Lettuce hem

A garment hem with curled wavy edge created by stretching knit while stitching—the lettuce hem form on dress assembly, distinct from [[rolled-hem|Rolled hem]] as related cousin and from [[narrow-hem|Narrow hem]] without lettuce hem naming.

How to recognize it

Lettuce hem shows zigzag or stretch stitch on knit edge pulled to create ruffled lettuce curl.

Rolled hem is the related cousin term. Narrow hem names a different construction method.

Origin and history

Seam articles name lettuce hem on garment assembly.[1] Hem documents lettuce hem construction on cotton.[2] Sewing contrasts lettuce hem and related finishes.[3] Construction photography documents lettuce hem reference.[4]

Lettuce hem reads on tailored and ready-to-wear dress.[2] Lettuce hem differs from related construction cousins.[1] Contrast with batch-32 stay stitching and basting prep on construction finish.[3]

Today lettuce hem appears on lettuce hem knit skirt, stretch tee edge, jersey dress hem, and curled-edge assembly in silk and wool.[1][2] Clean finish needs even stitch line.[4] When curled wavy hem edge created by stretching knit fabric while stitching—lettuce hem applies.[2]

Where it is used

Lettuce hem knit skirt, stretch tee edge, jersey dress hem, and curled-edge assembly.[2]

What is worn now

Editorial styling suggestions from MsDressly—not strict rules.

Lettuce hem pairs with pressed seam allowance on structured bodice.[2]

How it differs

Rolled hem is related cousin. Narrow hem names different finish. Compare gold anchors flat-felled and French.[1]

Expression and impression

Lettuce hem reads durable, clean-finished, and construction-specific.

Common questions

Lettuce hem vs rolled-hem? Rolled hem is related cousin; lettuce hem names specific form.[1]

Lettuce hem vs narrow-hem? Narrow hem lacks lettuce hem naming.[2]

Lettuce hem modern? Yes on lettuce hem knit skirt.[2]

Often confused with

Sources

  1. Seam . Wikipedia Joinery methods that connect fabric panels in garment assembly.
  2. Hem . Wikipedia Hem length and edge treatment from hand-rolled through blind and faced finishes.
  3. Sewing . Wikipedia Hand and machine techniques for joining and finishing textile edges.
  4. File:Knit lettuce hem.jpg . Wikimedia Commons Curled lettuce hem edge on knit fabric panel; CC BY-SA 4.0.

Written by MsDressly Editorial

September 28, 2026