Sewing is a necessary skill for many garments, whether store-bought or hand-sewn. It is a skill that can be learned relatively quickly and is handy in several different situations. One of the essential steps in sewing is learning how to close a seam with a sewing machine.
They are a wonderful invention that allows us to close seams quickly and easily. There are many different sewing machines, but they all essentially do the same thing – stitch two pieces of fabric together. Seams are one of the most important aspects of any garment, and there are various ways to close them. The type of seam you use will depend on the fabric you’re working with and the look you’re trying to achieve.
To close a seam, you will need to thread the machine and choose the correct stitch. Then, you will sew along the seam until it is closed. The important idea is to select a stitch that will not unravel easily. The most common type of seam is the straight seam, which is used to close two pieces of fabric along their edges.
Let’s get started in detail about the seam types and close a seam with a sewing machine.
Table of Contents
Different types of seams
A seam is a line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together. There are many types of seams, each with its benefits and drawbacks.
1. Plain seam
The most common type of seam is the Plain seam. It is the most straightforward kind of seam and is typically used for joining two pieces of fabric along their edges. Straight seams are strong and durable but can be bulky and difficult to sew accurately.
2. Bias seam
Another common type of seam is the bias seam. This type of seam joins two pieces of fabric at an angle rather than along their edges. Bias seams are less strong than straight seams, but they’re much easier to sew accurately. They’re also less likely to pucker or bunch up over time.
3. French seam
This type of seam is used to make a dress look more professional and polished. French seams are made by folding the fabric over rather than cutting it, so they’re twice as thick as regular seams.
4. Lapped seam
Lapped seams are a type of seam closure commonly used in garments. The lap is the part of the seam that overlaps, and the lap seam is sewn with the right sides together. The raw edges of the fabric are aligned and then sewn with a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch. It seems to be often used on curved edges, such as necklines, armholes, and waistlines.
5. Flat or abutted seam
Flat seams are sewn with the right sides of the fabric facing each other and the raw edges aligned. The seam allowance is the space between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line. Abutted seams are sewn with the right sides of the fabric facing away from each other and the raw edges aligned. The seam allowance is on one side of the fabric only.
How To Close A Seam With A Sewing Machine
When you close a seam with a sewing machine, you are essentially sealing the fabric together so it cannot fall apart. It is an essential step in constructing any garment, as it ensures that your finished product will be strong and durable. In addition, closing seams with a sewing machine produces a much more professional-looking finish than hand-sewing or using an adhesive.
Step One: Measure the fabric.
The first step is to measure the fabric. You will need to know how much fabric to cut in order to create the seam. The amount of fabric needed will depend on the size of the project and the type of fabric being used.
If you are working with a small fabric, you may only need a few inches. However, if you are working with a larger fabric, you may need several feet.
Step Two: Cut the fabric.
After you’ve gathered your materials, the next step is to cut the fabric. You’ll want to ensure you have a sharp pair of scissors so that the fabric doesn’t fray. Cut along the seam allowance so that you have two pieces of fabric that are the same size.
Step Three: Sew the fabric.
The third step is to sew the fabric. It can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. Using a sewing machine, set the stitch length to about 3 mm. Start at the top of the fabric and sew down the side, then across the bottom, and up the other side. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam.
Step Four: Trim the fabric
If the fabric is not trimmed, it will unravel. To trim the fabric, cut along the edge of the seam with scissors. Be sure to cut perpendicular to the seam so it will lay flat when sewn. After trimming the fabric, fold it so that the wrong sides are together and press with an iron.
Tips for closing a seam with a sewing machine
There are a few things to remember when closing a seam with a sewing machine.
- First, make sure the seam is aligned correctly.
- Then, use a straight stitch or zigzag stitch to close the seam. Start by sewing slowly and evenly, then increase the speed as needed.
- Finally, backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it in place.
Conclusion
Close a seam ensures that your garments look polished and professional and that they will hold up over time. While it may seem daunting at first, closing a seam with a sewing machine is quite simple once you know the basics. It is a simple process that anyone can learn with a bit of practice.
Sewing is a great way to fix clothes and extend their life. It’s a simple process that anyone can learn with a little practice. With a suitable sewing machine, you can close a seam in no time. So next time your clothes need a little repair, don’t hesitate to break out the sewing machine.
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to close a seam with a sewing machine, and I look forward to seeing your comments and suggestions below.