Today’s seam is somewhat of a variation on the French Seam. Unlike the French Seam, a Self Bound Seam is worked on a completed seam. So if you decide down the track that your seams would be better off enclosed, as long as your seam allowance is wide enough you can do this. Great when you don’t have the time to finish them off now, but want to wear your garment out tonight!
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How to Sew a Self Bound Seam – Tutorial
Ideally, you want to start with a 12 – 15mm (1/2 – 5/8″) wide seam allowance. If your seam is thinner, you may just find the pressing a bit fiddly. Sew your seam with right sides facing and press it to set the stitches.
Now, fold the wider seam allowance over again encasing the trimmed seam allowance. Press the fold into the seam allowance again. It should be almost touching the original seam stitches.
Now, press* the seam open with the finished seam to one side. Voilà!
*On lightweight delicate fabrics, it’s a good idea to place a pressing cloth or piece of brown paper between the fabric and seam allowance to prevent a pressing line showing on the front of the garment.
Toni-Maree from Sew Jereli says
It looks lovely doesn’t it. I also read your bias bound seam finish on go to sew, the way you have done the pictures is excellent! Will be linking to them in future I am sure.
Sarah says
Sew fancy! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.bluesusanmakes.blogspot.com
Liz Beavis says
I love your tutorials, just the right amount of detail and clear photos, thanks for sharing 🙂
Mrs. Lucky says
This is an unusual finish for me, definitely good to know. I am sure it will become handy at times in the future. Thanks for sharing it.
Nicole says
Perfect timing! The dress on which I’m working is done in all French seams, but I wanted to fit it before sewing up the sides. Now, thanks to your post, all my seams can look lovely!
Janelle @ Emmaline Bags says
This is really cool, I haven’t seen this before! Love your tutorials.