Finishing seams without a serger

Don't have a serger- no  problem!

      Today I'm going to show you how to finish your seams WITHOUT a serger! Yay! These methods work great for woven fabrics. They could be used for knit fabrics as well ,but since knit does not fray there is no need to finish the raw edges. ;)

 Here are 2 ways to do this:

 French seams- sewing machine and fabric

Zig-zag finish- sewing machine with a zig zag function and fabric

First, I'll show you the one you are all probably most interested in- French seams!

Take 2 scraps of fabric( size depends on personal preference but since this is just a sample two 5"x 5" pieces of fabric work just fine) and place them WRONG sides together.

Stitch down one side using a 3/8" seam allowance. Open the fabric piece.

Next, you are going to trim the seam allowance. You want to cut as close to your stitching as you can but not through your stitches! 

Then, take the fabric, open it up and place it RIGHT sides together. Iron the edge with the seam flat.
You will stitch the fabric together again using a 3/8" seam allowance along the same edge you already stitched. This can be a little confusing the first time but you will get the hang of it. :)

Look at the seam on the right side of the fabric to make sure no raw edges are showing. If not, then you have just made your first french seam!

Zig Zag method:

This next method if a little less confusing and takes less time in my opinion.

Take two 5"x 5" pieces of fabric and place them RIGHT sides together. Stitch using a 3/8" seam allowance down one side of the squares. 

Change the settings on your machine to have a zig zag. The width and length of the stitch are up to personal preference. For me, I use a 2.5 width and 2/2.5 ish length. 

     Stitch down the same side of the fabric so that the zig zag wraps around the raw edges of the material.

Now you know not one, but TWO great ways to finish your seams!

2 ways to gather fabric with your sewing machine

     Gathering fabric is something a lot of people dread doing but it is an essential skill in many patterns. Today, I'm going to show you 2 ways to gather fabric. After reading these tips I hope you will feel like a pro when it comes to gathering! :)

CLASSIC GATHERING METHOD:

Above photo shows 2 rows of stitching.

Adjust your stitch length to the longest length for a straight stitch.  Also, move your tension to the highest it can go( mine goes to 10 but it may vary with every machine).  Stitch 2-3 rows each 1/4"- 1/2" apart. Leave a long tail of thread( 5-6") at each end. The fabric should already have started to be gathered. To adjust the gathers grab the bobbin thread( the thread on the bottom) and gently pull. Adjust the gathers to the width needed.
  You're done!

Tips for gathering: When using a heavier fabric stitch 3+ rows to prevent thread breakage.


ZIG-ZAG METHOD:

I love using this method when gathering tulle and heavier fabrics.

        Set your sewing machine to the widest and longest zig zag stitch you have. You will also need a thicker string/rope. Place the string so it is lined up with the center of your presser foot(see photo above). Stitch the fabric you are gathering making sure the string stays lined up with the center of your presser foot.

 Your stitches should look like this when you are done, the string being in the middle of the stitches.  NOTE: There is no need to leave a long tail of thread when using this method. However, you must leave a tail of string 4-6" long for gathering

     Next, grab the string and pull to gather to the width needed. When done gathering I would recommend wrapping the string around a pin to hold in place. 



Happy sewing!!!

Anna  :)