HELP :( I seam to have some trouble with dress making!!

I've just recently bought my first sewing machine! I've been excited for weeks as I've only been able to use school or college machines and I'm ready to FINALLY make dresses from this beautiful pattern pieces I got off ebay.

Howeverrrrr, I'm really unsure about what to do with my seamsHappy I've only ever sewn seams with an overlocker to stop them fraying, and I can't afford one for myself yet :/

What can I do? Does anyone have any advise or websites, books, tips for me becuase I've had to wait soooo long for this, and I can't wait any long Happy Your help is much appreciated.

Lots of love, a budding seamstress x

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5 replies since 27th May 2010 • Last reply 27th May 2010

Reply #1:

the easiest way i think is to sew along the edges with zigzag, fold it up and straight stitch from the right side
or you do it with piping
or with bias tape, that can be a nice kontrast if you use the bias in a different color!
or you line the dress and turn the seams over


sorry, i didn´t explain these abilities in detail, because i don´t know what you know Happy maybe you just need a reminder Happy
but if you don´t know how to do a technique i can explain it Happy

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Reply #2:

so lala had a great tip, I was going to say the same

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Reply #3:

Zig zagging the seam edges is a good way to finish seams off. You would have to do each side.

If your fabric isn't too heavy you could trim to about 5mm put both sides of seam together and zig zag once. Then you can iron the seam one way or the other depending on how it 'sits' in the design. Usually the front seams face backwards better.

Another way of making neat seams is french seams. You sew your pieces together with WRONG sides together. Then trim close to the seam. Fold back to make the RIGHT side together and sew the seam again. It creates a finished tube. You may need to allow more seam allowance for this method.

The other way I can think of is to have RIGHT sides together, fold over the seam edge, iron the fold then sew the seam. I used this method on my mini parasol.

Some jersey fabrics, voiles or stretch can be fiddly to finish off. I usually set my zig zag to a middle width and a middle length. Then I sew right on the edge and get the fabric to turn up and run between the foot fingers. That way it turns and stitches at the same time. Sometimes you have to go round twice. It gives a finish simular to overlocking.

Hope this helps Happy

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Reply #4:

my serger was busted for a long time and i used the zig zag as well but i would use pinking shears to cut the fabric, then straight stitch them together, then use the zig zag as close to the straight stitch as i could go and i still have some of the clothes i made this way that are many years old and are still nice and neat.
good luck!

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Reply #5:

I just use a straight stitch unless, I am using knits, then I do a straight stitch first and then a zigzag. I haven't had any problems yet. (=

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