How to Sew a French Seam

Give the seams of your sewing project a finished look and prevent fabric from fraying with a French seam.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine
• Pins
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Thread
• Scissors

1. Pin the wrong sides of the fabric together along the entire length of where you plan to stitch the French seam.

2. Sew a ¼-inch seam along the entire length of the fabric, removing the pins as you go along.

3. Trim the excess fabric of the seam allowance close to the seam leaving about 1/8 inch of excess fabric.

4. Use your iron to press the seam flat to one side (do not press the seam open).

5. Fold the fabric over so that the right sides are now together.

6. Use your iron to press the entire length of the seam flat on the wrong side of the fabric.

7. Pin the right sides of the fabric together all along the seam you just pressed.

8. Sew a 3/8-inch seam along the entire length of the fabric to encase the first seam you stitched, removing the pins as you go along.

9. Unfold the fabric with the wrong side up and press the finished seam flat to one side.