Sewing Flat-Fell Seams

Posted on Dec 14, 2011

A flat-fell seam is popular for jeans and for reversible garments since it forms a strong and neat join; all the raw edges are tucked away and enclosed by a second line of stitching. Adapted from "How to Use, Adapt, and Design Sewing Patterns," by Lee Hollahan and published by Barron's Educational Series. Lead image from Dreamstime / SixNinePixels.

Step 1

Place the wrong sides of the fabric together and sew a line of straight stitching 5⁄8in (1.5cm) from the edge.

Step 2

Press the raw edges to one side and trim the underlayer to 1⁄8in (3mm).

Step 3

Fold the upper seam allowance under and place over the trimmed allowance. Pin all layers of fabric together.

Step 4

Edge stitch the fold, sewing through all layers of fabric.