Simple Seaming Techniques

11.110 Page 1

Stitching two pieces of fabric together using a straight stitch creates the simplest of seams. If you’re working with a commercial sewing pattern, most seams are stitched with a 5/8"- wide seam allowance (meaning the stitching is 5/8" from the fabric edge), though some patterns use narrower seam allowances. Always check the guidesheet for specifics. The seam allowance width is the space from the cut edge of the fabric piece to the stitching or seaming line.

Straight Seams Thread Tensions To stitch a straight Before stitching any seam, stitch a test seam, pin the matching seam on two layers of fabric; use scraps of project pieces right the project fabric. Examine the stitching sides together, on both sides of the fabric. If bobbin matching any notches, thread is visible on the top, reduce the clips, dots or other needle thread tension slightly. If needle pattern markings. Pin thread is visible on the bottom, increase at regular intervals and the needle tension slightly. A balanced perpendicular to the tension is very important to getting a cut edges. Position pins good seam. about 2" to 3" apart to keep the fabric from shifting. Exposed Seams 1 Exposed straight seams are usually pressed Begin stitching at the open flat, and depending on the type of cut end of the seamline, backstitch 1/4" to fabric used, some finish may be needed to anchor the seam. Stitch forward to the end keep the seam allowance edges from of the seam and backstitch to secure (1). raveling. Edge-finishing options include Corner Seams cutting the seam edges with pinking shears, zigzagging, overcasting, binding or To stitch a corner seam, follow the serging. See Guideline 11.115. directions above, but as you near the corner, stop 5/8" from the corner (or Enclosed Seams whatever the seam allowance width is) Enclosed seams do not need a seam finish, leaving the needle down in the fabric. Lift but they must be handled differently than the presser foot and pivot the fabric, exposed seams. realigning the new seam allowance edges with the seam guide marking on the To reduce bulk, trim the enclosed seam machine. allowances from their 5/8" original width, but trim each seam allowance edge at a On acute or sharp points, such as shirt different width—a process called grading. collars, take one to three stitches diagonally The seam allowance that will be closest to across the corner to allow some room for the outside of the garment/project should seam allowances turning inside. Use one be the longest, followed by narrower stitch on lightweight fabrics and three on widths for each successive seam allowance. heavyweight fabrics. There will always be at least two seam Lower the presser foot and stitch along the allowances, but if there is a separate collar second side of the corner, keeping an even and/or interfacing layer(s), there will be seam allowance width. more. Stagger the width of the seam Simple Seaming Techniques

11.110 Page 2 allowances to eliminate a Corners visible ridge on the project On enclosed corners, such as right side. If all edges “drop collar points or front facing off” at the same width, it’s easy edges, you need to eliminate to get a noticeable ridge, seam allowance bulk at the point especially during pressing. so that when the project is Grading provides a gradual turned right side out, the corner slope of the enclosed seam will lie smooth and flat without edges (2). bulges. Curved Seams Trim the corner seam allowances Necklines, armholes, princess diagonally, close to the stitching, seams and other curved areas and taper on either side. The require an additional step in sharper the corner is, the wider the seaming process — 2 the tapered trim area should be to reduce bulk (5). clipping or notching, 5 depending on the shape of the curve. Princess Seams For inward or concave curves, clip into the seam A princess seam joins one inward allowances at regular intervals to allow the fabric to curve and one outward curve, adding fullness to the spread and lie seam instead of having a dart in the same location. flat. Leave Joining opposing curves requires extra care. about 1/8" of the seam Before joining princess seams, staystitch the outward allowance width curve 1/2" from the cut edge; then clip to the stitching. unclipped to Place the cut edges together with the clipped seam avoid allowance on top, allowing the clips to spread as needed to match the curve underneath. 3 weakening the seam (3). After the seam is stitched, notch the inward-curve seam allowance to allow the seam allowances to spread. Press the seam open over a pressing ham or other curved surface. For outward or convex curves, cut out notches in Princess seams are covered in more detail in Guideline the seam allowance width 11.310. to allow the fabric to lie flat without bubbling when the seam is turned right side out. Notch (cut away small wedges of the fabric) into the seam allowance at regular intervals to remove the fabric, but always leave 1/8" intact at the seamline to avoid weakening the seam (4). 4 1/06