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The Sew What’s New Archive

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: sanda
Date: 11-20-2005, 12:29 PM (1 of 6)
I do not have a serger. I have only made skirts and inclosed the seams, but I want to make a top out of material that has alot of fraying. How do I finish the seams (neatly)at the neck and sleeve. I have tried on scrap to used a zigzag but material still frays.
User: sanda
Member since: 01-03-2005
Total posts: 16
From: sewingrandma
Date: 11-20-2005, 01:38 PM (2 of 6)
I like to use Seams Great to enclose seams that can't be edge finished by serger or machine. It is a stretchy tricot that doesn't add any bulk to seams but prevents the fraying you speak of and is very easy to apply.
Brockie
User: sewingrandma
Member since: 03-06-2003
Total posts: 432
From: DorothyL
Date: 11-20-2005, 01:54 PM (3 of 6)
I like a French seam. But I just realized you are not talking about seams but the edges. Can you turn them under or use binding? I've sewn bias cut fabric to the edge then turned that under.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: paroper
Date: 11-20-2005, 03:43 PM (4 of 6)
You can always zig zag the edge.


Also, just so you will know, many machines have a foot that can be purchased that will trim the seam and allow you to stitch as though you had a serger. Unfortunatly, I'm not sure of the name of the foot, but your local dealer might have access to one, or you might find it online to fit your machine.
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: LauraM62
Date: 11-21-2005, 06:22 AM (5 of 6)
I'm not sure about your machine, but before I had my serger I used a stitch called 'serger stitch' on fabrics that might fray within the seam edges. It worked wonderful, never had a problem with them. Other then that I know others also mentioned bias tape, and/or enclosing the seam. If it is a larger seam, you could fold over part of the seam then sew zig zag. As a note when I did zig zag and/or serger stitch on the sewing machine my inside seam I sewed them together instead of individually. One was speed, the other was it seemed to hold better. Believe me I'm not fine couture sewing, with my family & kids I'm looking for speed & good construction as in staying together :bg: unless it is something that needs special treatment, like dd #2 middle school grad dress :bluewink:
LauraM
SW Indiana

If everyone cared and nobody cried; If everyone loved and nobody lied; If everyone shared and swallowed their pride; Then we'd see the day when nobody died --'If Everyone Cared' by Nickelback
User: LauraM62
Member since: 08-10-2003
Total posts: 246
From: AndreaSews
Date: 11-23-2005, 02:36 PM (6 of 6)
Here's a pretty comprehensive overview of the various seam finishes. It should help you decide what's best for your project. Good luck! seam finishes (http://ianrpubs.unl.edu/textiles/heg147.htm)
Andrea
User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005
Total posts: 1007
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