how to sew a french seam

The French seam is a neat seam that encases all raw edges. It is ideal for very fine fabrics which fray badly and for clothes to be worn by infants and children.

Steps to sew a French seam 

1. Place your fabric wrong sides together and sew 5mm (2/8”) in from the edge.
2. Press the seam open.
3. Fold seam back on self so the fabric is now right sides together.
4. Press so the first seam runs along the very edge of the fold.
5. Sew 1cm (1/4”) from the folded edge to complete.

Notes:

• The measurements used here use the typical 1.5cm (5/8”) seam allowance given. If the project you are creating uses an alternative width of seam then these will need to be adjusted accordingly.