Close-up of the selvedge
Joining some fabrics can be tricky especially when the join is right on the edge and the selvedge is tiny and uneven. This Harlequin fabric Memi 7548 is a beautiful embroidered piece but as you can see in this close-up of the face side the selvedge is really small and irregular.
The uneven selvedge seen from the other side
In this picture from the wrong side you can see the many tiny strands of uneven ends that make the join bumpy.
The fabric join is very evident and uneven
As you can see, when you try to join this type of fabric on the edge you end up with an irregular and unprofessional looking join.
Joining the selvedges leaves an uneven join
This is caused by the tiny strands of yarn that are uneven on the selvedge . You can see clearly in this picture where the machine has ridden on either sides of the strands making it impossible to achieve an even flat join.
We move into the fabric
Our answer to this problem is to come into the width and the pattern.
Matching the fabric
Here you see we are matching the pattern with pins ready for hand stitching.
Using a ladder stitch
There are times when no matter how experienced you are with a sewing machine the join will not be perfect. In this case we use a very small ladder stitch by hand to ensure a perfect match which is required because we are making a roman blind so the seams are very visible. An example of how to do ladder stitch can be seen on the DD YouTube channel………here.
Matching the other side
This picture shows using the same process of coming into the width on the other side of the blind.
The finished seam on the right side
The finished seam shown for the right side.
The matched seam
A close up of the matched seam.
The new joins
This pictures shows clearly how we have come into the widths to achieve the joins. The seams would be lightly pressed and then the seam allowance trimmed down so we can complete the blind as normal.
Nearly ready
An almost completed blind hung and waiting to have stab stitched inserted.
Hi Penny,
thanks so much for showing us this,
I’ve got a tricky one on the table at the moment. (Romo Zinc century tungsten) and you cant press it because the swirl pattern is made of some sort of plasticy material, horrid)
x Helen
Thank you Helen
Try using a narrow double sided tape to stick the seam allowances down if you can’t press.
We have used this method very successfully in the past.
Penny x
thank you for the useful tip…..
X Helen
thanks so much
what a useful tip
Gorgeous — one more example of the difference between mere custom and true couture workmanship. Thanks for sharing!