Seam Finishes

1
Seam Finishes

• Terms To Know
• Seam Serge Pinked Turned and Zigzagged

2
Why We Finish Seams

• Raw seam edges can look unattractive.
• Raw seams may ravel during laundering and
  wearing.
• Raveling can lead to weakened seams and shorter
  life of the garment.

3
Possible Ways to Finish a Seam

• Serge Seams Together or Separate.
• Pinked with special Pinking Scissors.
• Turned Seams.
• Zigzagged Separately

4
How to Apply These Finishes

• For all of these finishes start by sewing a plain
  5/8 seam.
• Then iron the seam open.
• Now choose the finish that best suits your fabric

5
To Serge a Seam

• First decide if it is best to serge seams
  separately or together.
• If you are serging separately take each side of
  the seam and serge close to the edge of the
  fabric.
• If you are serging together hold both sides tight
  and serge close to the stitching line.
• Remember to trim all threads.

6
To Pink a Seam

• First find a pair of Pinking Shears.
• Start with your 5/8 seam allowance.
• Now cut close to the edge of the seam allowance
  on both sides.
• Remember to trim all threads.

7
To Turn a Seam

• Start with your 5/8 seam allowance.
• Turn under the edge of each seam allowance 1/8
  inch and iron.
• Now stitch close to fold.
• Remember to trim all threads.

8
Zigzag a Seam

• Start with your 5/8 seam allowance.
• Set your machine to a zigzag stitch. Width-3,
  Length-3
• Sew close to the edge on each side separately.
• Remember to trim all threads.

9
When Which finish to use

• Fabrics that ravel a lot are better off serged.
• For woven fabrics that ravel only slightly
  pinking is a good choice.
• For lightweight to medium fabrics turning and
  stitching would work best.
• For a quick finish that works on most fabrics
  Zigzagging is always a decent choice. (especially
  when a serer is not available)

10
Now Apply What You Have Learned

• Try Making Four Samples
• Serge, Pinked, Turned and Zigzagged
• Remember to Iron
• Always Trim threads
• Have as much fun as possible!