[Video Tutorial] Sewing a French Seam

The first time I ever saw a French seam was at a young age. Inside a pillow case my grandmother sewed, I inspected with awe at how the raw edges seemed to be magically hidden away. It was not until many years later that I realized it was a French seam I was so fascinated with back then.

Here is a video tutorial on how to sew a regular French seam.  French seams work well with straight to slightly curved seams on fabric that is light- to medium-weight. You'll see it most often used in shirts and blouses.

Step 1

To begin, place wrong sides of fabric facing each other, and sew at 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Step 2

Trim away half of the current seam allowance width. This step will ensure that raw edges are peeking out the right side of the seam.

Step 3

Time to press! This is a two part pressing system. First, press all seam allowances one way to create a flat seam. Second, press seam with right sides of fabric facing each other. Balance seams so that it looks like a book spine.

Step 4

With right sides of the fabric facing each other, secure your book spine by sewing the second stitch line at 1/4 inch seam allowance. 

You can ensure the right seam allowance by using the formula below:

FIRST SEW LINE (1/4" SA) + SECOND SEW LINE (1/4" SA)=
​TOTAL GARMENT SEAM ALLOWANCE OF 1/2"

Step 5

Press seam allowance flat going one way. In a garment, press seam allowance towards the back, or away from the centre front/centre back.
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​Created and written by Sheila Wong
Filmed and edited by Samantha Quon

Happy Sewing!
​Sheila Wong Studio Team