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In sewing, do you press seams open before or after finishing the edges?
If I'm following a pattern with a 5/8" seam allowance, and I sew a straight stitch seam along the allowance, should I press this seam and then overcast the edges together or should I sew the seam, overcast the edges of the seam together and then press the seam? Also, if using a 5/8 inch seam allowance, is it prefereable to press the seam open on both sides or press to one side? Or should I cut the seam down to a 1/4: before overcasting? I'm making children's clothing for my two girls. (And, no, I don't own a serger, but I do have a pretty decent sewing machine).
3 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Been there, done that, lots!
Here's what I do.
I straight-sew the seam with a 5/8" seam allowance.
Then I trim the seam to 1/4".
Then I overcast the edges of the seam together with a zig-zag stitch (you have to experiment with the right length and width before you begin that).
Then I trim the stray threads on the overcast edge of the seam.
Then I press the seam to one side.
Then I proceed with the rest of the sewing.
Good luck with your project!
- 1 decade ago
If I am going to overcast, I trim to 1/4inch and overcast. that being said, I often will just press them open and leave them (unless I know that the fabric will fray on the seam allowance that I pressed back) without overcasting. It really depends on what you're doing and how much the fabric could fray if you don't overcast. Good luck!
