Month: May 2015

Superimposed seams: A typical seam that joins two or more materials together, usually rights sides together. Used to create neat load bearing seams for lingerie and shirts. Stitch classes: 301, 401, 500, 516.

Lapped seams: Commonly used in jean construction (flat fell construction, loop seam) to prevent fraying. The French seam is commonly used for rain wear, and edge stitching front facings on jackets and dresses. Stitch classes: 401.

Bound seams: The binding exposes the edge in a neat manner. Mostly used in tshirts and necklines. Stitch classes: 401, 301.

Flat seams: Also known as butt-seams. This seam joins fabric by sewing over raw or folded edges. Produces a joint where no extra thickness of fabric can be tolerated at the seam, such as in underwear or foundation garments. All looper threads must be strong. The looper thread is usually soft, while the cover thread is decorative. Stitch classes: 600.

Decorative/Ornamental stitching: A series of stitches along a straight or curved line or following an ornamental design, on a single ply of material. Also includes piping, producing a raised line along the fabric surface. Stitching creates decorative surface effects on the fabric such as pin tucks, application of braids, etc. This seam type consists of a minimum of one component.

Edge finishing/neatening seam: Where the edge of a single ply of material is folded or covered with a stitch typically found in serging. Also includes other methods of producing a neat edge like hemming and blind stitch hemming. Typical applications include trouser panels, flys, and facings.

 

More about stitch types here. Images taken from Coats.