Replies

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Jun 05, 2007 05:51pm | #1

   You might try adding "Seams Great" to all the seam edges.  It is one of my favorite produts, especially for making necklines instead of using facings.  It comes in a package in the notions area and is a lightweight bias. 

    

1. 
   Melena | Jun 05, 2007 11:45pm | #4

   Thank you Mary!

   Where is this "Seams Great" available?  Can you get it at a Wal-Mart?  Unfortunately where I live, there is only Wal-Mart and a small fabric centre unless I drive at least an hour!

1. 
   Pattiann42 | Jun 07, 2007 12:56am | #8

   I don't think this product is available at Wal*Mart.  Try websites.  Clotilde and Joann are a couple you might try. Clotilde has a lot of things you can't find in stores.  Seams Great comes in white, beige and black.

2. 
   sewingkmulkey | Jun 05, 2007 09:10pm | #2

   I agree with Mary - "seams great" is the perfect solution as it adds no bulk!

   Karen

    

1. 
   dotty | Jun 05, 2007 09:42pm | #3

   I once used "seams great"(I think that is what it was ). Unfortunatly it was a cotton blouse and the "seams great" melted when I ironed the blouse. It became so scratchy I had to chuck the shirt.

1. 
   sewingkmulkey | Jun 06, 2007 05:40pm | #6

   Dotty,

   Sorry you had such a bust using seams great on cotton.  I usually use seams great on rayon and other ravel prone fabrics.  Most cottons I've used are more stable.  I think using a zig zag stitch or serger on fabrics that need a high heat pressing would work well as suggested by another poster.

   Karen

1. 
   dotty | Jun 06, 2007 05:59pm | #7

   Yes thats what I do now too. I love my serger.

3. 
   Teaf5 | Jun 06, 2007 12:26am | #5

   I don't have a serger, so I loosely zizag all my seam allowances on loosely woven fabrics. If I do this before it is finished, I zigzag the allowances closed, but if I have to do it afterward, I do each side separately, ending just before the next seam (the last 1/4" won't fray much if the rest is secured).

   On very, very loose fabrics, I double stitch all the seams, once on the seam line and once just outside it, and then zigzag the edges of the seam allowance. On a finished dress, you can also secure the seams by topstitching (if it doesn't ruin the style) with a matching thread.

   A Hong Kong seam finish uses seam tape to enclose the seam allowances, but that's pretty hard to do after you've finished the garment. Try an internet with the search words "sewing seam finishes" to see many good sites with options.