Learn How to Make Beautiful Seam Finishes

Sewing is more than just stitching two pieces or two layers of fabric. As you go along, you need to learn the basics and master some intricate seam techniques to improve your sewing skills. Here are some beautiful seam finishes for your sewing pleasures.

Invisible Seam
Some sewing projects like stuffed animals use hidden stitches. Other terms for this kind of stitch is ladder stitch or invisible seam. These unseen seams are useful if you want to stitch a broken pattern or you want an invisible seam on hems and quilt edges.

Here's a video tutorial from RileyBlakeDesigns.com. You may also check out MakeItLoveIt.com for a tutorial on Blind Hem Stitch.



Flat-Fell Seam
Felled seam, or flat-fell seam are overlapping seams commonly found on denims. This type of seam provides durability to secure layers of tough fabric. If you're making a tote bag, a trouser, or a jacket, and you want to make it look neat, use felled seams.

A tutorial from Coletterie.com will help you Sew a Flat Felled Seam without a Specialty Foot.

Photo Credit: thingsforboys.com

French Seam
French seams are used for lightweight to middleweight fabric materials. They're commonly found on thin fabrics (like silk and cotton) made into dresses, blouses, and skirts. It's a useful technique because it makes both sides of the fabric look elegant.

This How To Sew a French Seam tutorial from Craftsy.com is one of the simplest to follow, and

Photo Credit: threadsmagazine.com

Pinked Seam
Have you made a plain seam finished with pinking shears? Using pinking shears prevents fabric from fraying but to make sure, use a fabric that's not prone to fraying. Pinked seams make decorative edges and they look fun.

Finishing seams with a serger also prevents fraying. Here's a combo tutorial, again from Craftsy.com, on how to make Serger and Pinking Seam Finishing.

Photo Credit: lovesewingmag.co.uk

Hong Kong Seam Finish
Hong Kong seams look pretty and polished. They add a different dimension and a splash of color to the insides of a clothing. This seam is a little complicated compared to the previous seams because it uses bias strips of fabric to enclose the edges. It is recommended for jackets, skirts,

Here are some step-by-step Hong Kong Binding Seam Finish guide from BurdaStyle.com and Hong Kong & Bound Seam from Sew4Home.com.

Photo Credit: girlsinthegarden.blogspot.com

If you're interested to watch more Sewing Video Tutorials, go to FabricLovers.com. You can also SHOP from a wide range of affordable fabrics at Fabric Lovers.

How to Sew a Flat-Felled Seam

Do you need a strong seam that will hide the fraying edge of the fabric? The Flat-Felled Seam is perfect for this because unlike a French Seam, it uses a double line of thread to hold the piece together versus just one. The flat-felled theme is typically used in sports garments since they require extra strength and reversible garments because it's a finished edge on both sides.

1. To begin the flat-felled seam, place the fabric pieces on your sewing table or surface with the wrong sides together. In the video you can see I marked mine with a "W" to show which side was the wrong side. If your fabric doesn't have a wrong side, even better! I used some scrap fabric but if you're using large pieces, it may be helpful to pin everything in place.

2. Sew a plain seam (I used 5/8 inch seam allowance) and then press it to one side. I then fold over both those edges and sew a seam of about 1/4 inch. While folding it over I ironed to to keep it in place. You can also pin your fabric if that helps.

3. Using the needle as a sewing guide, stitch the edge of the fold through all the layers of the fabric.

And your done! I haven't tried to do this type of seam on a curve but would imagine it be too hard and get too bulky. One thing I did wrong is not holding both sides out enough when sewing step 3. As you can see in the image, the fabric on one side bunches somewhat.

This seam is fairly simple and provides a great finished edge for many projects. Now you don't have to work around those fraying edges!

What do you think? Did I miss anything? If you have any questions or tips, please don't hesitate to comment or email me at Yasmine@FabricLovers.com