There are so many ways to finish seams without serger. Means, you don’t need a serger to get a professional-looking finish, though it definitely helps. If you’re looking for some alternatives to the overlock stitch, keep reading.
I’ll show you three methods that don’t require a serger–and they all give great results. Try one of these techniques on your next project and see for yourself how easy it can be!
What Do Seam Finishes Do?
Seam finishes are used to stop the edges of your seams from fraying. If they got close enough together, it would result in holes all along that stitching line and everything you did sewing up these pieces might be wasted work!
So before finishing any piece with a finish on them make sure there isn’t going happen anything like this happening by checking first whether or not their main seam has been sewn correctly as well
There are 2 ways to sew seam finishes.
- With a Serger
- Without a Serger
Finish Seams With Serger
If you have a serger, there are a few different seam finishes that you can use. The most common is the overlock stitch. This stitch will help to keep your seams from fraying and also gives them a nice finished look.
Another seam finish that you can use with a serger is the rolled hem. This creates a really neat finished edge on your fabric. Finally, you can use the flatlock seam finish. This is a great option if you want to avoid bulky seams.
Best Sergers On Amazon
Finish Seams Without Serger
If you don’t have a serger, there are still a few different seam finishes that you can use. Let’s have a look at them in detail.
Overlock Stitch
The first seam finish we’ll discuss is the overlock stitch. This stitch can be used to finish both straight and curved seams, and it’s a great option for beginners. The overlock stitch is very easy to sew, and it produces a neat, finished edge.
To sew this seam finish, you’ll need a zigzag sewing machine needle and a seam ripper.
First, press the seam open and clip the threads. Then, take your zigzag sewing machine needle and insert it into the fabric on the right side of the seam (the needle should be facing down).
Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread. Now, take your seam ripper and remove the seam allowance from the left side of the seam (be careful not to cut the thread).
Next, place the fabric so that the wrong sides are facing each other. Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread, and then use your seam ripper to remove the seam allowance from the right side of the seam.
Finally, sew a few stitches in the seam to complete the overlock stitch.
Flat-felled Seam
The next seam finish we’ll discuss is the flat-felled seam. This seam is a great option for fabrics that are prone to fraying, and it’s also very strong. To sew this seam finish, you’ll need a straight sewing machine needle and a seam ripper.
First, press the seam open and clip the threads. Then, take your straight sewing machine needle and insert it into the fabric on the right side of the seam (the needle should be facing down).
Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread. Now, take your seam ripper and remove the seam allowance from both sides of the seam (be careful not to cut the thread).
Next, place the fabric so that the wrong sides are facing each other. Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread, and then use your seam ripper to remove the seam allowance from the right side of the seam.
Finally, sew a few stitches in the seam to complete the flat-felled seam.
French Seam
The last seam finish we’ll discuss is the French seam. This seam is a great option for fabrics that are prone to fraying, and it’s also very strong. To sew this seam finish, you’ll need a straight sewing machine needle and a seam ripper.
First, press the seam open and clip the threads. Then, take your straight sewing machine needle and insert it into the fabric on the right side of the seam (the needle should be facing down).
Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread. Now, take your seam ripper and remove the seam allowance from both sides of the seam (be careful not to cut the thread).
Next, place the fabric so that the wrong sides are facing each other. Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread, and then use your seam ripper to remove the seam allowance from the right side of the seam.
Finally, sew a few stitches in the seam to complete the French seam.
Zigzag Stitch
The last seam finish we’ll discuss is the zigzag stitch. This seam is a great option for fabrics that are prone to fraying, and it’s also very strong. To sew this seam finish, you’ll need a straight sewing machine needle and a seam ripper.
First, press the seam open and clip the threads. Then, take your straight sewing machine needle and insert it into the fabric on the right side of the seam (the needle should be facing down).
Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread. Now, take your seam ripper and remove the seam allowance from both sides of the seam (be careful not to cut the thread).
Next, place the fabric so that the wrong sides are facing each other. Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread, and then use your seam ripper to remove the seam allowance from the right side of the seam. Finally, sew a few stitches in the seam to complete the zigzag stitch.
Bound Seam
The next seam finish we’ll discuss is the bound seam. This seam is a great option for fabrics that are prone to fraying, and it’s also very strong. To sew this seam finish, you’ll need a straight sewing machine needle and a seam ripper.
First, press the seam open and clip the threads. Then, take your straight sewing machine needle and insert it into the fabric on the right side of the seam (the needle should be facing down).
Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread. Now, take your seam ripper and remove the seam allowance from both sides of the seam (be careful not to cut the thread).
Next, place the fabric so that the wrong sides are facing each other. Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread, and then use your seam ripper to remove the seam allowance from the right side of the seam. Finally, sew a few stitches in the seam to complete the bound seam.
Lapped Seam
The next seam finish we’ll discuss is the lapped seam. This seam is a great option for fabrics that are prone to fraying, and it’s also very strong. To sew this seam finish, you’ll need a straight sewing machine needle and a seam ripper.
First, press the seam open and clip the threads. Then, take your straight sewing machine needle and insert it into the fabric on the right side of the seam (the needle should be facing down).
Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread. Now, take your seam ripper and remove the seam allowance from both sides of the seam (be careful not to cut the thread).
Next, place the fabric so that the wrong sides are facing each other. Sew a few stitches in this spot to secure the thread, and then use your seam ripper to remove the seam allowance from the right side of the seam. Finally, sew a few stitches in the seam to complete the lapped seam.
Conclusion
There are a number of seam finishes that can be sewn without a serger, and each one has its own benefits. Which seam finish is best for you will depend on the fabric you’re using and the project you’re working on. Try out a few different seam finishes to see which ones work best for you.
Check Out These Posts Too!
Happy sewing! 🙂
Robert Patricia
Robert Patricia is a data analytic and content creator. He has worked extensively with large data sets to glean insights for both public and private sector clients. He has used this knowledge to create compelling content for brands across the internet. Albert also enjoys creating content for websites and social media. He is an expert at creating catchy headlines and understands how to capture the attention of readers.
