Finishing seams without a serger

_DSC0122-2 Finishing seams without a serger. The French Seam. Britt Stitch sewing tips

_DSC0076sq Violette Fields Threads Catherine Pattern, Britt Stitch Easter dresses Easter is just around the corner and for the first time ever I completed the girls’ Easter dresses a week ahead of time. Small miracles.  The blue fabric is 100% linen (it’s actually a Pottery Barn king size flat sheet that I got a steal of a deal on) and the perfect pale blue for Easter and for an upcoming family wedding. Hooray for using dresses twice.

_DSC0080sq Violette Fields Threads Catherine Pattern, Britt Stitch Easter dresses

I sketched out their Easter dresses and the next day found the Catherine pattern from Violette Field Threads that was almost identical to what I had drawn up.  I mean what are the chances? And even though I’ve been anti-pattern in the past, I’m so glad I went for this one. It was an awesome pattern and tutorial and so fun to put together. _DSC0088sq Violette Fields Threads Catherine Pattern Britt Stitch Easter Dresses_DSC0092sq Violette Fields Threads Catherine Pattern Britt Stitch Easter dresses_DSC0097sq Violette Fields Threads Catherine Pattern Britt Stitch Easter dresses

I added some fun hand embroidery detailing and a 3 inch hem to the bottom of my skirt because my girls are leggy. Also the border is double thick and adds a really nice weight to the dress. I also added french seams instead of zig zag.

I don’t currently have a serger, and I have issues with the zig zag seam finish because I feel like it still frays and looks unfinished. I hate that. So instead I opt for a french seam. Which basically cases in all the seams so they look like this. French Seam Britt Stitch  Isn’t that so much nicer?

Ahh I just love the way that looks. Pretty! And it’s super simple to do. Let’s share the french seam love shall we?

First take your pieces of fabric wrong sides together. It feels weird to sew on the right side of your fabric, I know. Sew your seam at half the seam allowance that your pattern calls for. This pattern called for 1/2″ seam allowance, so I’m going to half that and sew 1/4″ seam here. Like so.

Next trim half of your seam allowance off and press the opposite way so you now have wrong sides together.

Sew another 1/4″ seam (or whatever half your recommended allowance is). Press the right side of your seam open and you’re done!

_DSC0122-2 French Seam Britt StitchYour raw edge should be encased on the wrong side of your fabric. Isn’t that so clean? I love this finish to make the inside of your garment look just as pretty as the outside.

Happy stitching!

xo,

Britt

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