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I am going to make a round table cover for my gametable. I have the size and pattern from the cover I have on it now. However, I have chosen a decorater fabric which has interest on both sides of the cloth. I would like to make a french seam, I think, to be able to use either side of the fabric. I am not sure I remember exactly how to do a french seam.
Could someone send directions?
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A French seam is as follows: place fabrics wrong sides together. Sew seam with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press this seam allowance flat, then open, then all layers closed together. Open up and trim away 1/8 of the seam allowance. Then, close back up, so right sides are together. Sew the seam again, using a 3/8 seam allowance. Press. It helps to make your seam allowances a bit (maybe 1/8 inch) bigger when you cut, especially if your fabric has much bulk, to accomodate the turn of the cloth.
However, I don't know if you want to use that finish on something you want to be reversible. It will leave a nicely finished, but very visible, 3/8 inch flap of fabric. You may want to consider a flat felled enclosed seam, like on the side seams of blue jeans. That way you'll have both sides equally finished. There will be a ridge there, depending on how heavy your fabric is. Unfortunately, I haven't done such a seam yet and cannot advise you on this! Good luck!
*I vote for a flat felled seam too.
*Do you have any instructions for a flat felled seam? Joan
*For a flat felled seam-- straight stitch with a 5/8 inch seam allowance. Trim one side of the seam to 1/8 inch. On the other seam allowance press under half of the seam allowance that is left toward the seam line, and then press it over the seam. Topstitch the seam allowance in place.I copied this directly out of one of Sue Hausmann's books. Hope it helps.
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