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5 Stunning Seam Finishes (no more zig-zag stitch!)

While zig-zag stitch is one of the most popular seam finish options, I personally never been a big fan of it and I usually lean towards alternative seam finishes. In this article, let's talk about 5 seam finishes that will take as much time to make as a zigzag stitch, but will elevate your garments to the next level!


This post is created in partnership with Brother and all samples in this post are created using Brother Stellaire 2 sewing and embroidery machine.

Samples in this post are sewn using Brother Stellaire 2 sewing and embroidery machine
5 Stunning Seam Finishes

SEAM FINISH No.1: straight stitch method

One of the most underrated seam finishes has to be straight stitch method, but if you haven't tried it yet, you're missing out! It's quick, simple and elegant seam finish, that can be done on any sewing machine as it only needs straight stitch.

To sew straight stitch seam finish, fold 3-5mm of seam allowance towards garment inside and sew side using straight stitch. Finish second side of the seam allowance the same way and it's done!

Thanks to raw seam allowance being pushed to garment inside, it doesn't get direct contact when wearing, thus it will barely fray. This finish will work in particularly great with garments that have lots of straight seams, giving it a timeless, classic look.

Straight stitch seam finish

SEAM FINISH No.2: pinking shears method

This method will require an additional tool - pinking shears. Simply trim sides of seam allowance using pinking shears to create small triangular cuts, and that's it!

Pinking shears trim fabric in small triangles that are cut on bias and fabric cut on bias does not fray much, this is why it method is so simple, yet effective!

Extra tip: this step is optional, but you can add a straight stitch about 7mm from seam allowance line for extra security. The straight stitch will work as a stay stitch, resulting in even more durable finish.

Seam finish made using pinking shears

SEAM FINISH No.3: overcast stitch method

Most modern domestic sewing machines come equipped with a variety of overcast stitches, which are excellent alternative for a serger.

Brother Stellaire 2 comes with a variety of overcast stitches

Overcast stitches create very durable seam finish, thus it's suitable for fabrics that tend to fray a lot or even knit fabrics, as it has stretch.

Overcast stitch

If you want to create this finish, I would recommend a special overcast presser foot (in Brother range, this presser foot is called 'G') - this presser foot has a tiny bar in the middle, that protects fabric edge from pulling. It also comes equipped with a small fin underneath, so that you can easily position fabric long the edge.

Presser foot may seem like a small change, but it creates a massive difference! Here's a sample for overcast stitch looks on same fabric, just using different presser feet - note how the bottom sample (made using Brother presser foot G) has much less pulling compared to top sample (made using universal presser foot). If you enjoy using overcast stitch, a special presser foot may be worth investing!

Overcast stitch made using universal presser foot (top) and overcast presser foot (bottom)

SEAM FINISH No.4: decorative stitch method

If you're working with a computerised sewing machine, most likely it comes with a variety of decorative stitches, most of which can be used to create fantastic seam finishes.

Brother Stellaire 2 comes with 760 built-in decorative and utility sewing stitches

To use decorative stitch as a seam finish, simply choose a stitch you prefer (in my case, I'm using Satin scallop stitch) and sew both sides of the seam allowance using it.

Satin scallop stitch being sewn on Brother Stellaire 2

If necessary, trim excess seam allowance and that's it - you've created a stunning seam finish that will look gorgeous on unlined garments!

Seam finish made using Scallop stitch

SEAM FINISH No.5: alphabet stitch method

This last technique is technically not a seam finish, but a lovely idea that you can incorporate into seam finish of your garments. If your sewing machine comes with alphabet stitches, use them to add a secret message into garment inside. The message can be a simple 'Handmade by ...' or date when the garment was sewn, but you can also a sweet well-wishes message if you're sewing a garment for someone else. A tiny, yet powerful detail!

Alphabet stitches on Brother Stellaire 2
Message stitched out using alphabet stitches
 

I hope you've enjoyed reading about these different seam finishes! If you'd like to watch a video version of this article, you can find it here:


Thank you for reading and wishing you a great day ahead!


Julija


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