Transcript Seam Finishes

Seam Finishes
Finishing seams on your
own clothing.
Today Objectives
• What is a seam?
• What is a seam allowance?
• What is a seam finish?
• How do we decide which seam finish we should use?
• What kinds of seams do our clothes have?
• Learn about nine different seam finishes
What is a seam?
Line of stitching.
Hold two pieces of fabric together.
Basic part of garment construction.
Secured by backstitching.
What is a Seam Allowance?
Flap of fabric allowed to sew a seam.
5/8” is most common for clothing patterns.
What is a Seam Finish?
Finish applied to raw edge of seam
allowance.
Prevents fraying, curling and strengthens
fabric.
The type of finish you choose for your
seams depends on:
Type of fabric
How neat you want your seams to look
Durability
Time
Type of sewing machine
Plain Seam
Description
One line of sewing at 5/8” seam allowance
Suitable for
Delicate items
Advantages
Very easy to make
Disadvantages
Not as strong as other stitches
Straight Stitch Seam Finish
 Description
This is a plain seam with an extra line of
stitching
 Suitable for
The straight stitch can be used as a seam finish
on firmly woven fabrics which ravel slightly.
 Advantages
It is effective in preventing the seam allowances
in knits from curling.
 Disadvantages
Does not look as neat as other methods.
Pinked Edge Seam Finish
•Description
The raw edges of the seam allowance are trimmed with
pinking shears.
•Suitable For
Most fabrics except those very prone to raveling.
•Advantages
Fast and easy. Doesn’t add bulk to the seam allowance.
•Disadvantages
Doesn’t look as neat and clean as other methods. May not keep fabrics
from
fraying, especially if the finished item will be laundered. Requires special
scissors to make.
Zig Zag Seam Finish
 Description
A zigzag stitch is sewn close to or over the
raw edge of the seam allowance.
 Suitable For
Most fabrics
 Advantages
Effective at keeping the raw edges of the seam
allowance from fraying. Adds little bulk to the seam
allowance.
 Disadvantages
Doesn’t look as neat and clean as some other methods.
Clean-Finish Seam Finish
 Description
The edges of the seam allowance are turned under
and stitched.
 Suitable For
Light to medium weight fabrics.
 Advantages
Makes a neat, clean finish that won’t ravel.
 Disadvantages
Adds bulk to the seam allowance, making it unsuitable for
heavier fabrics.
Narrow Seam Finish
 Description
The narrow seam finish is often used to control the curling
seam allowances of knit fabrics. It also reduces the size of
the seam allowance, making it more comfortable to wear.
 Suitable for
Children clothing, or any fabric that needs extra strength.
 Advantages
The narrow seam can be used anywhere on a garment, but it
is especially useful where extra strength is needed.
 Disadvantages
May add bulk to the fabric.
Flat Felled Seam Finish
 Description
The raw edge of the seam allowance is encased, then
topstitched on the outside.
 Suitable for:
Most fabrics. Items that need durable seams.
 Advantages
Makes a neat, clean finish. Raw edges will not ravel because they are
completely encased. Makes a very sturdy seam.
 Disadvantages
Requires precise pressing and sewing. Somewhat time consuming.
Makes a topstitched seam on the outside you may not want.
French Seam Finish
 Description
The raw edge of the seam allowance is enclosed in a secondary seam.
 Suitable For
Light weight fabrics and fabrics that are prone to raveling. Ideal for items
that will have visible seams.
 Advantages
-very neat, clean finish.
-Raw edges will not ravel because completely encased.
 Disadvantages
- Adds bulk ,making it unsuitable for medium to heavy weight fabrics.
-A little complicated to make.
-Somewhat time consuming.
- Requires precise sewing.
Serged Seam Finish
 Description
A line of overcast stitches is sewn over the raw edge of the
seam allowance.
 Suitable For
Most fabrics
 Advantages
Produces a neat, clean finish that’s fray resistant. Adds little
bulk to the seam allowance. Quick and easy to make because
the stitching and trimming can be done in one step.
 Disadvantages
You need a serger machine to make the stitch.
Take another look at your
clothing. Which Seam Finishes
do you have?
Summary
What is a seam, seam allowance, seam finish?
Deciding on Seam finish
Type of fabric
How neat you want your seams to look
Durability
Time
Type of sewing machine
Can we name the
nine seam finishes?
Nine Types of Seam Finishes
1.Plain Seam
2.Straight Stitch Seam Finish
3.Pinked Edge Seam Finish
4.Zig Zag Seam Finish
5.Clean-Finish Seam Finish
6.Narrow Seam Finish
7.Flat Felled Seam Finish
8.French Seam Finish
9.Serged Seam Finish
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zrL68Nq
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Any Questions?