I haven’t sewn in over forty years, and also forgotten all the sewing techniques that I was taught in school. I bought a skirt in the local secondhand shop and unpicked it. I am in the process of turning it into a summer coat. But alas, the material is crepe de shine and I have inserted the sleeve. The instructions tell me to clean up the joins with bias binding but the material is too fine. I don’t have an overlocker and with the sleeves gathered at the join, could someone please help me in how to tidy the edges where the sleeve and coat seam join. I have blind stitched all the other seams, leaving a nice clean edge.
Replies
You could whip-stitch the seam edges with two threads.You could purchase some Seams Great. It's a bias-cut, 5/8" nylon seam finish available in white and black and a few colors. You fold it over edge and stitch it on by hand or machine.You could use a bias cut of lightweight fabric to bind the edge and do a Hong Kong finish on the seam.
Meg offered you applicable choices.
Another for you to consider is to French Seam the armhole/sleeve seam. I'd suggest you baste with both seams. When you join wrong side to wrong side, and again when you join right side to right side. Stitch slowly as you go, making certain the fabric is smooth, and is moving in unison.
Be very mindful as you trim the seams in preparation to do the second seaming. it matters for your trimming to be of a like amount throughout.
Cheers on your recycling effort!
me
ETA - Realized as I clicked Post, your mention of there being down time since you've last done any sewing. This next URL might be value for you to bookmark.
http://stardustshoes.blogspot.com/2007/08/sewing-101-french-seam.html
me again
Edited 1/11/2009 5:11 pm ET by Palady
I vote for the Seams Great since you haven't sewn for awhile it "seems" it would be the easiest method. It is a wonderful product to work with too and doesn't change the drape or create bulkiness. Love your moniker "canardlysew"....
In addition to the other suggestions, cotton French lace insertion can be used for binding.
I want to thank all of you for your wonderful help in being able to finish this coat. I can now go onto other projects from secondhand clothing that I have bought and redesign them as well. Thank you again vwren99, MaryinColorado, Meg, Palady, I bookmarked the URL, thank you.
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