How to Make Seams – Step by Step

Back to: Vocational Studies Primary 6

Hello again, sewing star!

It’s time to take what we learned in the last class and put it into action! Today, we are going to learn how to make seams step by step. Get ready to start sewing like a pro!

Now that we know what seams are and why they are important, it’s time to learn how to make them. Seams are the foundation of any piece of clothing, and learning to sew them is the first step to becoming a master tailor or designer. Whether you want to make a new dress or fix a tear in your shirt, you need to know how to sew seams. Let’s get started with the basics and work our way up!

Steps for Making Seams

1. Plain/Open Seam (The Basic Seam)

Let’s start with the simplest seam – the plain seam. Follow these steps to make it:

• Step 1: Lay two pieces of fabric on top of each other with the edges touching. Make sure the fabrics are aligned.
• Step 2: Thread your needle with some thread. Choose a color that matches the fabric or stands out, depending on what you want.
• Step 3: Start sewing by pushing the needle through both fabrics from one side to the other, close to the edge.
• Step 4: Sew a straight line along the edge, keeping your stitches even and close together. This will make the seam strong and neat.
• Step 5: Once you reach the end, tie a knot in the thread to secure the seam.

Now, you’ve made a simple seam that can hold two pieces of fabric together! This seam is used in everyday clothing, from shirts to dresses.

2. Run and Fell Seam (For Extra Strength)

Now let’s move to something a little stronger. The run and fell seam is used in jeans and jackets because it’s extra durable. Here’s how to make it:

• Step 1: Sew a plain seam like we just did.
• Step 2: After sewing the first seam, take one of the fabric edges and fold it over the other one. This helps hide the rough edge and makes the seam stronger.
• Step 3: Sew another straight line along the folded edge to secure it in place.

This seam is great for clothes that need extra durability, like school uniforms or trousers.

3. French Seam (The Fancy Seam)

Now, let’s learn the French seam, which is used for delicate fabrics. It’s neat, and all the rough edges are hidden inside the seam:

• Step 1: Place your fabrics together but with the rough sides facing out. Yes, you heard that right! We’ll start sewing with the rough edges showing.
• Step 2: Sew a straight line close to the edge of the fabric.
• Step 3: After you’ve sewn the first line, flip the fabric inside out so that the rough edges are now hidden.
• Step 4: Sew another straight line to seal the seam, making sure the rough edges stay inside.

This seam is great for making delicate dresses or shirts because it looks neat and beautiful on both sides.

Imagine making a new school bag. You’d use the run and fell seam because the bag needs to be strong enough to carry books. For your school uniform or a simple T-shirt, you’d use the plain/open seam because it’s easy and quick to make. And for a fancy silk dress, the French seam would be perfect because it hides all the rough edges and makes the fabric look smooth.

Activity Time

1. Practice on Brown Paper
   Before trying on real fabric, practice sewing straight seams on brown paper. This will help you get used to sewing in a straight line and keeping your stitches even. Try all three types of seams: plain, run and fell, and French.
2. Make a Sewing Album
   Draw the three seams (plain, run and fell, and French) and label them. You can even try sewing small pieces of fabric with these seams and stick them into a little sewing album. This will show your progress and help you remember what you’ve learned.

Today, we learned how to make different types of seams: plain/open, run and fell, and French seams. Each seam has a special use, and now you have the skills to sew like a pro! Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be making your own clothes with perfect seams.

Evaluation

1. How do you make a plain seam?
2. Why do we use a run and fell seam?
3. How can you make a French seam look neat?

Fantastic job today!

You’re on your way to becoming a sewing expert. Keep practicing your seams, and soon you’ll be creating beautiful clothes! See you in the next class with Afrilearn! 👋

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