How to Finish Seams When Sewing Silk

Silk and other silk-like fabrics can be used to create luxurious garments or other projects. However, they can tend to unravel badly at the seams and need to be finished. Nicole LaFoille walks you through several ways you can finish seams when sewing silk.

Seam Finishes

The type of seam finish you choose will depend largely on the silk being sewn. If you are sewing silk or other fabric that is not sheer, like a silk crepe or broadcloth for example, you can use a method called the turn and stitch. Nicole walks you through this process and explains how it can be used on all seams—straight, bias, or curved.

French Seam

If you are sewing silk that is sheer, the best method is a French seam. This method may seem counterintuitive when you first try it because you are starting with wrong sides together, but Nicole shows you how easy it can be, even with a tricky fabric like silk.

Hong Kong Seam

Hong Kong seams are best used when sewing silk that has a little more weight to it, like a Dupioni. This method finishes the raw edges of the fabric before they are even stitched together.

Flat-Felled Seam

The final seam finishing method Nicole shows for sewing silk is called a flat-felled seam. This is one of the stronger seam finishes you can do, as it incorporates two lines of stitching and would be great for a garment or other project where they may be more wear and tear on the seam.