This is how I finished the side seams of the skirt part of the dress before attaching it to the bodice. You could always use just a plain flat seam, but the point of this series is to teach you something new. (And I just think it looks prettier.) So, here we go...
I didn't receive a lot of feedback about whether most of you guys prefer video or written tutorials, so I went ahead and gave video another try. I think this one turned out pretty well, but please let me know your feelings on the subject. (At least I made it shorter this time! ; )
Don't forget to stop back tomorrow for a tutorial on how to sew buttonholes.
Thanks for visiting.
Those are pretty and I've always wondered about how they are made. I have a serger and just serge those puppies, but these are nice.
ReplyDeleteI never knew that was how you did a french seam. That looks lots easier than how I have been doing it! BTW the video was perfect! So glad you are doing these.
ReplyDeleteVery well done. That looks so much nicer than all my zig zagged seams =)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your easy to understand tutorial, I'll be using this on garments, I hate the fraying, and it looks better and more effective than the zig zag.
ReplyDeleteLoved the tutorial, thank you so much! Can I share it on my blog?
ReplyDeleteAna
Hi Toni,
ReplyDeleteJust mentionet you on my "home"
http://viraventos.blogspot.com/
Thanks again for the enlightenment ;)
Ana
Actually, this isn't the correct way to do a true French seam. You made no mention of the seams allowance width. If someone is using a standard US pattern that generally allows for 5/8" seam allowance, it's done this way:
ReplyDeleteWith wrong sides together stitch at 3/8". Press open. TRIM the seam allowances down to 1/8" wide then press again with right sides together. Pin and sew a 1/4" seam allowance. The total seam allowance is 5/8". This is the couture method of sewing a true French seam.
You could definitely use the tutorial here, but since the first seam was a 1/4" and then you've got to sew larger than that to enclose the edges, you're going to have a seam allowance in excess of 5/8" which will screw up a standard pattern.
I'm just sayin'.....
It is true. What you described is the "right way" to sew a french seam that they teach you in school. That is how I learned it. However...
DeleteThe "taget audience" for my blog is more the at home Mom/Hobbyist sewer, and not the fashion show/couture set. Most of us: make our own patterns, print out a PDF, trace Japanese pattern books, or use something other than what you are referring to as the "standard US pattern". The SA varies greatly and 5/8" is pretty darn rare.
My hope in making the video above was to help explain the process rather than the technicalities to someone who wants to improve their home sewing skills. Then it is up to them to adjust the SA for their particular pattern, but I'll be sure to add a note to that effect to my post.
If couture gurus are coming to my little blog to learn sewing techniques, they are gonna have a lot more problems than screwed up french seams!
(I'm just sayin'... ;D)
DeleteCorrect me if I am wrong, but it should not matter if you start with sewing a 1/4" seam then trim and turn it and sew a 3/8" seam or start with a 3/8" seam, trim turn and sew a 1/4" seam. The seam should still be a 5/8" seam either way.
Toni, I am new at sewing but love it! Thank you for your video tutorials! It really helps me out to see it in motion. I am so glad I found your site.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the tutorial. Very well explained.this comes in handy for people with no Sergers.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome Nadine. I personally think this is a much prettier seam even if you do own a serger. Definitely a more crisp and professional look!
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