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Basic Seams

Crafts, Sewing
By Elsie Larson

 Basic Seam

Basic seamBasic Seam A 3/8 inch seam is the most basic seam to attach two pieces of fabric together.Pinked Seam

Basic seam with pinking sheer edgePinked Seam You can use pinking sheers to finish the edges of a basic seam when you don't have a serger.

Serged Seam

Serged seamSerged Seam Serged seams are best for stretch fabric, woven seams and any basic seam that does not need to open. It you don't have a serger, try using the zigzag stitch on your home machine. 

 Bound Seam

Bound seamBound Seam This seam is commonly found inside of unlined outerwear. It's a nice looking way to finish any garment without lining it. 

 Serged + Pressed Seam

Serged and pressed open seamSerged and Pressed Seam Use this for seams that need to be pressed open and finished. This is commonly used for zipper seams. 

 French Seam

French seamFrench Seam French seams are good for sheer and lightweight fabrics. They are commonly found in expensive garments.

This sewing basics series was created in collaboration with Missy Creed of Momentum Fashion. Missy is a talented seamstress who sews for Red Velvet!

26 Comments

  • Great guide Elsie. I always sort of wing it when sewing, but this will make me think more about what’s the best way to do things.

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  • This was very thorough! Although it may be helpful to point out that probably all the seams should be pressed, not just that one. 😀

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  • i zigzag.. but one day when i decide to sew more… i will get a serger…. my bf doesn’t realize how big of a deal it really is… <3 though he supports my sewing needs 🙂

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  • great tips! one thing to point out for any ladies using sewing patterns, is that seam allowance is typically 5/8″ instead of 3/8″

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  • Thanks for the information on the seams and hems! What do you recommend for button holes?

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  • Oh my word. I can’t thank you enough for posting this beginner sewing series! One of my resolutions this year is to learn to sew at least at a beginner level and this series is going to help so much! Thanks for doing this!

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  • Q: What do you recommend for button holes?

    A: Most home machines nowadays have a button hole setting. I’ve also used machines that require a button hole foot. I would check your manual to see which one you need. If you’re using the setting, make sure to make the button hole long enough to fit the width of your button! (I’ve made that mistake before!) Also, they make special blades to cut your button holes open, but I usually just use my nippers. If you have neither of these options, you can run a straight and very tight zig zag down and back with bar tacks on the ends. I would mark your straight lines first with chalk or disappearing ink first 🙂

    Great question!

    Missy

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  • Les grandes lignes du meuble, l’imprimerie lourde, qui se révèle être conçu par Phoebe Philo, Polo Ralph lauren, série 2012 début des vacances de printemps. Lorsque l’industrie de l . a . function tout entier se révèle être rattrapage Polo Ralph lauren le variety de type minimaliste plaine, Phoebe Philo, mais tourner l . a . roue vers l’autre sens, elle en forme de fleurs imprimées l’élan d’une fille great. L . a . boucle de ceinture en métal à partir des “Trois Mousquetaires” et le tissu de couleurs mixtes, not paquet hôpital psychiatrique de program, l . a . couche de cellules gliales, pantalons à jambes larges en cuir, ceinture chaîne en métal… rafraîchissante.

    En outre, il convient de mentionner que, Polo Ralph lauren, any déclenché une circumstance de poignée de principal d’embrayage sac tendance cette saison semble annoncer not nouveau sac à dos tendance se révèle être diagonale! Tendance jamais Polo Ralph lauren.

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  • Variety of tips. I’m always doing the Serged seams. Great guide. I learn some and help me a lot it gives me idea.

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