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Roundup: Seam Finishing Techniques

Seam finishing is a very important part of sewing. The inside of your garment should be as lovely as the outside. Why? Because finished seams not only look professional, they keep the edges of your fabric from fraying. If you’ve been attached to your pinking sheers or are looking for a different way to change the look of your seams, try out one of these techniques. We’ve put together some helpful tutorials to get you started. These are also posted under tutorials, tips and tricks.

If the technique is new to you, try it out on some scrap fabric first. French seams may appear daunting at first, at first they seemed quite complicated to me! Slow down and take the time to learn how to make this, or another lovely finish. You’ll not only be adding a new technique to your sewing arsenal but refining the look of your garment.

Bias Bound Seams

Bias Bound Seams, version 2

Mock Flat Fell Seams

Flat Fell Seam with Felling Foot

Flat Fell Seam without Felling Foot

French Seam

Caitlin Clark

Caitlin is the Colette Patterns design assistant. You can follow Caitlin at her blog, the story girl.

Comments

BronP

February 25, 2011 #

This is so so so useful, thanks for the fantastic tutorials!

Karen

February 25, 2011 #

Really this has been great, thanks!

Emily

February 25, 2011 #

Thank you for sharing these! I don’t have a serger yet and like to have other options besides pinking shears.

Tilia

February 25, 2011 #

These techniques aren’t new for me, but I always get into trouble when seams are crossing and at things like the armholes. Could you give some tips about this as well?

ohsweetie

February 25, 2011 #

i LOVE the french seam. i learned how to do them in highschool and use them on anything that isn’t a quick project or needs a good drape. XO