How to Sew a French Seam

It is both fun and important to know how to stitch different seams.  This tutorial focuses on the lovely French seam, which hides all of the raw edges within a fold.

What is the advantage of using a French seam?

Wondering what a French seam is useful for? There are many advantages to sewing a French seam over the many other seams that are possible.

French seams are most often used on garments, and they make the edges of those garments look more elegant and finished. With no raw edges, the fabric garment remains without frayed edges for the life of the piece of clothing.

It is not difficult at all to learn how to sew a French seam!

Learn more about how to sew a French seam by watching our video or keep reading this post.

WHAT YOU NEED to sew a French seam:

• Two pieces of fabric
• Threaded sewing machine
• Iron
• Ironing board

Instructions on how to sew a French seam

STEP 1: Sew the first French seam line

First, line up the two fabrics, wrong sides together.  This how-to-sew French seam tutorial assumes the pattern calls for a standard seam allowance of 5/8 inches.

Sew a straight 1/4" seam from the raw edge of the fabric, being sure to back tack at the beginning and end of the stitching.

The photo below shows the sewn 1/4" seam.

step 2:  Press the seam allowance

Take the sewn fabrics to the ironing board.  Open the layers, and then press the seam to one side.  Do not press the seam open, as doing so makes sewing the next step in the French seam messy and not at all simple.

Next, fold the material on the seam line with the right sides of the fabric together.

Using the iron, press flat the folded edge.

step 3: stitch the second seam line of French stitching

Take the ironed piece of fabric back to the sewing machine.  Follow along the fold line, sewing another line of stitching 3/8" from the fold.  Remember to back tack at both ends.

Below is a closeup of the finished 3/8" seam.

Step 4: Press the French seam

Take the fabric back to the iron, open the two fabric sides, and press the seam to one side similar to step 2.

That's all there is to it!  The French seam is complete with no raw edges showing.  The photo below shows the wrong side of the fabric and the finished seam!

The right side of the fabric and seam is shown below.

You have made a very professional-looking seam.  Keep up the good work!

We hope you enjoyed learning how to sew a French seam finish.

Other Helpful Sewing Tutorials

• Blind Hem Stitch  
• Buttonhole 
• Install a Zipper