Easy-to-follow, Step-by-step Instructionsfor 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.
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 1Make 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 2With the wrong
sides facing out, pin material together, pinning entire length of edge where the flat felled seam will be.
Step 3Stitch 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 4Cut 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 5On 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 6On right side
of fabric, thoroughly press seam to ensure it is flat. Use a pressing cloth to help prevent damage to
fabric.
Step 7-AGrasp
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-CGrasp 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 8Pin entire
length of flattened fold in place.---------- ------ -- - ------ --- ---- -
------- ---- ------ ---
Step 9-AStitch 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-BOne 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-AStitch 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-BStitch 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 11Press 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!
Did You Find this Tutorial Helpful?To make future Tutorials even better, we are very interested in your feedback and would appreciate hearing from you. Please let us know what you think and what other types of subjects you would like to see covered in future “How To” pages.
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.
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.
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