Three ways to finish seams
Finishing seams!
For this blog post we'll be showing you three different ways to finish seams.
When your pattern instructions say 'finish seams' you can use a number of different methods to do this. We have selected our three most used techniques.
First up...overlocking!
Overlocking seams is great if you have an overlocker to hand. This nifty machine uses four different spools of thread to wrap around the raw edge of your seam while chopping off some fabric as it goes. This also gives some stretch if you are overlocking a jersey fabric.
Overcasting stitch or zig-zag
Now, if you don't have an overlocker, alternatively you can use an over-casting stitch on your sewing machine. We use a Brother sewing machine and select the stitch that looks like a straight stitch combined with a zig-zag. The machine tells us to use foot 'G'. Simply pop your seam edge in the channel of the foot and start stitching. This will finish off the raw edges of your seam nicely and prevent fraying when your item is in use or even when it goes through the washing machine.
Top tip for using this stitch....when you come to the end of your line of sewing, pull your fabric to the back of your machine, if you pull it to the side this will cause tension on the foot. As there is a little metal bar that the thread will wrap around. Pulling it to the back of your machine releases this and allows you to pull out your fabric with ease!
We should mention, if your machine doesn't have an over-casting stitch as shown above, you can simply use a zig-zag stitch along the raw edge of your seam. This will do the job just as well.
Pinking shears
Last but not least! Another option is to use pinking shears to finish off your seams. You can trim the raw edges and it will prevent the seam from fraying.
We hope you found these methods useful and get to use them when making up your next project. Take a look at our pattern selection for some sewing inspiration!
Thank you for that. I don’t have an overlocker so the other options were very helpful.