How To Sew A French Seam

Many sewing projects that you encounter will have you sewing 2 panels of fabric together... creating a seam. Unless you have a serger, the edges of your seam are going to be ragged... and possibly unraveling.

Now, if you're sewing a lined drapery panel or sewing a pillow...  a sewing project where the seams will end up being hidden, then the ragged edges are no big deal.

But what if you plan on sewing a sheer drapery panel? Those seams would look unsightly. What do you do?

You sew a french seam instead. A french seam is a seam that encloses the raw edges into itself. It's very simple and will make your projects nice and neat.

Step 1. Lay your fabric panels wrong sides together. Step 2. Sew a 3/8" seam along the side edge
Step 3. Open up the sewn panel and press the seams open. Press well Step 4. Fold the panel on the seam line right sides together. Step 5. Press the folded edge Step 6. Sew in 5/8" from the folded edge enclosing the raw edges of the 3/8" seam
Step 7. Press the seam to one side

Now you have a clean, professional seam with no ugly raw edges.

Use a french seam whenever you are going to have the backside of the seam exposed.

Happy Sewing!

Jennifer Thoden

Article Source: http://www.simplesewingprojects.com

Rate This Article | Add Comments | Send To Friends| View Comments (5) Publisher | Print Download as PDF

About the Author

Jennifer Thoden has helped thousands of people just like you to successfully sew window treatments and to decorate their homes beautifully. Click here to subscribe to her free newsletter "Creative Window Treatments" packed with exciting sewing projects and valuable decorating tips.

Additional Articles in Sewing_Basics .

How To Sew A Blind Hem Stitch - VIDEO How Much Fabric Do You Need When Using Triple Pinch Pleat Tape? Making Ruffles From Sheer Fabric Are You Sure You Know Where You Are Stitching When You Sew? Where Is Your Side Seam? How To Sew A Binded Edge with Mitered Corners How To Sew On Cording How To Sew A Rod Pocket How To Make No-Sew Custom Welt Cording Threading Your Machine, Filling the Bobbin and Adjusting Tension How To Sew A Blind Hem Stitch

Please Rate This Article

Select Rating Excellent Very Good Interesting Fair Could Use Improvement   Number of Ratings: 6 Rating: 4

Add Your Comments

Existing Users Please login here. Email: Password: New Users Name: Email: Password: Comments:

• king beds
• Sam Merrin