How do you overcast seams?

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Sun, 08/11/2013 - 22:19
bginn7150
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Joined: 08/11/2013
Posts: 1

I am making a dress for my 6 year old granddaughter for the first day of school this Wednesday, 8/14/13.  The directions on the pattern tell me to overcast the seam allowances together and press toward extension.  Then it tells me to overcast the bottom edge. What does this mean for me to do?

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Tue, 12/17/2013 - 11:51
#1
floorpie
User offline. Last seen 9 years 15 weeks ago. Offline
Joined: 12/17/2013
Posts: 5
If you don't own a Serger (Overlocker)

 An Serger (also called an Overlocker) is a completely different type of sewing machine, and most home sewists don't own one. They are used to give the edges of garments a professional finish.

Here's a blog link I've found really helpful which shows 4 different ways to get a nice finish on seams without needing one: http://www.sewmamasew.com/2012/08/finishing-a-garment-without-a-serger/


hope this also helps!

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Mon, 08/12/2013 - 17:59
#2
Nehzat
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Joined: 10/27/2007
Posts: 1026
Re: How do you overcast seams?

Dear bginn7150,

Overcastting seam allowances, means to finish the raw edge of the seam allowances to prevent it from fraying. We can do this by hand using whipstitch, or by machine using zigzag stitches, or by using sergers.

In the instructions, it is telling you to overcast the seams at the same time, not separately. Then press the seams and lay the seam allowances towards the extension of the material. To prevent the bottom edge of your fabric from fraying, you also need to overcast the bottom edge. Make sure to lay the seam allowances towards the extension and pin to keep them in place, before overcastting the bottom edge.

To get an idea, you can watch Finishing Seam Edge with Zig-Zag Stitches chapter in the Seam Sewing with Sewing Machine Video Lesson.

Happy sewing,

Nehzat

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