Silk is a delicate & usually a semi-transparent fabric, and a french seam would seem to be preferable to an open seam because silk does fray and the raw edges would need to be finished. Would this addition process add bulk and drag on the drape of the fabric?
I would also like to know how a french seam affects sewing & bulk around the armhole and how the french seam is done around this area where the side & armhole seams intersect.
thank you
Yes, French seams add a little bulk. But consider our blue jeans which have lengthy French seams, and are not too bulky.
You will find additional information, including intersecting French seams in these sites.
http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&hl=en&q=French+seams&aq=f&aqi=g5&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=71a4fa0fe339f87d
Yes, adding a French seam to silk can potentially add some bulk and affect the drape of the fabric. However, compared to an open seam, a French seam is a better option for silk because it protects the fabric from fraying and creates a neat and finished appearance.
A French seam is a sewing technique that encloses the raw edges of the fabric within the seam itself, resulting in a clean finish on both the inside and outside of the garment. To create a French seam, follow these steps:
1. Place the fabric pieces that need to be sewn together with their wrong sides facing each other.
2. Sew a seam with a narrow seam allowance (typically 1/4 inch or 6mm) along the required stitching line. This initial seam should be small to leave room for the next step.
3. Trim the seam allowance close to the stitching line, leaving a small amount of fabric.
4. Press the seam allowance to one side, using an iron. This will help set the seam and make it easier to sew the final step.
5. Fold the fabric along the seam line, with the right sides facing each other, enclosing the trimmed seam allowance within the fold.
6. Sew another seam with a wider allowance (typically 3/8 inch or 1cm) along the folded edge, covering the previous seam and enclosing the raw edges.
When it comes to sewing around the armhole, a French seam can be a bit trickier due to the curved shape. To sew a French seam around the armhole, follow these additional steps:
1. Sew the first seam with a narrow allowance, starting at the top of the shoulder and sewing towards the armhole.
2. Stop stitching about 1/2 inch (1.25cm) away from the armhole edge.
3. Repeat the process on the other side of the armhole, sewing from the shoulder towards the armhole, but again stopping 1/2 inch (1.25cm) away from the edge.
4. Trim the seam allowances and press them open as much as possible, being mindful of the curved shape.
5. Fold the fabric along the armhole edge, right sides facing each other, enclosing the trimmed seam allowances within the fold.
6. Carefully sew around the armhole, sewing the wider seam and enclosing the raw edges.
By using this method, you can achieve a clean, finished French seam around the armhole, minimizing bulk and ensuring a professional look.