Hemmed: meaning, definitions and examples

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hemmed

 

[hɛm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sewing technique

To hem something means to finish the edge of a piece of fabric, typically to prevent it from fraying. This is often done with a fold and a stitch to create a neat edge.

Synonyms

edge, finish, fold.

Examples of usage

  • She hemmed the dress before wearing it.
  • The tailor hemmed the pants for a perfect fit.
  • He learned how to hem his own clothes.
  • The edges of the curtains were hemmed to match the decor.
Context #2 | Verb

constrain

To hem someone in means to restrict their movement or freedom, often by surrounding them. This usage conveys a sense of being trapped or limited by external forces.

Synonyms

confine, restrict, trap.

Examples of usage

  • The police hemmed in the protesters.
  • She felt hemmed in by her responsibilities.
  • The walls of the old town hemmed in the market square.
  • They were hemmed in by thick underbrush.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'hem' comes from the Old English 'hem' meaning 'to enclose or confine.'
  • Historically, tailors used hems for both decorative and practical purposes, making clothes last longer.
  • The term has been used in textiles since the 14th century in England.

Fashion & Textile

  • A hem can be of various styles, such as a straight hem, scalloped hem, or rolled hem, adding unique details to garments.
  • Hemming techniques have evolved with technology; today, sewing machines can do hems much faster and more precisely than hand-stitching.
  • In garment construction, the length of a hem can greatly influence the look and style of clothing.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, the way a garment is hemmed can signify marital status, wealth, or social class.
  • Traditional crafts like quilting often incorporate intricate hems as part of artistic expression.
  • Hemming is a common practice in professional tailoring, indicating a garment’s craftsmanship and quality.

Practical Use

  • Hemming helps prevent the fabric edges from fraying, which can ruin the item over time.
  • Home sewers often learn to hem as one of the first skills, as it’s essential for making or altering clothing.
  • Hemming is not limited to clothing; it is also commonly used in curtains, tablecloths, and upholstery.

Modern Applications

  • With the rise of fast fashion, the concept of hemming has extended to quick alterations done quickly for mass-produced garments.
  • Professionally hemmed clothes are often seen as more polished, affecting perceptions of style and professionalism.
  • Today, technology has introduced adhesive hems and no-sew options, making hemming more accessible for many.

Translations

Translations of the word "hemmed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bordeado

🇮🇳 हेम किया हुआ

🇩🇪 umsäumt

🇮🇩 dijahit

🇺🇦 обшитий

🇵🇱 wykończony

🇯🇵 裾を縫った

🇫🇷 ourlé

🇪🇸 rematado

🇹🇷 kenarları dikişli

🇰🇷 헴 처리된

🇸🇦 مخيط

🇨🇿 obšitý

🇸🇰 obšitý

🇨🇳 缝合的

🇸🇮 obrobljen

🇮🇸 saumaður

🇰🇿 шетін тігіп қойған

🇬🇪 დაბმული

🇦🇿 kənarları tikilmiş

🇲🇽 rematado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,996, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.