French Seam Construction Tutorial
The “French Seam” is a decorative stitch that frequently replaces piping and welting in garment construction. We chose to sew our French seam on two panels of Sailrite’s EverSoftu2122 indoor/outdoor upholstery vinyl.
French Seam Qualities
Check out our blog #200698XHT for more information on sewing a French seam, or watch our video below for a complete tutorial on French seam construction.
Can you sew marine vinyl with a regular sewing machine?
The biggest difference between sewing Marine Vinyl and other fabrics is the thickness; if the fabric is too thick, an industrial sewing machine is required; however, our Marine Vinyl Fabric can be used with most regular sewing machines.
How do you seam vinyl fabric?
Place the fabric between two layers of gift wrapping tissue paper to enclose it and ensure that the surfaces feed smoothly under the presser foot of your sewing machine when sewing vinyl. It is easier to sew between the tissue when there is more fabric than when there is less fabric.
What needle do I use to sew vinyl?
For lightweight fabrics like georgette or organdy, use a 60/8 needle; for medium-weight jersey, Lycra, linen, or calf leather, use a 70/10 or 80/12 needle; for heavy fabrics like jeans, vinyl, upholstery, or canvas, use a 90/14 or 100/16 needle; and for very heavy fabrics, use a 110/18 or 120/19 needle.
Do I need a special needle to sew vinyl?
Needles u2013 Because vinyl is thicker than cotton, we must be careful not to create too much thickness or layers, as this may cause the sewing machine to struggle. It’s best to use a needle designed for leather or vinyl, such as these Schmetz Leather Needles.
What is the difference between marine vinyl and regular vinyl?
Marine vinyl fabric protects against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which break down materials over time. Marine grade vinyl lasts longer and resists color fading, which is a problem with many vinyl fabrics that aren’t UV resistant.
Can you hand sew vinyl?
Hand-sewing vinyl is a big job, so you might want to try pre-perforating the holes with an awl or a heavy-duty needle before sewing the pieces together to make it easier on your hands. As Rebeccabags mentioned, the type of vinyl you’re working with also matters.
Can I sew leather on a regular sewing machine?
One of the most common questions we get is, “Can you really sew leather on a home sewing machine?” The answer is YES! Any good-quality home sewing machine should be able to handle leather with a few simple modifications.
How do you finish silk seams?
Fold your silk fabric right sides together and press the sewn edges together; wrap the edges by sewing them in for the perfect finish; press the seam allowance and ensure it is flat; finish your French seam by pressing on the right side to flatten the seams and complete your French seam.
Can a home sewing machine sew vinyl?
A household sewing machine may or may not be able to handle vinyl depending on the thickness of the material and the number of layers you want to sew; every sewing machine has its limitations; however, if the material is thin and you are only sewing two layers, you can sew vinyl with a regular machine.