How to Make Flat Felled Seams
Easy-to-follow, Step-by-step Instructions for making a Flat Felled Seam.
This seam is also commonly referred to as a: felled seam, flat seam, flat feel seam, flat feld seam, flat fell seam, or flat felt seam.
Today, flat felled seams are often used when a sporty look is desired. They are commonly found on skirts, casual slacks as well as shirts and blouses. In addition to clothing, flat felled seams are often found on accessories such as tote bags as well as many outdoor fabric items including tents, and backpacks.
Although flat felled seams are often used with heavy-weight fabric (such as denim) because of the layering involved, they may not be suitable for extremely heavy or bulky fabrics. Limitations are often determined by the capacity of the sewing machine. Until the seamstress (or tailor) is proficient with the procedure, using a flat felled seam on curves (such as placing a sleeve into an armhole) should be avoided.
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What You Will Need for this Flat Felled Seam Tutorial
- Sewing Machine
- Iron
- Pins
- Scissors or Pinking Shears
- Thread
Procedure
Before you begin, we encourage you to read-through all the steps, as well as the safety information at the bottom of this page.
STEP 1. Make note of the of the
difference between the “right” and “wrong” side of the fabric. It will help you orient yourself as you
follow the steps.
STEP 2. With the wrong
sides facing out, pin material together, pinning entire length of edge where the flat felled seam will be.
STEP 3. Stitch a 5/8" seam allowance
(or the amount specified in your pattern) along the entire length of the edge pinned in Step 2, back-tacking at the beginning and end
of the seam. Remove pins after the seam allowance has been sewn.
STEP 4. Cut one side of seam allowance
(sewn in Step 3) to within 1/4" of the stitches. Although you may use pinking shears, they are not required. The cut edges will be protected
(and hidden) by the completed flat felled seam.
STEP 5. On the wrong side of the fabric,
press seam closed to short side of seam allowance. Be sure to use a setting on your iron that will not damage the fabric.
STEP 6. On right side of fabric, thoroughly
press seam to ensure it is flat. Use a pressing cloth to help prevent damage to fabric.
STEP 7-A. Grasp the wider (un-trimmed)
side of the seam allowance, folding it over the top of the narrower (trimmed) side...
STEP 7-B. ...continue folding until the
edge of the wider side meets the seam's stitching line, concealing the narrower side as shown below.
STEP 7-C. Grasp the folded, concealed seam
and continue folding in the same direction...
STEP 7-C. ...until the folded seam lies flat
against the opposite side and is ready for pinning.
STEP 8. Pin entire length of flattened fold
in place.---------- ------ -- - ------ --- ---- - ------- ---- ------ ---
STEP 9-A. Stitch Line (a) - Stitch 1/8" in from
folded edge along the entire length of the flattened fold pinned in Step 8, back-tacking at the beginning and end of the seam. Remove pins as
they reach the presser foot.
STEP 9-B. One of the two finished top stitch
lines can now be seen on the right side of the fabric. Stitch Line (a) is now complete.
STEP 10-A. Stitch Line (b) - Stitch 1/8" in
from and parallel to the original seam along entire length of flattened fold, back-tacking at the beginning and end of the seam. Both finished
top stitch lines can now bee seen on the right side of the fabric (below).
STEP 10-B. Stitch line (b) next to original seam
is now complete. Note here that three stitch lines show on the wrong side and only two show on the right side. The raw edges are now completely concealed
within the flat felled seam..
STEP 11. Press the completed flat felled seam on the
right side of the fabric. Be sure to use a setting on your iron that will not damage the fabric. You're done!
Safety First, Always!
Our tutorials utilize methods, equipment and tools that can be dangerous. Never proceed with a tutorial without first carefully reviewing and understanding all of the instructions that accompany the equipment, tools or any other product used in the project, as well as providing yourself a safe working environment. Be aware of your own limitations and factor in your own good judgment and common sense.
Eye Safety is No Accident. Always wear safety glasses!
NOTICE: SewNeau intends our tutorials to be reliable guides, but realizes working conditions, equipment, skill level, and safety issues can vary greatly. As a result, SewNeau does not guarantee the applicability, completeness, or accuracy of the information and does not assume responsibility for the results, or any damages, injuries or losses that occur as a result of using the information provided herein.