More on Seam Types and Seam Finishes
Completion requirements
More on Seam Types and Seam Finishes
Here are some seams you can try.
Flatfelled seams are strong and often found on play and work clothes. No raw edges show, making a neat appearance. First a 1.5 cm seam on the right side of the garment. One seam allowance is trimmed to 5 mm and the wider seam is turned under so a 6 mm space shows. This is pressed so that the 6 mm is even and flat, then top-stitched at the folded edge.
Flatfelled
Flatfelled seams are strong and often found on play and work clothes. No raw edges show, making a neat appearance. First a 1.5 cm seam on the right side of the garment. One seam allowance is trimmed to 5 mm and the wider seam is turned under so a 6 mm space shows. This is pressed so that the 6 mm is even and flat, then top-stitched at the folded edge.
French Seam
The French seam is often done on fabrics which are light weight and perhaps transparent. The first seam (5 mm) is sewn on the right side of the garment. The fabric is then folded and a 1 cm seam is made on the reverse side, this one enclosing the first seam allowance. In couture sewing, the French seam is made very narrow. To do this, it is necessary to sew a 10 mm seam, trim the seam allowance to 3 mm, then fold and stitch at 5 mm.
Corded and Piped Seam
Corded and piped seams are very decorative. Both use a folded bias strip which protrudes out of the seam line. The corded seam contains a cord which adds roundness, while the piped seam remains fairly flat. These seams can vary in size and also in number. Double and triple corded seams are very decorative, as are thick, shirred, corded seams.
Bound Seam
The raw edges of each seam allowance is covered with folded seam tapes, bias binding, or ribbon lace. These trims are edge-stitched to the seam allowances.
Clean Finish
Each edge of the seam allowance is turned under, pressed and machine stitched.
Staystitching
Staystitching is a row of permanent stitching done on a curved edges one centimeter from the cut edge in the direction of the grain. Necklines and armholes are staystitched immediately after cutting to prevent stretching during garment assembly.
