French Seams

A French seam is another pretty easy seam finish and one that I use fairly often.  I think it looks better in a seam that might be somewhat exposed--nicer than a serged seam and there are no threads to get snagged on zippers and such.  It's also not much more work than stitching a seam and then serging it.

Big 4 5/8" seams work great for 1/4" French seams.  1/4" for the first pass, 1/4" for the second pass, and 1/8" for the fold around.  But I get ahead of myself.

 First put the pieces you want to stitch wrong sides together and sew with a 1/4" seam allowance.  I find a 1/4" quilt piecing foot to be a priceless addition to my garment sewing toolbox.

Trim the seam to 1/8" or so.  It doesn't have to be super accurate--just less than 1/4". If you skip this step, you'll end up with straggly threads sticking out of the seams on the right side.  Not a chic look.







Then press this seam to set the threads.  Now with right sides together, fold along the seam and press again.  Stitch at 1/4" again and you're all finished.  The raw edge of the first seam is enclosed in the second seam--it's a really nice-looking finish and a good addition to your sewing technique repertoire  :-)