Sewing a Princess Seam
Tailoring clothing to fit precise measurements is something that only the best tailors or seamstresses try to do. However, even those with only intermediate sewing skills can still make a top or dress look fit and polished if they use a princess seam. Princess seams are curved seams that can mimic the curves of a woman's body. They take longer to do than a regular seam but if a fitted look is what you want, the extra work is worth it in the end.
Instructions
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Cut out the material for the dress according to the measurements you need to complete your project.
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Place one of the pieces of material down on your work surface with the patterned side facing up. Place the corresponding piece of material on top with the pattern side facing down, making sure the curves you cut out match up.
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Pin the material together using several pins at right angles. Don't be afraid to use lots of pins, especially on the curves to guide the fabric together. Using too few can lead to crooked or loose princess seam.
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Set your sewing machine for staystitching and sew the most convex part of the material. Make sure you are 1/8 inch inside to give some seam allowance.
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Sew the rest of the two pieces together along the pins on a regular stitch, making sure to guide but not tug or pull on the material as you go. Pulling or tugging could cause an uneven seam.
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Snip the inward curve using the scissors to allow the material to lie flat. Make sure you don't snip through the seam or the garment will come apart.
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Tips & Warnings
A princess seam can take some getting used to if you haven't done it before. If you sew and some of the stitching is crooked, use a seam puller to remove the thread and try again. If this is your first time, try using some scrap material first to get the hang of it and then try it on an actual garment.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
