| After you're done with your sewing projects, don't | | | | This is a approach of binding a seam for decorative |
| forget to bind the seams. Binding a seam is very | | | | reasons. There are now ready made piping strips that |
| important for a number of reasons, the most important | | | | can be bought at sewing shops. This allows you to |
| of which is to enclose and secure raw edges or | | | | simply sew it to the edges or the seams of the |
| seams. | | | | finished sewing product. Or if you want to have a |
| Securing seams or raw edges isn't only for aesthetic | | | | more creative approach, you can try making a piping |
| reasons but most importantly to protect the fabric | | | | of your own. |
| from unraveling when washed. Additionally, binding a | | | | To make this, simply follow the bias or the French |
| seam also adds class to your sewing projects. | | | | methods of binding a seam. In the center of the |
| Romina Abrigo Editor of the "Sewing Machines For | | | | crease, place a cord of piping. You can then affix your |
| Sale" website -- -- pointed out; | | | | custom-made piping to your sewing projects. |
| "…There are basically three approaches for binding a | | | | Remember though then when stitching the piping on |
| seam. These include piping, French binding, and bias | | | | your final product, it has to be done closer to the cord. |
| binding. But before you start to bind a seam, make | | | | This is to make sure that the cord is secured snugly in |
| sure to loosely stitch the raw edges of the seam | | | | place. |
| about + inches from its edge so that the fabric | | | | Aside from the mentioned approaches, there are also |
| stabilizes. This method is commonly called stay | | | | other seam finishes that are ideal for specific fabrics. |
| stitching…" Added Romina Abrigo | | | | Keep in mind that fabrics are generally prone to |
| Single-fold Binding or Bias Binding | | | | fraying. On the other hand, there are also some fabrics |
| This is the most basic approach of seam binding. With | | | | that no longer require a seam finish like the Polar |
| this method, strips of fabrics are cut onto the bias, | | | | Fleece. But in general, a seam finish provides a more |
| meaning diagonally, with a width four times more than | | | | tamed look on the bulk of the seam. |
| the width of the raw edges from the finished project. | | | | Below are some other types of seam finishes that |
| The edges are then carefully folded inward where it | | | | you can consider for some of your sewing projects. |
| will meet the crease that has just been made. Make | | | | The Clean Finish Seam Finish |
| sure to press them flat once again. | | | | This is a very simple straight stitching to make a seam |
| After pressing, a long piece of fabric is left with four | | | | finish. This finish is just a simple line of stitch done on |
| similar sections. Place the binding strip to cover the | | | | top of the original stitching. |
| seam and then securely sew it in place. You can | | | | The Zigzag Seam Finish |
| machine stitch the strip to keep it in place, or hand | | | | This type of seam finish is just a simple zigzag stitch |
| stitch it with the use of a slip stitch, depending on your | | | | done on the raw edges of the seam allowance. This is |
| sewing project. | | | | applicable to almost any seam to secure the raw |
| Double-Fold Binding or French Binding | | | | edges and prevent the fabric from fraying. You may |
| This type of binding approach requires a binding strip | | | | want to keep a clean seam using the zigzag seam |
| six times wider than your preferred finish width. The | | | | finish. It is important then to vary the stitch length and |
| binding strip is folded in two, lengthwise. The finished | | | | the stitch width. This can also prevent some extra bulk |
| sides of the project should face out before pressing it | | | | of the seam which isn't good to look at if not neatly |
| flat. Once done, the bias method follows. This type of | | | | done. |
| binding seam is basically adding extra layers of fabric | | | | "…Keep in mind that seam finishes play an important |
| to the binding strips to effectively add durability and | | | | role in providing the overall appearance of your sewing |
| strength. | | | | project. |
| Piping | | | | |