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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: wifetod
Date: 04-20-2004, 12:22 PM (1 of 10)
I am using up the rest of my polyester left from my dress and making a simple skirt. The skirt has pockets, no problem. Here is my question. I want to use the french seam for the sides, I can't use it at the pocket area, can I do the French seam up to the dot and where it starts the pocket go to a regular seam? I am having trouble visualizing if this can be done, the more I think about it I bet it can't and I will have to use a different seam finish for this fraying material.

I would appreciate any input, thanks.
Jolene
Jolene
User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004
Total posts: 149
From: Dede
Date: 04-20-2004, 12:53 PM (2 of 10)
I would worry about the bulk with a French seam on the side. Is it a fitted or semi-fitte skirt? How about using a serger?
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001
Total posts: 469
From: wifetod
Date: 04-20-2004, 01:11 PM (3 of 10)
I don't have a serger, probably the best thing to do is sew the straight seam and then overcast each side of the seam.
Jolene
User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004
Total posts: 149
From: Dede
Date: 04-20-2004, 02:02 PM (4 of 10)
So would I. Let us know how it turns out.
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001
Total posts: 469
From: paroper
Date: 04-20-2004, 03:26 PM (5 of 10)
What about a flat fell instead? YOu can press the seam toward the back and sew it down on the outside. I think this would take care of your problem with the pocket...and it would look much like the seam on a pair of jeans, if it isn't too sporty a look for your pattern/fabric.
pam

Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch)
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004
Total posts: 3775
From: wifetod
Date: 04-20-2004, 06:12 PM (6 of 10)
This is a dressy skirt, so I don't think I want the flat felled seam finish for this. Thanks though.

Anyone who wants to PM me with their email I can send you a picture of the last project that you all helped me with. I am not ready for personal reasons to set up a website for the pictures but would love for some of you to see what I did with that.

Jolene
Jolene
User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004
Total posts: 149
From: sewnew2
Date: 04-20-2004, 06:53 PM (7 of 10)
Jolene, I have some spare webspace. If you email me the photo, I can host it for you, and send you the link. You can then post the link in whatever forum you wish. Let me know,

Best,

Heather
Heather
User: sewnew2
Member since: 03-31-2004
Total posts: 70
From: wifetod
Date: 04-20-2004, 09:07 PM (8 of 10)
Heather,
Thank-you for the offer. I may take you up on it if I can't get it worked out. I have a couple more things I want to check on first. I will let you know. :smile:
Jolene
User: wifetod
Member since: 01-19-2004
Total posts: 149
From: DorothyL
Date: 04-21-2004, 08:11 AM (9 of 10)
Jolene -
I often do side seams on pants and skirts much the way you suggested. I do the side seam to the bottom dot first with the wrong sides together. Then I turn to do it with right sides together I sew it just like the pattern instructs. I bind the raw edges with bias tape where the pocket is sewn on before making the side seam, and bind the pocket raw edges after, running the bias tape right into the final side seam.
It adds a little bulk, but it doesn't bother me and the inside has a beautiful finish.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: marianne_hess
Date: 04-21-2004, 12:28 PM (10 of 10)
There's always the option of a fake French seam too! Just sew the seam as you would normally, then fold both seam allowances in to the centre and zigzag them together. I often do this with really fraying materials because it is less likely to have little threads come through the seam. It kind of looks like a serged seam when you're done especially if you zigzag close to the edge.
User: marianne_hess
Member since: 07-10-2001
Total posts: 48
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