Facebook Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Tiktok Icon YouTube Icon Headphones Icon Favorite Navigation Search Icon Forum Search Icon Main Search Icon Close Icon Video Play Icon Indicator Arrow Icon Close Icon Hamburger/Search Icon Plus Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon

Conversational Threads

Lightweight wool challis – how to fin…

sbn | Posted in Fabric and Trim on

*
I’m making a dress of a gorgeous lightweight wool challis (a paisley, not that that has any bearing on this question), & have realized as I’m beginning to sew that it doesn’t have enough body for me to zigzag the seam allowances without bunching up the fabric & otherwise behaving unsatisfactorily.

Before cutting, I machine-washed the fabric & hung it to dry, and it came out wonderfully. Since I plan to continue machine-washing it, I especially want to select a seam finish that will prevent raveling. I don’t have access to a serger, so that’s not an option, & I don’t trust my sewing machine to avoid wadding up the fabric if I were to use any of its overcast or zigzag stitches. What about pinking the seams? Or is there a better answer that hasn’t occurred to me?

Thanks in advance,
-Sarah

Replies

  1. Dorene_Kemp | | #1

    *
    In her book, "Fabric Savvy" Sandra Betzina recommends a flat felled seam if you cannot serge it. For the hem, she recommends enclosing the raw edge with Seams Great, turn up and hand stitch. Hope this helps.

    1. lin_hendrix | | #2

      *Hi Sarah, If you don't want the topstitching of a flat felled seam, another option might be French seaming.--lin

      1. Kathryn_ | | #3

        *Try bias tape - called a Hong Kong finish, I believe.

        1. Diane | | #4

          *Bind the seams with Seams Great--it's lighter than bias tape.

This post is archived.

Threads Insider

Get instant access to hundreds of videos, tutorials, projects, and more.

Start Your Free Trial

Already an Insider? Log in

Conversational Threads

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |

Threads Insider Exclusives

View All
View All

Highlights

Shop the Store

View All
View More