How To Sew Finish Seams

layout: tutorial title: “Learn 3 Easy Ways to Finish Seams” date: 2025-03-02 categories: [tutorials, basics] description: “Master three simple techniques to finish seams and prevent fraying” difficulty: Beginner materials:

  • Fabric scraps for practice
  • Sewing Machine
  • Scissors or pinking shears
  • Iron tips:
  • “Always press your seams before and after finishing”

  • “Test the seam finish on a fabric scrap before applying it to your project”

🎉 Hey everyone! Today we’re exploring 3 easy ways to finish seams, ensuring your projects not only look polished but also last longer by preventing fraying.

Watch the Full Tutorial

What You’ll Learn

✅ Finish seams using pinking shears
✅ Secure edges with a zigzag stitch
✅ Create a clean finish with a French seam

What You’ll Need

🧵 Woven fabric (scraps work great for practice!)
✂️ Pinking shears or regular scissors
📏 Seam allowance: I’ll be using a ½ inch seam allowance for demonstration.

Seam Finish 1: Pinking Shears

✂️ Use pinking shears to trim the seam allowance after sewing. The zigzag edge minimizes fraying and is a quick, no-fuss finish.

💡 Tip: Press the seam open or to one side for a neat finish.

Seam Finish 2: Zigzag Stitch

🧵 Set your machine to a zigzag stitch and sew close to the raw edge of your seam allowance. This finish adds durability and prevents fraying.

✅ Settings: Medium width, stitch length around 2.5mm–3.0mm

Seam Finish 3: French Seam

✨ A French seam encloses the raw edges for a clean, professional look.

  1. Sew the fabric with wrong sides together using a ¼ inch seam allowance.
  2. Trim the seam and press it flat.
  3. Fold the fabric so the right sides are together, then sew again with a ⅜ inch seam allowance to enclose the raw edges.

Bonus Tip

👍 French seams work best on lightweight fabrics and garments where you want a polished interior.

And that’s it! You’re ready to finish your seams with confidence. Happy sewing! 🧵😊