How to Sew Flat Seams

Flat seams are strong and durable.

Flat seams, also called flat-felled seams, are an effective way of adding a professional touch to your home sewing. Known for their strength, flat seams are sewn three times, which encloses the raw edge of the fabric. Enclosing the raw edge of the fabric in this way helps to prevent tearing and fraying. Because the fabric is sewn multiple times to create the enclosure, flat seams use a bit more fabric than plain seams; be sure to account for that when determining how much fabric you'll need to finish your project.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Sewing Machine
• Ruler
• Iron
• Pins
• Sewing thread

Instructions

1. Cut your fabric according to your pattern, adding a ½ inch seam allowance if needed.

2. Place the wrong sides of your fabric together, and sew a ½ inch seam using your sewing machine. Remove the fabric from the sewing machine.

3. Use the iron and iron your seams to one direction. Flip the piece over and iron the seam from the right side.

4. Move the piece back to the sewing machine, and begin to sew a top stitch 1/8 of an inch away from the seam line.

5. Sew a second row of top stitching 1/2 of an inch away from the first row of top stitching.

6. Continue sewing as indicated in your pattern.

References

• Craftstylish: "How to Sew a Flat Felled Seam". Shannon Dennis, 2008.
• Sewneau: "How to Sew a Flat Felled Seam". 2009
• Burdasyle; "Techniques: How to Sew a Flat Felled Seam". 2007.