French seams are used a lot in shirts, but they are the norm in a lot of purse seams. They are strong and hold fabric together better than a plain seam would. These seams are used when you want a little more durability.
These are the steps to creating a french seam:
- Make a straight line 4" from one end of the sample and cut the piece in half along the line.
- Mark the stitching line 2/8" (or 1/4") from each cut edge.
- Pin the two pieces together matching the stitching lines, with the wrong sides of the fabric facing each other.
- Stitch the seam on teh machine, removing the pins as you go and being sure to backstitch at each end.
- Press the seam to one side and then the other. Then press the seam open.
- Carefully cut away half the seam allowance.
- Fold the piece in half along the stitch line with right sides facing each other.
- Mark a stitching line 3/8" form each folded edge.
- Stitch the seam on the machine, removing the pins as you go and being sure to backstitch at each end.
- Press the seam to one side and then flat on the other side.