Page 85 - Textile

Textiles and Garment Construction

Activity 4.1
1. Search and watch a video clip or pictures showing how to make an open or plain
seam.
2. Make a sample of an open or plain seam.
3. Demonstrate four ways of neatening the raw edges of the open seam.

French seam: This is a strong, self-neatening seam used on transparent, lightweight
fabrics. No raw edges are visible when the seam is complete, as the edges are completely
enclosed. It is useful for straight seams and suitable for light weight fabrics, especially
those that fray easily. It can be used in children’s garments because it is strong and
withstand frequent washing. It can also be useful for the most of underwears and
blouses. However, it is not suitable for heavy weight fabrics because it is bulky and
uncomfortable against the skin.

Procedure for working on a French seam
(i) Place the raw edges of the fabric to be joined together with the wrong sides facing
each other. Tack and stitch 6mm outside the fitting line.
{

6mm

Fitting line

(ii) Remove the tacking, trim the turnings to 4mm and press the seam open

Trim off excess
seam allowance
3-4 mm

Tacking (6mm) above
fitting line)

F.L. (Fitting Line)

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