I'm starting up a small line of clothing to sell along with my jewelry. I know I'll be working with jersey fabric, mainly a rayon and spandex blend. I'm trying to figure out ways to finish my seams. Usually, you would use a serger- it's quick and easy and looks neat and professional. However, I don't have one and can't buy one just yet.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions on how to professionally finish seams? I know you can leave a raw edge and it won't unravel (one of the wonders of knits,) but does this really look professional? Can anyone tell me if they ever saw a raw seam and it still looked okay? Someone suggested a french seam, but I think it'll take too much work and I don't want to have to jack up the prices of my clothing just because I spent extra time finishing.

Please, please, please just throw ideas out there, advice, suggestions, anything! I've been researching for days and have been pretty unsuccessful.

Thank you!

Tags: alternative, finishing, hems, seams, serger, sewing

Views: 71

Replies to This Post

Could you afford to buy a used serger? I bought my first one for $100 and it worked very well. I would have kept it when I got my new one, but I didn't have room! Anyway, it was a very good machine for the price and would have lasted me for a long time I'm sure. I think it's worth looking at least!
If yo u just can't afford a serger right now do a turned and stitched seam seam. It's neat, it's professional and not as time consuming as a french seam. Good luck.
Thank you everyone for all your help and tips. I've been looking into used sergers and may consider buying one. In the meantime, I think I'll do a turned and stitched. It seems to be the most popular solution. Thank you!
Hello Beatrice, good luck on new endeavor. there used to be a product called 'seams great'. it is a sheer tricot knit, cut into different widths, pre-packaged. You lay it over the seam edge to be finished and gently pull the tricot (knits 'curl' when you stretch them, it will curl over the seam allowance) and you sew it in place over the seam edge. It is very sheer, stretches, doesn't add bulk to seams.....and when you get proficient enough you could do an all in one application/ seaming....Its like binding with bias but with a knit. You can make your own, using sheer tricot and test which cut gives you the best curl, cut to your own width.....I haven't bught any for years so don'tknow if the packaged is still availble. Helps with itchy seams also....
I have a product called "seams great" that I use to finish all of my seams with. It is sheer nylon cut on the bias and sold on a roll. When you stretch it over your seam it will curl around it, making it easy to stitch down. I would think they still sell it. Good luck with your new venture.
You can zigzag your seam allowances. Also how are you starting up your clothing line. Are you including an RN tag in your clothes? You can use craiglist and find a used serger and check with walmarts and the sites auction. Sergers are cheaper now.

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