Preparing to Sew a Seam
Sewing a seam is one of the most common sewing tasks you will do. Sewing a seam with even, straight seams is a key element to results you can be proud of.
Sewing a Seam
Your very first seam should probably be practiced on scraps of fabric. Don’t be afraid to master using a seam ripper to remove stitches if you are not satisfied with your results. Sewing a perfect seam takes time and practice but once it’s learned, you’ll be sewing like a pro from then on!
Pressing a Seam
Pressing a seam is not ironing. There is a bit of patience required but is well worth every second you spend pressing any sewn seam. Taking your time making the pressing part of the seam adds to the quality of your finished project.
Operating your Sewing Machine
Avoid being frustrated with your sewing machine. Your sewing machine can be your best friend… if you know everything about the machine and the tricks when problems do happen. Take a deep breath and move on to finding a solution. Once you know how to fix a sewing machine problem, it’s no longer a problem!
Seams and Seam Finishes
A seam finish is critical to finishing a seam. A seam finish prevents the fabric from fraying and can add strength to a seam. The seam finish also stabilizes the seam allowance and adds to the construction of the item. There are different types of seam finishes to choose from depending on your fabric and other factors.
Specialty Seams
French seams and flat-felled seams are sewn a bit differently than a regular seam. These special seams enclose the raw edge of the fabric as part of the seaming process. A flat felled seam is commonly seen on jeans with two rows of visible stitching and is known of its strength and durability. A French seam is found most commonly on sheer or lace fabric. A French seam has a seam allowance that encloses the raw edge of the fabric but the seam allowance is not sewn down to the body of the fabric. But of these seams are sewn with a straight stitch so even the simplest sewing machine can sew these seams. You will find everything you need to know and how to make these special seams by following the links.
Grading and Under-Stitching a Seam
Bulky seams or seams that are joining facings and linings may require you to grade the seam allowance. Grading eliminates a thick abrupt edge to the seam allowance. Under-stitching will help the seam stay to the facing or lining and prevent it from “rolling” to the outside of a garment.
Aligning Seam Intersections
Aligning an intersection of seams may seem impossible, but you can line up an intersection so all of the seam lines are straight and join perfectly. One of the most important elements to have your seams line up is sewing straight and accurate so all of the seams are the same and pieces will fit together properly.
