Video Length: 00:35
Produced by: Victoria North and Evamarie Gomez
Threads author Sandra Miller shares her simple techniques for sewing common seam finishes in Threads issue 165 (February/March 2013) and in issue 166 (April/May 2013). In this quick video-tutorial, we bring one of her techniques to life and demonstrate just how to sew a single-fold clean finish seam. This method works well with lightweight fabrics that do not fray much. Try this method to achieve great looking and durable seam allowances.
Also, don't miss Sandra's techniques for sewing other common seam finishes.
beadrbop writes: Love it! Thank you so much. Yes love these short videos. This one will be useful for garments.
Posted: 12:22 pm on March 21st
TahsisVoyager writes: I love the finished look, but this requires five passes over the same seam. I would use it only occasionally, in places where nothing else will do and the seam will be visible.
I agree with others: the videos are marvelous. 35 seconds is just right to show a technique. Then I can get right back to sewing. Thank you, Threads!
Posted: 10:08 am on February 17th
HarmonyQ writes: As a quilter, my advice is to use a 1/4" foot to achieve the most accurate stitch line.
Posted: 10:57 am on January 23rd
stubblytroll writes: It doesn't show what they look like on the other side.
Posted: 3:54 pm on January 16th
Ursi writes: Thanks for the videos, sometimes seeing along with reading the directions makes things a lot easier to understand. Keep those videos coming!!!
Posted: 6:37 pm on January 15th
Tenderfot1055 writes: New to 'Threads' and loving it.
Recently undertaking a rather large project with a vintage pattern and I have some very expensive Italian wool I am using.
Can anyone recommend the best way to finish the seam for a professional look without adding bulk. Should I pink them????
Posted: 3:51 pm on January 15th
missann235 writes: I would LOVE to be able to download ALL Threads instructional videos!!! PLEASE????????????
Posted: 9:44 am on January 11th
Ladybugger1065 writes: Beautiful Looking Seam!!!! I will definately use this method!! Thank You!
Posted: 10:29 am on January 7th
Sandra, I for one am looking forward to more of these video tutorials.
Victoria and Evamarie did an outstanding job producing such a clear and clutter-free video.
Threads imparts, and we improve.
Thanks!
Posted: 6:42 pm on January 4th
kellybird1954 writes: Video is constantly unavailable.
Posted: 5:13 pm on January 4th
HappyGenny writes: Excellent tip, and an easy vid to boot. It's also nice when readers add useful comments, as it makes you think about the pros and cons of different approaches. My take on the sequence of events is that an initial fold might be faster, but an edge folded over a line of stitching would be more accurate, more stable and generally more polished. So when the choice is to be made, I would consider the type of item, what it was made of an how it will be used.
As for sergers, I don't own one, so that point is moot. I realize they're popular, but it's a cost priority thing, and call me old school, but I'm really not keen on the look of it, either. If I had the $$ to buy another machine, it would likely be an embroidery one. I dream of adding finishing touches with simple, same colour embroidery. For example one could add a small, tasteful border or a corner motif to the cuff edges (and/or collar) of a simple crisp shirt. Initials or images inside linings would be great, too. Perhaps a small geometric near the beginning of a featured godet?
Ooops, off topic. (laughs) But you see how it could be a no-brainer choice?
Posted: 4:44 pm on January 4th
torilynn writes: PS I HATE serging, makes the garment look cheap to me.
Posted: 1:44 pm on January 4th
torilynn writes: I generally make french seams or flat felled seams, and occassionally pink them. That being said. These look like they would lay really nice. Thanks.
Posted: 1:43 pm on January 4th
smcfarland writes: Hi everyone! I'm Sarah, the editor who demonstrated for the videos. I wanted to thank everyone for their feedback. We appreciate that there is more than one way to sew this type of seam finish. We sewed the seam first, but you can use a different sequence to achieve the results. The advice about using a manila strip or other means to buffer the allowance during pressing is excellent, thank you for reminding everyone of this prudent step. There are many types of seam finishes, and in the coming weeks, you'll see more presented here.
Posted: 6:22 pm on January 3rd
Nicksews writes: Nicely done video, clear and to rhe point!!
If you are going to stay stitch the edges at a 1/4", I would do it prior to stitching the seam. This makes for less handling of light fray prone edges, and it is also done flat as opposed to after the seam is sewn, which can be fussy.
Posted: 5:35 pm on January 3rd
user-1116680 writes: Beautiful FINISHED seam...personally I think serging gives a cheap looking finish.
I use my serger on almost everything, but I do like the idea of the clean finish on unlined jackets! I think it gives a couture look, which is much better than a serged finish! Someone will see the inside of that unlined jacket!
Posted: 10:58 pm on January 2nd
Bonsul writes: When the experts write a sequence of steps, I listen. Wow. This is sure wonderful to know. Sometimes, these little lessons are just right to show a child just learning to sew due to the fact that they do not tackle serging till much later on. If I take my machine along on a holiday, I am not going to pack my serger, too. So, to know a set of steps like this is invaluable. I always want my sewing to look neat.
Posted: 10:45 pm on January 2nd
razel718 writes: I used this method before I bought my serger. I also find it more accurate to sew the seam first. I don't bother with stitching a line at 1/4". I just fold under and edge stitch.
Posted: 10:41 pm on January 2nd
user-360943 writes: I like it. I would use this when I want a cleaner look than ready to wear.
I would also sew the seams first, then do the finish. I think the sewn seam allowance will be more accurate that way. Then I don't need to think about being completely accurate when folding the edge under.
I like the focused video that only shows one technique.
Posted: 9:29 pm on January 2nd
Valerie102 writes: This video makes a really simple clean finish much more complicated than it really is. DON'T DO IT! THERE'S AN EASIER WAY!
All you have to for a clean finish is:
1. Before sewing the seam, press each layer of fabric 1/4" towards the wrong side (by folding over as you sew,finger pressing or iron if you need to)and edgestitch.
2. Then, sew your seam normally to join the layers (with the 1/4" taken out of the allowance. So, if it's a 5/8" seam allowance, sew 3/8").
3. Press the seam. You're done!
You can use clean-finish for any fabric. For heavyweight fabric it will add bulk to the seam, so you probably don't want to use it in that case. It's one of the old methods used before serging was used, so it's naturally bulkier than serging and more time-consuming.
Posted: 8:32 pm on January 2nd
nightmama writes: I agree with user-248711. This to me is a no-no.
Why go to all that trouble when you can serge or zig zag. Even serging can cause problems if the fabric is light.
Posted: 8:21 pm on January 2nd
user-248711 writes: In the video, the narrator presses the seam open and presses the finished seam allowances without placing anything between it and the garment, resulting in an ridge. I was taught never to press over the edge of a seam allowance or the top of a hem without placing a manila strip, envelope or whatever between.
Posted: 5:21 pm on January 2nd
Teach Yourself to Sew is a video series for beginning sewers or anyone who wants to brush up on their skills. We demonstrate basic sewing techniques, share tips, and give step-by-step instruction for beginner sewing projects. Plus, you can ask our experts for answers to any sewing questions you have along the way. You’ll gain the confidence you need to get started in sewing, and in no time you’ll be creating gorgeous garments. If you have already mastered the art of sewing, share this series with those who want to get started, and contribute your expertise by answering questions in the forum.
Evamarie Gomez, web producer 
Comments (23)
Posted: 12:22 pm on March 21st
I agree with others: the videos are marvelous. 35 seconds is just right to show a technique. Then I can get right back to sewing. Thank you, Threads!
Posted: 10:08 am on February 17th
Posted: 10:57 am on January 23rd
Posted: 3:54 pm on January 16th
Posted: 6:37 pm on January 15th
Recently undertaking a rather large project with a vintage pattern and I have some very expensive Italian wool I am using.
Can anyone recommend the best way to finish the seam for a professional look without adding bulk. Should I pink them????
Posted: 3:51 pm on January 15th
Posted: 9:44 am on January 11th
Posted: 10:29 am on January 7th
Sandra, I for one am looking forward to more of these video tutorials.
Victoria and Evamarie did an outstanding job producing such a clear and clutter-free video.
Threads imparts, and we improve.
Thanks!
Posted: 6:42 pm on January 4th
Posted: 5:13 pm on January 4th
As for sergers, I don't own one, so that point is moot. I realize they're popular, but it's a cost priority thing, and call me old school, but I'm really not keen on the look of it, either. If I had the $$ to buy another machine, it would likely be an embroidery one. I dream of adding finishing touches with simple, same colour embroidery. For example one could add a small, tasteful border or a corner motif to the cuff edges (and/or collar) of a simple crisp shirt. Initials or images inside linings would be great, too. Perhaps a small geometric near the beginning of a featured godet?
Ooops, off topic. (laughs) But you see how it could be a no-brainer choice?
Posted: 4:44 pm on January 4th
Posted: 1:44 pm on January 4th
Posted: 1:43 pm on January 4th
Posted: 6:22 pm on January 3rd
If you are going to stay stitch the edges at a 1/4", I would do it prior to stitching the seam. This makes for less handling of light fray prone edges, and it is also done flat as opposed to after the seam is sewn, which can be fussy.
Posted: 5:35 pm on January 3rd
Posted: 7:38 am on January 3rd
Thanks for this tutorial!
I use my serger on almost everything, but I do like the idea of the clean finish on unlined jackets! I think it gives a couture look, which is much better than a serged finish! Someone will see the inside of that unlined jacket!
Posted: 10:58 pm on January 2nd
Posted: 10:45 pm on January 2nd
Posted: 10:41 pm on January 2nd
I would also sew the seams first, then do the finish. I think the sewn seam allowance will be more accurate that way. Then I don't need to think about being completely accurate when folding the edge under.
I like the focused video that only shows one technique.
Posted: 9:29 pm on January 2nd
All you have to for a clean finish is:
1. Before sewing the seam, press each layer of fabric 1/4" towards the wrong side (by folding over as you sew,finger pressing or iron if you need to)and edgestitch.
2. Then, sew your seam normally to join the layers (with the 1/4" taken out of the allowance. So, if it's a 5/8" seam allowance, sew 3/8").
3. Press the seam. You're done!
You can use clean-finish for any fabric. For heavyweight fabric it will add bulk to the seam, so you probably don't want to use it in that case. It's one of the old methods used before serging was used, so it's naturally bulkier than serging and more time-consuming.
Posted: 8:32 pm on January 2nd
Why go to all that trouble when you can serge or zig zag. Even serging can cause problems if the fabric is light.
Posted: 8:21 pm on January 2nd
Posted: 5:21 pm on January 2nd
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