Sewing hems?

Okay, I've sewn a few items were the hem was important, but I'm an idiot with my machine still. Basically, I'm curious what the best method for measuring a hem and then ensuring that you get it even? I know that you want to iron it before sewing to get it flat and even, but how to you get it to lay even to iron it? I've been thinking about making a lightweight wooden jig that will hold fabric to get a even edge, but I've got the idea that there must be something more simple!

Thanks everybody!
SandalScout

 

Use pins! Just measure the fabrinc to where you want it and pin it together so it doesnt move and take the pics out as your sewing!

 

but how to you get it lined up before you pin it? Just go along the edge with a guage as you pin it?

 

you could do that, or I have like a big rotary mat and a huge ruler that i use. It works for me

 

Okay, THANKS!

 

sure!