How to Make a French Seam

A French seam is an elegant way to make seams on sheer fabric, and a great way to keep fabric seams from raveling. Because no edges are exposed, it's also vital to use this seam where garments or accessories might get a lot of wear.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Sewing Machine
• Thread
• Iron
• Pins

1. First, place the edges of the fabric to be sewn, wrong sides together, along the seam. If your fabric is slippery, you'll need to pin carefully.

2. Sew up the seam 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric. If your fabric ravels easily, use a zig-zag stitch. The zig-zag should fit completely into the 1/4-inch area.

3. Press the seams. Fold the material along the seam and press it the other way, right sides of the fabric together this time.

4. Sew the seam again, this time 3/8 inch from the edge. You will then have your first seam sewn inside your other seam.

5. Carefully press the seams to one side.

Tips & Warnings

• The distance from your needle to the edge of the presser foot is usually 1/4", so check it and then you can use it as a guide for sewing the first seam.

[wordstock]

on 2/28/2009 Thanks, I'd forgotten how to do this.

[Susanh]

on 2/10/2009 I like to use a French seam inside my tote bags. Very nice, finished look. Good instructions.

[LilacGirl]

on 2/10/2009 Helpful, informative, and detailed information on how to make a french seam. Thanks.