This is a photo tutorial on how to make a French seam. Click on the arrow above the pix to view each step. French seams work best on straight or almost straight seams. It is a strong seam that covers the raw edges and works great on delicate fabrics. First, pin your seam WRONG sides together.
With wrong sides together, sew a scant 1/4 inch seam. I am using a straight stitch foot and single hole plate because of the silk fabric.
Press the seam flat and trim any loose threads or uneven seam allowance. If you want to make a narrower french seam, trim the s.a. to aprox 1/8 inch
Press the seam open. This step is very important in order to get a perfect edge. I am using a seam stick here.
Now, fold the fabric over the seam, RIGHT SIDES together and lightly press.
With right sides together and the seam enclosed, sew 3/8 from the sewn edge. (If you are making a more narrow seam and have trimmed the first seam to 1/8", you can sew a 1/4 inch seam here.)
Press the seam flat. (I don't know what that is on the floor!)
Now press the seam toward the back. You have a beautifully finished French seam! These seams are fairly easy to do, but look very impressive! Once you start making them, you'll be hooked!
