Projects

Sewing French Seams

Created By:

Carol Crocker-Ware

Skill Level: Beginner

As a garment sewist, it seems like a thing we do. We plan, but make our outfits the night before we need them. Making garments for others, well that's different! lol!  We prep for months or weeks before - what pattern will I choose, will I draft a pattern, what fabric is in my stash, should I buy fabric, etc.? Then life sets in, and before you know it, it's time to go.

I decided to make a jumpsuit out of a very silky and drapey fabric. The fabric was very fussy and required French seams. Since the fabric was so delicate, I used Mano (my Memory Craft 15000 - this machine can do no wrong). I also used my Airthread 2000D to serge the bodice. It was after that I realized this fabric required extra care and French seams going forward. 

Instructions

1. Matching notches and markings, stitch the pocket to pants/skirt - front/back with Wrong sides together with 1/4" seam allowance. Trim seam allowance to 1/8". Flip the pocket so the Right sides are together and press.

 

 

2. Clip below pocket 1/4" deep (clip above pocket if not in waistband construction). Stitch from clip to clip at 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam toward the pocket.

 

3. Matching sides and notches, place pant/skirt front/back together with Wrong Sides together and stitch at 1/4" seam allowance. Stitch side seam and around the pocket bag. Trim seams and press.  (If you are making pants, stitch the crotch seam before this step!)  

 

4.  Turn the garment Wrong side out and press. Stitch final seams at 3/8". Stitch side seams to markings (for your hand) and backstitch. Continue to the bottom of the garment as well as around the pocket bag. Don't forget to press your seams! Turn to the Right side and your pocket installation is finished! 

During my french seam process, I used my Cloth Guide for accurate and precise seams! This is so critical when french seaming. The guide is an included accessory with the Horizon 15000 and it's also available for use with other Janome machines. I love it!  Also, don't forget to use your clapper during the french seam process to add that crisp finishing touch!

 To find out more about Carol Crocker-Ware and see what she's up to these days, follow her on her social media pages by following the link below. 

LINK Here Carol Crocker-Ware

 

Everyone is Talking about Sewing French Seams
Reviews


Tako
Beautiful
Wednesday, November 23, 2016

cpindzola
Around the Table Dresden Placemats
Saturday, December 17, 2016

I like the concept, but the directions are "sloppy." Nowhere in the supply list does it mention the felt or the batting (how much?). Also, I would never use a high loft batting in a placemat, or a table runner, as I think that it would be too unstable for a glass. The next time I make these, I will cut out the batting (I use flannel) and spray baste it to the wrong side of the Dresden plate before I put the Dresden plate on the felt to cut out. I have not yet washed the finished placemat, and am hoping that the single layer of felt does not curl up, or become distorted after washing/drying.
Txmaid
Fun Great Gift!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017

MargieARK
Teatime Quilted Tablecloth
Friday, February 24, 2017

I made this today but your cutting directions need to be changed. You only need 4 of color 1 and color 3 4.5 squares for the triangles. Also the inner border, you only need 2 cuts as WOF is long enough to cut each in half to fit the sides.
MickelSews
Great Machine
Wednesday, August 30, 2017

I've had this machine for only a week now. I bought it used from a lady who makes her own clothes, but she no longer needed the machine. During the purchase, she noted that she is almost sad that it's better to give it away because of how well the machine performed. (I also bought it along side a computerized machine of another brand.} She demoed the machine for us, showing it worked and gave us everything (including the box it came in!) She took amazing care of this machine. I have used it a few times now, and the directions for threading were easy to follow (albeit my hands are quite large so the lower looper was a pain, but that is no fault to the machine or brand.) And I recommend this machine to anyone who wants to learn to serge and wants a machine that can grow with them. I will happily use this machine time and time again.
rvstan
S9 Review
Sunday, February 25, 2018

I love, love, love my S9! It's sews and embroiders beautifully and it's simplicity of use amazes me. I would recommend this machine for both a beginner and an experienced seamstress. If I would ask anything of Janome it would be to upgrade the programming to run a larger hoop size. I understand that it can't get much wider but there is most definitely room for it to go longer. That is the only limitation of this machine.
pjmnana
PJMNana
Monday, February 26, 2018

I purchased a Memorycraft 15000 a few years ago and it was the best purchase I ever made! This machine can do just about anything you would would ever want! I love the capability of using the Acuedit app to set up my embroidery pattern on my Ipad and then download it to the machine! I love how my embroidery looks upon completion and I love all the good lighting it has to light up your workspace. That way you don’t need to worry about where to set up your machine. It also has plenty of room to do machine embroidery on any size quilts! There are many decorative stitches from which to choose that are outstanding! It’s hard to choose which one to use! There are so many great features it is hard to decide what I love the most. If you want to buy only one machine to last a lifetime, I would recommend this one!
KLWash
S9 Review
Sunday, February 24, 2019

The S9 is amazing. I learned to sew by hand when I was just 5 and in my grandmothers way as she was quilting. I took seeing classes in high school until they would no longer let me sign up. The S9 makes me appreciate my current skills as well as motivate me to want to learn more. This machine is awesome.
SewSueMe2002
Horizon Memory Craft 15000
Thursday, November 19, 2020

My Janome Horizon Memory Craft 15000 is fantastic! I love, love, love this machine! When I came across the Eye for and Eye embroidery design today, I wanted to make it. However, the embroidery file is missing. Nothing downloads when I select the download button. Please help!
Jillfmischo
Treat Bag fun!
Monday, August 16, 2021

I made the Halloween treat bag for my new granddaughter and I’m sure it will last for years. No embroidery machine so I appliquéd the lettering. Need a little more skirt fabric for a better gathered look, and I used thin double-bias tape for the skirt hem, over edge stitch on skirt sides. I’m pleased with my results!
elenaz
Very helpful tutorial
Wednesday, October 25, 2023

I want to say thank you for teaching me this method of applique. I was able to do it with a small letters. This method is the best so far from all of those I've seen and tried.
plonkar
So useful
Thursday, November 30, 2023

I'd like to express my gratitude for teaching me this appliqué method. I successfully applied it with small letters, and, so far, it's the most effective among all the methods I've seen and tried.

DEALERS
The TWO Closest Dealers to you are:
1900 CENTRE ST , WEST ROXBURY MA, 02132
(617)323-6200
443 MOODY STREET , WALTHAM MA, 02453
781-893-3331
Find Additional Dealers