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How and When to Use a Clean Finish Seam Finish

By Debbie Colgrove, About.com Guide

Sew 1/4" to 1/8" from the raw edge on the seam allowance.

Sew 1/4" to 1/8" from the raw edge on the seam allowance.

Debbie Colgrove, Licensed to About.com

Clean Finish Seam Finish:

A clean finish is simple straight stitching to create a seam finish. This seam finish can be a simple line of stitching to prevent fraying beyond that stitching. It may be combined with a pinked seam finish.

It may also be a turned under edge on the seam allowance to prevent fraying.

How to Create a Clean Finish:

  • Sew a Seam. Press the seam open and Press the seam open.
  • Treat each seam allowance separately.
  • Sew 1/4" to 1/8" from the raw edge on the seam allowance. (1)
  • Use pinking shears if desired to prevent fraying. (2)

Optional for Fraying Fabric:

  • Press under the raw edge along the sewn line.
  • Stitch the pressed under edge into place. (3)
  • Press the completed seam and seam finish.

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