_Overhanding_ (also called overseaming or top sewing).--The edges to be
overhanded are held between the first finger and the thumb of the left
hand, with the edge parallel to the first finger. The needle is inserted
just below and perpendicular to the edge. The needle is pointed straight
toward the worker. The stitches proceed from right to left, each stitch
being taken a little to the left of the preceding stitch. The stitches
should all be straight on the right side, but they will slant a little
on the wrong side. They should not be deep. It may be desirable to use
this overhanding stitch at the ends of hems, to hold the edges of the
material together. The overhanding stitch is also used for seams, for
patching, and for sewing on lace.
[Illustration: _Fig._ 4.--Overhanding]
The overhanding of narrow hems is not always necessary, but the ends may
be made stronger thereby, and the stitch is a valuable one for the
pupils to know.
[Illustration: _Fig._ 5.--Hemming]
_Hemming._--The hemming-stitch is placed on the inside of the hem. The
end of the basted hem is laid over the first and under the second finger
of the left hand, with the folded edge outside and the material toward
the worker. It is held in place with the thumb. The stitch is begun at
the end of the hem. The fastening of the thread is concealed by slipping
it underneath the hem in the inside fold of the material. The needle is
pointed over the left shoulder, a small stitch is taken by inserting the
needle through the material just below the hem, then through the folded
edge. This is repeated, making the next stitch nearer the worker and
moving the goods away from the worker as necessary. Uniformity of slant,
size, and spacing of the stitches is important.