A beautifully finished garment looks just as good on the inside as it does on the outside. Taking the time to finish your interior seams not only prevents fraying but also adds durability and a polished touch to your handmade creations. Whether you’re working with delicate fabrics or sturdy materials, try these eight tips on finishing inside seams for professional-level results.
Use a Zigzag Stitch
The zigzag stitch is a versatile and easy method for finishing raw edges. This technique involves sewing a zigzag pattern close to the edge of your fabric, helping to prevent fraying over time. Most sewing machines come equipped with a zigzag stitch function or setting, making this an easy technique for beginners, too.
One of the perks of a zigzag stitch is its adaptability. You can adjust the width and length of the stitch based on the type of fabric you're working with—narrower stitches for thinner fabrics and wider stitches for bulkier materials. It’s an affordable and effective way to add durability to your designs without any specialized equipment.
Cut With Pinking Shears
Pinked edges are created using pinking shears, a pair of scissors with saw-toothed blades that leave a zigzag pattern on the fabric edge. This technique works best on woven fabrics, helping to reduce fraying while adding an interesting decorative touch to your seams.
Keep in mind that pinked edges, while stylish, might not hold up as well to heavy washing or wear, making them more suitable for projects requiring a delicate aesthetic. You can pair pinked edges with a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to reinforce the fabric.
Turn and Stitch Edges
The turned and stitched method involves folding the raw edge of your fabric toward the inside, then stitching it down to create a neat finish. This technique not only hides raw edges but also provides a smoother appearance that won’t unravel easily.
This finishing style works wonderfully for lightweight fabrics and is common in heirloom sewing. Though it’s more time-consuming than other methods, the polished results are well worth the effort, especially when working on finely detailed projects like blouses or children’s clothing.
Sew a French Seam
The French seam is a two-step process that encloses raw edges within the seam itself, resulting in a clean, finished look on both the inside and outside of your garment. Begin by sewing the fabric wrong sides together, trimming the edge, and then re-sewing with right sides together to fully encase the raw edges.
This method is ideal for lightweight or sheer fabrics, such as chiffon or silk, where frayed edges would otherwise show through. While it does take some extra time and precision, the French seam creates a beautiful, professional finish perfect for delicate garments.
Create a Flat-Felled Seam
Flat-felled seams involve sewing the seam, trimming one side of the allowance, and folding the other fabric over it before stitching again. This creates a strong, durable seam that’s enclosed and can handle heavy wear and washing.
Commonly used in denim garments, like jeans, or utility clothing, the flat-felled seam is a great option when you need strength in addition to a clean finish. Use a seam guide or mark your stitching lines to keep the folds even and straight. For bulkier fabrics, press the seam allowances with an iron before stitching to make the folding process easier and achieve a smoother finish.
Pro-tip: Press Seams
Pressing your seams as you sew is a simple but essential step for achieving a flawless finish. Use an iron to press seams open or to one side, depending on the technique you’re using. For delicate fabrics, adjust your iron’s heat setting and use a pressing cloth to avoid damage. Pressing seams ensures they lie flat and look polished, elevating the overall quality of your garment.
Make a Rolled Hem
The rolled hem technique is a favorite for finishing the edges of lightweight fabrics like organza or voile. By folding the edge narrowly and stitching close to the fold, you can create a delicate, minimal hem. You can complete this process easily with the help of a rolled hem presser foot, which ensures a clean and delicate finish for lightweight fabrics.
This method is perfect for projects like scarves, table linens, or any design requiring an elegant, barely-there finish. While a little practice is needed to master the technique, the results will elevate your projects with a sleek, refined look.
Apply an Overcast Stitch
The overcast stitch is a versatile technique that prevents fabric edges from fraying. By looping thread over the edge of the fabric, this stitch effectively binds the threads together and reinforces the edge. It’s an excellent choice for finishing raw edges on garments, home décor, or craft projects, especially when working with fray-prone fabrics like linen or loose-weave cotton.
For machine sewing, achieving a clean and sturdy edge is simple with the overcast stitch setting found on most modern machines. Pair this setting with an overcasting foot to guide the fabric smoothly and create a beautifully polished edge. This quick and reliable method not only saves time but also ensures your sewing projects are built to last.
Sew With a Serger
The best way to give inside seams a professional finish is to use a serger, also called an overlock machine. This device trims raw edges and encases them in thread all in one step. With a variety of stitch types available, sergers are perfect for creating durable, stretchy seams on knit fabrics, as well as polished edges on woven materials.
Sergers and overlock machines can significantly speed up your sewing process, especially if you regularly work on larger projects or garments requiring high durability. Sergers offer precision and professionalism, ensuring your finished work remains intact and beautiful for years to come.
Mastering seam-finishing techniques ensures your garments are durable, polished, and built to last. Whether you’re using a zigzag stitch, creating a French seam, or investing in a serger, each method offers unique benefits for different fabrics and projects. We hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any questions or want to see these machines in action, feel free to visit us in-store or contact our friendly team. We love talking all things sewing and are here to help you every step of the way!