[Albion Wilde]

Nothing beats a hand-stitched hem, if you take it easy and make small overcast stitches, not pulled too tight, and fairly close together. That is for "nice" clothes and fine fabrics. Here are two ways:

For a utility hem on a cotton shirt, shorts, etc., the best bet is to iron it carefully into place and then stitch it.

By hand always looks best if you are a consistent, patient stitcher -- especially if there is a print and you can pick your way around the colors so your one color thread shows the least. If you want a machine stitch, a regular machine is best, unless you are really good with a hand-held.

[Jane Long]

Agree. Much easier.