FUNDAMENTALS OF CLOTHING CONSTRUCTION 3(1+2)

Lesson 8 : Seams

Hints on stitching and finishing seams

1. The bias edge should be on top when it is being attached to a straight edge.
2. When joining a plain edge to a gathered edge, stitch with the gathered side up.
3. While joining two bias edges, stretch the seam slightly while being stitched.
4. Press open the first seam before it is crossed with the second seam.
5. Clip the seam edges of curved seams in order to make them lie flat.
6. Seams can be trimmed or graded for reducing the bulk.
Trimming is the process of cutting away both seam allowances to the same width. Grading is necessary when several layers of fabrics are joined together. This is done by trimming the seam width to different widths. Later they are pressed in a way that the widest seam width is on top enclosing the other shorter seam widths
7. Pressing seam allowances: Side seams should be pressed to the back side and center front seams to the right side.

Standards of a well-constructed seam should be