Trim the excess right down to about 1/8". Stitch with 3/8" or 10mm seam allowance. Stitch with 3/8" or 10mm seam allowance. The closer to your stitches you can trim (without compromising the seam! It is most often used in high-quality vinyl and leather applications, such as automotive seating and high-end yachts. This way, if the seam is stretched when the seat is in use, the backing fabric blocks the lining under the fabric from being seen, while also adding additional strength. A strong seam, if a fabric backing is used. In the video, our 4mm straight stitch is reinforced on the underside with a 1-inch grosgrain polyester binding (#105423). With the outside surfaces of the two vinyl panels facing each other, we’ve sewn a straight stitch that is 3/4 inch away from the two raw edges of the vinyl. A French seam encloses the seam allowance on the inside of a sewn item, so no raw edge is visible. Check out our video below to see the full tutorial on French seam construction. Attempting a curved version of the seam can be quite challenging. It’s a decorative stitch that often replaces piping and welting. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of a French seam. The French seam demonstrated in our video is also known as a “double top stitch” and is commonly found in applications using leather, faux leather or vinyl. To get the best appearance on your top stitch, we also recommend using a heavier weight thread so it will have a thicker appearance. It hides the underbelly of the seam allowance, the fabric cut edges, inside the fabric folds. We chose to sew our French seam on two panels of EverSoft™ indoor/outdoor upholstery vinyl from Sailrite. Instead you want to allow the material to naturally stay folded up around the sewing feet as much as possibly while still allowing a view of the needle and feet. In sewing, the french seams denote something dainty, everything discreet – the perfect edge finish for seams. Press the seam to one side, and then fold your fabric back on itself so that you now have right sides together. That’s because when sewing a French seam for your upholstery, consider adding a backing material behind the first seam. ), the better - this will ensure that your curved French seam is pucker-free. A French seam is actually a method for making a double seam that is used to hide the rough edges of fabric. These French seams are featured in longer videos on making Powerboat Cushions from our 2016 Project Powerboat Series — be sure to check them out! That’s why we’ve created free how-to videos to help you sew seams. If you'd like to learn more about sewing a French seam with the Ultrafeed® Sewing Machine, check out our blog (#200698XHT). It's used most commonly on sheer fabric, so the seam blends with the fabric. A french seam has the raw edges of the fabric tucked in and leaves a clean edge. This way, if the seam is stretched when the seat is in use, the backing fabric blocks the lining under the fabric from being seen and adds strength. But it can be used on any fabric where you want to enclose the seam … Before we begin, it’s important to note that this so-called French seam is a variation of French seams traditionally utilized in garment construction. That’s because when sewing a French seam for your upholstery, consider adding a backing material behind the first seam. You have to make a clean cut of your fabric edges first and foremost – that is neaten up any stray threads on the cut edge. This adds to the beauty, uniformity and professional look of the seam. ), the better - this will ensure that your curved French seam is pucker-free. Attempting a curved version of the seam can be quite challenging. A specialty foot, the Edge Guide glides along the splayed seam of the first row of stitching so you can have perfectly straight top stitching lines that are an equal distance from the first row of stitching. When sewing a French seam for your upholstery, we recommend adding a backing material behind the first seam. Taking the time to sew a French seam not only adds visual interest to your upholstery but it also strengthens the seam. Many prefer it to piping. Press the seam … Sign up now >. Sign up now >. We’ll show you how to get this look for yourself in a quick video tutorial. To get the best appearance on your top stitch, we also recommend using a heavier weight thread so it will have a thicker appearance. Experts swear by a french seam especially when sewing sheer fabrics. Here at Sailrite®, we want to help you create a variety of DIY projects in the simplest way possible without stress. The closer to your stitches you can trim (without compromising the seam! Let’s see what you got! This way, if the seam is stretched when the seat is in use, the backing fabric blocks the lining under the fabric from being seen, while also adding additional strength. A French seam is actually a method for making a double seam that is used to hide the rough edges of fabric. Pre-order your FREE Sailrite catalogs! You dont want to try to force the material to lay flat on the bed like when doing straight french seams. You can also sew with a contrasting thread color so the stitching will pop against your fabric. Add eye-catching top stitches to your boat and auto upholstery with a French seam. It is a neat and inconspicuous seam without much bulk on the inside. For that reason, and because of its excessive selvage, this seam is not well suited for the bolsters of a seat, but rather on the insert panels where it will lay properly and look its best.