long to get it. But I don't love it—and if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have bothered. Wrap the raw edge of the fabric over the hemmer, aligning the raw edge of the fabric with the appropriate ruler mark for your initial fold. We used a ½” initial fold. Press in place. 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 cut out at the top of the Hot Hemmer can use used to measure and mark a boxed corner for a pouch or bag. Thanks to the exact diagonal line running across the Hot Hemmer, it’s fast and easy to create a true 45˚ fold.

Fold in again at a 45˚ angle – just as you did above, you simply have a cut edge rather than a folded edge. The diagonal line across the Hot Hemmer helps you sew mitered corners with ease. Start by pressing your hem on either side of the corner using the Hot Hemmer to get it to the exact depth you want. Following the steps above for getting an accurate straight hem. Fold the bottom hem up over the Hot Hemmer and press in place, them fold the side hem over the Hot Hemmer, the fold line should line up with the diagonal line on the Hot Hemmer. If it does you know you have a prefect mitered corner, press it into place. 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.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.