Take a look at four ways to finish edges on jackets, vests,  blouses, and dresses. Any of these finishes will have an impact on the style of a garment.

Raw edges

When a garment’s edges are deliberately left unfinished, staystitch near the raw edge to help the garment hold its shape. However, this does may provide enough body and support to the garment. Find out what you can do to get the needed support.

Turned-under edges

This type of finish is often seen on unlined garments, especially the center-front plackets of dress shirts or blouses. The edge is folded to the wrong side and topstitched in place.

Bound edges

On bound edges, bias-cut fabric strips, known as binding, wrap around a raw edge.

You can purchase precut binding, or make your own. Binding curves to the shape of the edge and can be sewn by hand or machine.

Faced edges

This common finish is often used in tailoring. It consists of an extra piece of fabric cut to mirror the edge to which it will be sewn.

This detailed tutorial is one video in the comprehensive Teach Yourself to Sew series.

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Teach Yourself to Sew

Series host and garment sewing expert Judith got her first taste of sewing when she took the free lessons that came with her mother’s sewing machine purchase. Judith was 9 at the time. Soon after, she was sewing her own clothes and feeding her passion for the craft. In her Teach Yourself to Sew series, Judith shares her enduring love of sewing and her invaluable years of sewing experience.

Getting started

She starts with discussing the equipment and the essential sewing notions for anyone who sews. You’ll learn about shopping for fabrics, choosing patterns (including selecting the correct size), and planning the perfect pattern…