Frequently overlooked, lapped seams are incredibly versatile. They’re used for sportswear and for reducing the bulk in heavy fabrics. They’re even relied on when a lace or fabric pattern you’re using is so exquisite there is no other way you can avoid disrupting its design at the seamlines. Lapped seams are sometimes used to fool the eye and either obscure the seamline or highlight it. Author Claire B. Shaeffer investigates three lapped seams: the basic lapped seam and two appliqué versions-one in lace and the other in woven fabrics in this article from Threads #153.