How To: Sewing Princess Seams

Learn how to sew princess seams. Whether you have princess seams that start at the shoulder or armhole, this tutorial will discuss stay stitching and show techniques for easing the seams together. As well as pressing and clipping tips.
If you are looking for a specific part of the tutorial see the below timings:
0. Preparation: 0:00 - 3:58
1. Stay Stitching: 3:58 - 7:00
2. Sewing Seams: 7:00 - 21:40
3. Pressing & Clipping Seams: 21:40 - 27:51
LINKED TUTORIALS
How To: Draft (Pattern Cutting) Princess Seams - • How To: Draft (Pattern...
How To: Copen Shift Dress / Top (Beginners Dressmaking) -
• How To: Copen Shift Dr...
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[@giaselma9281]

i really love the way you teach, very comprehensive and no shortcuts to how you explain them..... really good for people like me who came from a non sewing background and is now pursuing how to sew.... thank you so much.

[@MadetoSew]

I'm so pleased you find them helpful. I wish you fun and success with your sewing.

[@Kittyququmber]

Thank. Very clear. So many small points (that make a BIG difference) explained!!! Much appreciated.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@stefanieshepherd8687]

As a teacher I think you are a wonderful educator. The specificity, articulation & pace of your demonstration are all outstanding. I 🤞 *may be able to improve the garment I am currently sewing.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you very much Stefanie. Good luck with your project, fingers crossed you can improve it. Aneka

[@MF-dg7gp]

This is the BEST tutorial I have found on this topic, well done!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you. Glad I could help.

[@sallyf2060]

I love this tutorial, so clear and so much detail. 💕

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much, so pleased you like it. Aneka x

[@janobrien1936]

I just baste stitched a dress princess seam 16:59 just like this. It was helpful to baste it first. Thanks for the tutorial! Much appreciated.

[@sbaumgartner9848]

Aneka, I watch some of your videos. This view on how to sew princess seams is the most thorough I've ever seen. You put a lot of work into your videos. Your professionalism and communication skills are excellent.

[@MadetoSew]

Wow, thank you! This really means a lot.

[@zaeinabafsari5315]

Perfect explanation as usual. Thank you so much!

[@MadetoSew]

Zaeinab Afsari is pleased. Thank you. X

[@mar-ll9yt]

Very well explained. Great tutorial as always. Thank you from Greece .

[@suegerryts2592]

Brilliant -very clear and concise tutorial! I have really appreciated your tips and techniques as I have tended to get lazy and in a bit of a rut over the years. Love your pattern drafting tutorials as well, this has inspired me to do more sewing and change things up a bit. Thank you again!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much for your lovely words Sue. I am so pleased that I can help. Aneka x

[@guriurhalima3854]

Honestly I have been looking ALL OVER the internet for help with this and this is finally the tutorial that helped me! Thank you so so so much!!!

[@MadetoSew]

So pleased I could help you solve your issue. 🙏

[@walteraddie7925]

Perfect timing for me as I am modifying a princess seam on a leather dress. This helps me understand how it was created. They glued their seams as well as stitched making it more difficult for me to open up the seam area I am working on. Love your precision teaching style! Thank you so much for doing these.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much for your kind words Walter. Really pleased I could help and that it was perfect timing! Leather is often glued down too, to hold the seams in position and for strength and security. It can be a huge pain to open back up again. Sometimes near impossible! I wish you all the best with this. Aneka

[@Dibdib35]

I have literally just sewn my first princess seams last night before watching this! I really wish I’d watched you first😩Thankfully mine turned out but this makes it so much easier to understand. Thank you 😘

[@MadetoSew]

Lovaine Niblock oh thank you so much for your lovely words. So pleased I could help! Aneka xx

[@Tina06019]

Thank you for posting these videos. I find it useful to rewatch your video on a particular technique before sewing it, because like most home dressmakers, I don’t make up the same pattern six times a month. Therefore it is useful to use meticulous techniques, rather than time-saving techniques that a professional might employ.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Tina. Glad it helps.

[@madalinasarbu4859]

I've only watched twice this tutorial and still managed to sew really well a princess seam. I love your tutorials, you are a GREAT and gifted teacher, not to mention incredibly pretty. Hat off for you!

[@MadetoSew]

I am so pleased you managed to achieve a perfect seam, this is wonderful to hear. Thank you for your kind words. Aneka xx

[@tunnasch]

Thank you, Aneka! Your excellent tutorial, again, was a very clear answer to my current dilemma. :)

[@MadetoSew]

So pleased I could help. Aneka

[@maryhull531]

Wish I knew this ages ago. Would have stopped a lot of sewing headaches. A great tutorial with a great teacher. Well explained with visual example.

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks very much Mary. Really pleased it helped. Aneka

[@rebeccaestrada744]

Thank-you, wonderful information. I needed

[@MadetoSew]

Great news, thank you Rebecca. Aneka x

[@stecmp]

Hi Aneka your tutorial are always so clear and inspiring. Thank you so much.

[@MadetoSew]

Oh thank you so much. Really pleased you like it. Aneka x

[@just4emo85]

I love your videos.. When I follow ur instructions everything turns perfect.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you. 💖

[@aleksandra5958]

I have seen several of your tutorials, and I LOVE THEM ALL! you are the best, honestly! Noone explains anything better than you :) Love it!!

[@MadetoSew]

You are so kind! Thank you so much. Really pleased that you like my style of teaching. ❤️💛

[@amandapoppleton9415]

Great tutorial, love the detail, I realise now that I need both the theory and the practice! Very clearly explained, great teaching style

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks Amanda, glad I could help. Aneka x

[@kristinex1821]

I really love your videos. Clear and clean. And you speak so perfectly!

[@MadetoSew]

That is so kind of you, thank you so much. Really pleased you like it. Aneka x

[@Bt234]

Thank you so much for this tutorial.♥️

[@MadetoSew]

So pleased I could help. Aneka x

[@jillc9400]

such helpful tutorials and so inspiring!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much. Aneka x

[@lynnniblock8355]

Great tutorial, you give great clear instructions to understand, thank you for that 😊💕

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@johnroekoek12345]

Amazing how clearly this is explained. Chapeau!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful.

[@AH-cy4md]

Excellent tutorial! I’m going to give it a go straight away! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@MadetoSew]

Great.

[@user-oj8iu7nd8f]

Thank you. This tutorial was so helpful.

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

Thank you so much! Another great tutorial!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Diann! Aneka x

[@kentlets525]

Wow I usually give up 5min in when tutorials are that long but I stayed here silently laying on my couch very absorbed by what you were showing. I never thought about it because I Ihaven't encountered patterns that had princess seams for the moment (not my style I guess) I would have just assumed that it didn't require a specific method that it was more like attaching sleeves but I was very wrong and I've learned a lot tonight! now I wanna try hahah but I don't know what I would want sew that would have princess seams

[@kentlets525]

oh my god I just realized I did do a princess seam once!!! but didn't realize it was one because it had a flounce sandwiched in between and I actually struggled to make the two pieces of fabric match up and had too much ease on one side and well the project look really good in the end (thanks to velvet that is stretchy I guess it allows a great error margine haha) but I have little bumps on one stitch that aren't that noticeable to people who don't sew but are kinda frustrating me. I thought the pattern was wrong because I couldn't understand why the pieces weren't matching up perfectly but now I know why! amazing how your channel is super informative even when you've been sewing complicated stuff for 5 years. we sometimes forget to learn very important beginner steps, and on our journey to make things more professional it's always very interesting to see how much neater we could have sewn our old projects! definitely a new follower.

[@MadetoSew]

@@kentlets525 Thank you so much for your lovely comments and story, so pleased that I could help you with some problems that you have had and didn't know it! 😊 Amazing news! Good luck with the next princess seam. 💖 Aneka

[@kentlets525]

Made to Sew Oh you’re so sweet! 😊 thank you!!💓

[@cristinastefan3283]

Like always, very well explained! Thank you! 🌹

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much.

[@Spiderswebable]

Enter: THE HAM I was wondering what that was called when I have seen you use it in other tutorials, and I am so happy to have that information now. Thank you for your clear lovely tutorials!

[@MadetoSew]

We do have some funny names for things! 😀 I'm pleased you enjoy the tutorials. Thank you.

[@ebele50]

This is very hepful, thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@kimjay2380]

Another great tutorial. Thank you so much. These really are the best I’ve found👍👏

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks so much Kim.

[@elizabethharvester6111]

So awesome! I was nervous about attempting a princess seam but your video - with those terrific tips - takes my fears away!

[@MadetoSew]

So glad I could help. Good luck! Aneka x

[@Shuna2011]

Going to try my first princess seam today with your help! 😊

[@MadetoSew]

Great! 😊

[@alanfurbee4712]

This is very helpful! Thank you!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Alan.

[@tinas.3069]

Thank you so much for tutorial , have so much of details and I can follow easier. ♥️

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@MaryLouStefanko]

An extremely helpful lesson!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you.

[@minna-maaritjaskari7793]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! I usually just cut in, now I know how to cut and why. :)

[@MadetoSew]

Really pleased I could help. Aneka :-))

[@Southernbelle-gz5gh]

Fantastic video, thanks so much!

[@fievollies8812]

I have been struggling with a princess seam pattern with a big curve. It always puckers. I used your method and to my surprise not a single pucker! I am never going back to my old method. Thank you so much for you great tutorials.

[@MadetoSew]

So glad I could help. Thank you for sharing your story and the success.

[@yarahassan4084]

Love the tutorial. I really hope to show us how to overlock the princess seam allowance. How to stop the princess seam allowance from fraying.

[@MadetoSew]

Yes I can show that. I will do a video on a dress with one.

[@yarahassan4084]

@@MadetoSew Thank you so much.

[@brendawilliams1103]

I love your teaching the one through 5 I will continue to watch your training Thank You!!!

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much. I'm pleased you find them useful.

[@adeadefelu4271]

Thank you for the tutorial

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Ade. Really pleased you like it. Aneka x

[@conesbymaggie1469]

So very helpful and informative! Thanks for the very high quality and well done video.

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks very much Maggie.

[@darylhudson568]

Thank You Now I feel I can handle the Princess seam

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Daryl, oh I am so pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you, Aneka

[@hendaburehab2935]

Aneka thank you very much for this toturial ihave

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you, Aneka x

[@susannekoen1028]

This is superb - thank you so much!

[@MadetoSew]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@alexiam7043]

Thank you so much! God bless you

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Lexi, I'm pleased it was helpful.

[@carolmichell4860]

I now understand the principles and I do appreciate your using a fabric that is good to video. It would be helpful though to show examples of “extreme” fabrics eg light silk ( possibly underlined of course!) vs tweed. A request for the future, please.

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Carol, of course I can plan something for the future. Thanks for the feedback. Aneka :-))

[@emanalhabal8787]

Thanks Aneka wish you happinnes

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you. x

[@carolinahill4103]

Thank you! 🙏👍❤️

[@MadetoSew]

Carolina Hill thank you so much! Xx

[@zibergirl2]

Thank you! Excellent tutorial. I'm working on my daughter's wedding dress and need to change waist darts to a princess seam. This will help me greatly

[@MadetoSew]

Glad I could help Barbara.

[@naseemasayed1382]

Brilliant thanks

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you x

[@nancyrahif8442]

Great demo as usual! Could you please film a tailor collar pattern and sewing tutorial? Thanks Aneka xxxx

[@MadetoSew]

Yes of course I can. It is on the list! Aneka xx

[@yanruoyu2005]

Thanks so much. Great video. How to finish the inside edges after cutting for concave shape

[@lgphone4537]

Thanks. 💕sweety

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you xx

[@Roarekter]

Thanks very good tutorial. I am a fashion designer with an associates of science degree in fashion design. I use to make all kinds of beautiful dresses that were even in fashion shows. But I have not made no princess line dresses in around 5 years. Problem is I started my own patterns off of my slopers from school and I usually didn't pattern draft. I did draping instead. Now I am having problems with the front princess seams getting to large and also flaring them out. Slash and spread I believe is my problem that I didn't do right on the darts. I just need to really get refreshed on these. I have been away from it so long. Thanks I believe I got it now. I have a business making dresses now and I have to learn steps all over again. I even made myself made tutorials online and had to go back and watch them again lol 😆

[@MadetoSew]

So glad I could help Robert. Good luck with your business. Any questions just ask. Aneka

[@emilyneal9610]

this was great. i was wondering when/why sometimes a pattern may request the seam to be pressed in certain ways. I also would like to know how you would finish the edges of the seam allowance and when. If you have fabric that frays and you press the seam open, how to you prevent fraying? would you have to zigzag around the edges of the fabric before you sew any seams? What about other types of finishing...I have seen many videos on how to finish edges, but none on when/at what stage of sewing the garment together....i would love a video on that!

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Emily, you will find that different designers / pattern makers have different ways of pressing their princess seams. Most of the time I would press the seam allowances together towards the CF (as that is the way they want to sit flat). If the seam allowances were going to be pressed open and my fabric frayed I would probably add lining to the bodice pattern at least. Then I would be able to clip into the curves. There isn't really a rule on when to finish the fabric edges, you can do it before or after sewing the seams. There is a bit of personal preference in there; if you choose to finish the seam allowances first you need to make sure that you do not cut any of the SA off. But I do find that beginners generally fit it easier to finish the SA first? When the work is flat, rather than sewn together. I am launching a range of online classes on my website later this month (www.madetosew.com). In the classes I show how to sew a whole garment together, and the order I choose for each garment. I hope this will help. Aneka :-))

[@MsHighpeaks]

Always clear tutorials with so much useful information, thank you. May I ask what brand of iron were you using? Thank you

[@MadetoSew]

Oh thank you so much. Yes of course. The iron is LauraStar. Thank you, Aneka x

[@riverwritings]

Love your tutorials, they're very thorough and easy to understand! How do you recommend finishing the raw edges for princess seams though? I normally finish it with a zig zag stitch, but I'm not sure how that would work if I had to cut notches to ease the fabric

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you! 🙏 Yes a zigzag stitch is fine, if you don't have an overlocker / serger. However you are correct this isn't always the best option if you have to clip into the seam allowances. It will then depend on how curved your princess seam is, for a less curved princess seam you might be able to overlocker / serge (or zigzag) and just trim down the seam allowances (instead of clipping). For a very shapely seam I would recommend lining, even if you just line the bodice of the garment. This will hide all the clipping. I hope that helps? Aneka

[@dyanaariaburkhammer1445]

@@MadetoSew A

[@morougecanada]

Always great and clear instructions. Thank you so much. Just have a question, what if I use a serger, do I still have to clip the seam?

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you Mona. Regarding the serger, yes you may still need to clip the seams. But it depends on how big the seam allowances are (once they have been serged). Will you serge them before sewing and press the seam allowances open or after sewing, serging the seam allowances together and pressing to one side. If you serge after sewing you can serge close to the stitching line, I usually run my fabric through the machine so that the new serging line is 1/16" to an 1/18" from the stitching line. This is a reply I sent to someone else regarding the issue: Will your garment be lined? If so then not necessarily any need to serge the seam allowances. If the garment isn’t going to be lined, then do you plan to press the seam allowances open or to one side. When pressing seam allowances open I would finish the seam allowances before sewing, but this will mean that when you clip into the seam allowance you will be clipping your overlooking? So I would reduce my seam allowances to limit the need to clip and cut into my princess seams. If I was going to press my seam allowances to one side I would overlocker after sewing and trim off extra fabric. Does this help? Sorry there are lots of options! Aneka x

[@aslanomar2866]

Lovely ♡

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you. Aneka :-))

[@suem6004]

Such high quality tutorial. Thank you for sharing with us! I was never taught to sew and no adult classes exist in my area. Are you on television? If not, I foresee that as a possibility. Very good presenter and pretty face all good for the screen. Again, thank you for graciously helping the world by sharing your talent. I am gaining confidence in my sewing.

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Sue, thank you so much for your lovely, kind words. I am so pleased that you liked the tutorial and my style of teaching / presenting. No, I am not on television, but that is an amazing comment - thank you :-)). I am just so pleased I can help. Thank you. Aneka x

[@okirp3613]

Just watched this video on my smart tv. This is by far the best video I have seen on princess seams. Can you recommend a sewing book that I can use as a reference relating to princess seams?

[@damilolabankole6974]

Good job ma'am but please I would like you to do a inseam pocket tutorial. You are sure the bomb

[@MadetoSew]

Thank you so much, yes I have a pocket series planned. :-))

[@majap5376]

I love your video!! I would just suggest that you mark them in names as part 1, 2 ect. Or group them when uploading in separate folders. For everything else-only compliments 😍

[@MadetoSew]

Maja P Hi Maja, thank you SO much. What do you mean about mark them in names? I do have Playlists and I do add them to specific Playlists?! Sorry I am not an expert at KZbin! Aneka x

[@majap5376]

Made to Sew For example: How to: draft (pattern cutting) princess seams (part 1) Then.. How to: sewing princess seams (part 2) Or something like that, so later when someone(me🤗) is trying to follow everything step by step it's easy to know what comes firts. Other option is to have playlist (for example) called princess seams(in it everything about princess seams) , or pattern matching(playlist only about pattern matching) My English is not perfect, so I hope I explained it better this time 😁 One more time, your videos are great and I'm always excited when I get notification that new one is out 😊

[@MadetoSew]

Oh thank you SO much for your lovely thoughts on this. Your English is FANTASTIC, you explained this perfectly. The reason I didn't label the pattern drafting as Part 1 and the sewing tutorial as Part 2, was because I thought that some people might just need help drafting, or they might just need help sewing princess seams (and not care about drafting). So I didn't want people to think they had to be linked - incase they don't want to watch both :-)). But I will look into this, as it might be easier as you suggest. Or I will make specific Playlists as you suggest. Thank you SO much, I really appreciate your help and advice. Aneka xx

[@sandrasandy5128]

3-20-18 To Made To Sew Please do a video on how to read that clear ruler that you used. How do you measure a 5/8 seam on it?

[@MadetoSew]

Of course. I was going to do a video on how to use my pattern cutting tools, so that would be perfect. In the meantime I am counting in the marks on the ruler, counting 5/8". You can use a seam gauge instead of a tape measure. Aneka x

[@christinastephenson2905]

Excellent tutorial, as always. I enjoy and appreciate your clear and thorough teaching! I read many comments regarding finishing the seams. Would French seams be a good option as well? I am particularly thinking in terms of especially fine fabrics which would require a lining - which would theoretically eliminate the need for finishing - but where the seams might be somewhat visible through the bodice. What, if any, alterations should be made to the usual French seaming process to accommodate a princess seam? Thank you!

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Christina, this is a great question. The issue with French Seams is that they don't work well over curves and on a Princess Seam they can add unnecessary bulk to the bust area. You might be able to get away with them over a very soft Princess Seam curve (that sits on the side of the bust), like Princess Seam 1 in the drafting tutorial (kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHa7koWZa9Kfnas) but if you have a greater curve the princess seam won't be able to sit flat, because you won't be able to clip into it. Or if you do clip into it, you will see the clips on the second sewing side of the French Seam, these will be visible on the front side of the fabric. Does that make sense? My personal opinion is that I would overlock or serge the seam allowances if I wasn't going to line the garment. In the red dress the seam allowances are overlocked together (after sewing through the machine) and then pressed towards the side seam panel. However if I had a very curved princess seam I would more often than not line at least the bodice of the garment, so that I could clip into the seam allowances. Aneka x

[@christinastephenson2905]

Made to Sew Thank you. You just saved me what would have no doubt been a very frustrating trial and error sewing session! 😂

[@MadetoSew]

Christina Stephenson happy to help! :-))

[@tesskent7819]

Hello :) Thank you for your video. I'm planning on making a dress this week. I was just wondering, after doing princess seams, what is the best way to finish them? Should you use a zigzag or pinking shears or do you have any suggestions for what else could be used?

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Tess, you can use the overlocker / serger (zigzag or pinking shears). I will usually overlocker the seams (if I am not lining the garment), and I will overlocker them close to the stitching. If possibly and if the princess seams are very curved I will line the garment and then I don't need to finish them and I can clip into the seam allowances.

[@joharrison7851]

That was a really good tutorial. How would you finish off the seam for neatness though

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks Jo. I would either line the garment, and this is required on very curvy princess seams (because you will always have to clip). Or run the seam through the overlocker (serger) once it has been sewn. So that you cut off as much as possible of the seam, press to one side - this works perfectly for princess seams that aren't really curvy - like the dress in the video! Aneka :-))

[@deboraleyba1921]

Awesom

[@MadetoSew]

Thanks Debora

[@MissKam93]

Hi, Aneka! Such a wonderful tutorial! I've got one question, though. If you clip in the seam allowance how do you zig zag stitch the edges? You backstitch between the notches? Or how do you prevent fraying?

[@MadetoSew]

Regarding zigzag or overlock/serge the edges it is up to you and how you want to finish the garment. For example, will your garment be lined? If so then there is not any need to finish the seam allowances. If the garment isn’t going to be lined, then do you plan to press the seam allowances open or to one side. When pressing seam allowances open I would finish the seam allowances before sewing (zigzag or overlocker/serger) but this will mean that when you clip into the seam allowance you will be clipping through your zigzag? So I would reduce the seam allowances to limit the need to clip and cut into the princess seams. If I was going to press my seam allowances to one side I would zigzag after sewing and trim off extra fabric. So you might get away with minimal clipping (depending on how curved your princess seams are). Does this help? Sorry there are lots of options! Aneka x

[@MissKam93]

Yes, thank you so much! It helps a lot :)

[@debbarber1890]

Great tutorial, do you ever overlock the princess seam.

[@MadetoSew]

Yes, you can overlock them, together or apart.

[@wendaworkman8065]

Hello, another question. When clipping seams, how should seams be finished? Are they finished AFTER the clipping? And, when lining any garmet, should seams still be finished to help stabalize them? Thanks for any input. Wonderful tutorial.

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Wenda, personally I don't tend to finish seam allowances that require clipping. I would usually add a lining. Simply because if I did finish the seam allowances on the overlocker/serger (I would do this first), I would then cut into the fabric and this would allow the fabric to fray. So I would pretty much always line a garment in this area, or in the red dress in this tutorial the princess seams are too curvaceous so I actually finished them with the overlocker/serger; both seam allowances through the machine at the same time leaving the smallest seam allowance I could on the overlocker/serger. When I am lining a garment I don't usually finish the seam allowances, unless the fabric is fraying a lot and then I would probably use pinking shears instead and still line the garment. I would pretty much never finish the seam allowances on a jacket or a garment that was fully enclosed by the lining. However if the garment wasn't closed and sealed by the lining and you could get to the seam allowances (perhaps during washing), then I would probably still finish them with the overlocker/serger to prevent fraying. For example a dress with a lining that was free at the hem I would finish the seam allowances. If the dress had a waist seam and I could anchor the lining at the waist seam then I would only finish the seam allowances below the waist with the overlocker/serger. I hope that all makes sense? Aneka x

[@hopehope9301]

I need to make FBA for princess seam dress pattern I have. I watched tutorial for patterns with one dart but do not understand how to do FBA for princess seam dress. Do you have video for this particular example?

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Hope, I don't have a FBA for a princess seam dress but I will plan something. Sorry. Aneka x

[@chengyuehtsai7132]

do finish the edges, would you do french seam or flat felled seam? i can see maybe french seam would be easier to not alter the form... or simply zigzag to finish?? I dont have a serger

[@MadetoSew]

It depends on how curved your princess seam is, French Seams don't always work that well on curved seams. You could of course zigzag the edge to finish. Or add a lining to hide the seam allowances?

[@CoasterLK]

What do I do, when the seams are visible from the front side of the fabric ? (probably caused by the pressing)

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Lene, I presume you are trying to correct the problem now? I would try and press the garment from the wrong side with piece you have sewn flat (basically un-do the pressing you have done). I show this flat pressing in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnPWlZeIpM6bjM0 at 30:52 (if you don't understand my written explanation). Then once you have un-done your pressing try and press the seam open or to one side again. BUT get a strip of card that you can position underneath the seam allowances. This will help prevent the seam allowances from being embossed onto the right side of the fabric. The card goes between the seam allowance and the wrong side of the main garment fabric. You may want to tweak your iron settings too, is it too hot for the fabric you are working with? Let me know how you get on? Aneka

[@wendaworkman8065]

I was always taught to pin pieces with the pins perpendicular to the sewing line. This is supposed to help prevent puckering in the fabric. Does it matter? I see that you always place pins parallel to the sewing line.

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Wanda, personally (as you have seen) I prefer to what is called 'pin baste' pinning vertically or parallel to the seam allowances. It almost mimics the stitching. I probable explain more in this tutorial: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZjNYmqnfrB1rpI However the main reasons are: - Pin on the stitching line or in the seam allowance so that the point of the pin doesn't damage my fabric. I have in the past caught fabric with a horizontal pin tip. - By 'pin basting' if you can pin a seam you can sew it. I find with horizontal pinning you can ease the fabric a little more, which means you could pin something together (like a princess seam) and it will seem like you can sew it no problem. However when it comes to sewing the seam there is too much ease. Hope that helps, Aneka x

[@Dibdib35]

How do you finish of the edges of your seams in the case of the princess seam after you have snipped into it or cut? Otherwise the fabric will fray x

[@MadetoSew]

Lovaine Niblock I have had a few questions regarding this. I should have covered it in the video - sorry! Most of the time I would like a garment that had very curved princess seams and then even if I had overlocker the seam allowances and still clipped them they would be finished neatly. However if the princess seam isn’t very curved, lily the red dress I showed in the drafting tutorial I would sew the seams and then overlock/serge very close to the original stitching line. This would reduce the seam allowance to 1/4”(5mm) or less and I might get away without clipping. I would press them to one side. However when they are very curved you will have to clip and therefore a lining is really the only professional option. I will be filming videos on drafting linings very soon! Aneka x

[@Dibdib35]

Made to Sew ah brilliant 😊 thank you so much x

[@Dibdib35]

Made to Sew that’s brilliant look forward to that thanku 😊

[@starredout685]

thank you!

[@MadetoSew]

Welcome!

[@starredout685]

@@MadetoSew :)) you’ve helped me SO much and im so grateful! :) do you have any tips for avoiding pleats around the curve of the seam ? My first practice round today ended up w a pretty large pleat at the round :( trying again tomorrow

[@MadetoSew]

@@starredout685 It can be easier if you have smaller seam allowances. If your pattern is 5/8" or 1.5cm you could make it 1cm or 3/8". You could hand sew or take it first? This can also help. Otherwise I would say that you just need to take it slow, sew a little section at a time, make sure that section is flat then when you get the end of sewing that section you prepare the next section. Take your time. I hope that helps, good luck! Aneka xx

[@starredout685]

@@MadetoSew Ok that makes sense I’ll try first with shortening the seam allowance & go from there. thank you soooooo much for those tips. & for your videos helping me turn visions into reality

[@MadetoSew]

@@starredout685 It's no problem. Keep me posted. xx

[@trudywolcott7419]

Would a gathered basting stitch (like we use in a sleeve) be ok to ease in that extra fabric?

[@MadetoSew]

Yes, a large stitch like a basting stitch (stitch length 4-5mm)would be great to help ease in extra fabric if you have too much in your princess seam . This will help to evenly distribute the fullness.

[@minnieshao8108]

Hi lovely tutorial can you please tell me the one seam starts from the bottom do I start the opposite side from the top , underarm

[@MadetoSew]

I usually sew both seams in the same direction; this will mean the fullness of the princess seam is on top on one seam and on the bottom on the other seam. If you prefer to see what you are sewing then sew them do you can see the part you want to watch. If that’s easier for you.

[@minnieshao8108]

@@MadetoSew thank you so much i truly appreciate it, you are amazing love watching your tutorial

[@MadetoSew]

@@minnieshao8108 oh thank you so much. Glad I could help. Aneka x

[@gladysestrada9968]

Hello! Can the french stitch be used to do this?

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Gladys, unfortunately French Seams aren't very good when you have to sew curves. It depends on how curved the princess seam is but generally speaking the French Seam won't sit flat and will look bulky. If the seam isn't too curved then you might be able to get away with it. Perhaps do a test piece, in the fabric you are using with just the bust curve? Good luck. Aneka

[@darrentrentacosta]

Wow I so needed this video, still gives me SO much anxiety watching you sew around curves...thats been my biggest challenge...so make it look all so easy and simple, thanks! Curious, is there a work around in the event you do end up with a pucker / pleat?...or do you need to start over?...:)

[@MadetoSew]

Hello, if you end up with a pleat or pucker. Sometimes you can use the iron and your fingers to tease it out (if it's small). Or if it's larger you will need to unpick the area around the pleat and then you just need to correct that area, not the whole seam. I hope that helps? Aneka

[@darrentrentacosta]

@@MadetoSew thanks!

[@marigeo24]

Hi :) what about French seams for a princess seam? Is there a reason why somebody would choose not to do them other than the flap inside maybe being visible from the front side?

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Georgia, you can do a French Seam on Princess Seams but it really depends on how curvy the seams are. French Seams don't always work well when the seams have a large curve, especially as you can't clip into the seam allowances. If you need to clip into the seams I would add a lining to the garment. If you want to try French Seams, do small seams, to leave the smallest amount of seam allowance left 5mm (1/4").

[@lyndawilliams4570]

Love your instructions - question though. In my pattern the side and front back princess seams are different lengths from my front and back of my Simplicity 1586 pattern dress so after I sewed the kick pleat ….I’m lost. HOW DO I HEM this dress with 6 pieces and a finished kick pleat ? 🙏🏽 Thank you

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Lynda, I am sorry to hear that. I am guessing that they shouldn't be different lengths? Have you already sewn the pieces together? And now you are finding that the pieces don't match at the hem? If that is the case you could just create a new hem, draw across a straight line where you want the hem to be? If this is the case, it might be because the pattern pieces had ease in the princess seams? Let me know if this is the wrong question. Aneka

[@lyndawilliams4570]

@@MadetoSew thank you! It worked. I also used a hem tape and my hem looks professional now 👍🏽

[@MadetoSew]

@@lyndawilliams4570 Wonderful, so glad I could help. Aneka x

[@heatheroneill5752]

I have just started sewing again and find cutting out difficult i brought some new scissors that stiffen up when using, i have oiled and loosened the nut they workok then tighten up again. I making adress with princess seams going to start tomorrow

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Heather, oh I hate it when scissors become stiff, it becomes a lot of hard work. Glad you managed to get them working again. Good luck with your princess seam dress. Aneka x

[@christinehicks7868]

Can you do a Princess Seam FBA? I love princess seams but....bust.

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Christine, YES this is a must on my to do list! Aneka x

[@cutietifftiff]

how do you finish the edges when they are clipped like that?

[@MadetoSew]

If you have to clip into them I would add a lining. In a dress like the one in the start of the video. I didn’t need to clip into the seams, I serged/overlocked then very close to the stitching line, so the width of the serger/overlocker away. This means the seam allowances are very small, and as long as the princess seam isn’t super curved it won’t need clipping. Hope that helps?

[@hendaburehab2935]

Sorry . May i kniw if this kind of sewing good with sleeve too by cutting seam

[@MadetoSew]

Hi Hend, do you mean clipping into the seam allowance? No you don't want to clip into the sleeve seam allowances around the armhole. You shouldn't need to clip into them to release the seam (like you have to do here). Because the seam allowances of a sleeve are pushed towards the sleeve (not open). And although it is a curve the seam allowances don't have the same issue laying flat (too tight, or lots of fabric) like you see here. I understand that some sleeves have a lot of ease, which can make them look like too much fabric, but you just want to ease the fabric to reduce the amount in the sleeve. Does that make sense? Aneka x

[@hendaburehab2935]

Made to Sew thanks alot for replying i get it 💕

[@MadetoSew]

Happy to help.

[@user-fc3sx2cw5x]

What are the different ways that one can finish the seams of this princess seam on the inside? I don’t have an overlocker but I need to finish off the seam so it looks professional on the inside. Thx!

[@MadetoSew]

Great question. It depends on how curved your princess seam are. Usually if I wasn't going to overlock the seam (the seams sometimes need clipping so even if you have overlocked them, this doesn't look that neat), I would add a lining. Even if it was just to the waist of the garment. French seams can be hard to sew on a curve (depending on how curved the princess seam is). Binding or hong kong binding could be an option if your seams aren't too curve. You can use the other methods for finishing seams without an overlocker; but these don't look as good as the overlock finish: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bp7EgmRnmpatjJI

[@user-fc3sx2cw5x]

@@MadetoSew I think I like the idea of lining the garment to hide those unfinished seams. However, the unfinished seams will be playing around on the inside because they re not secured down. I will probably even feel them when I wearing the garment. Any suggestion on how to secure the seams down or maybe stitch them to the lining so they don’t play/move around?

[@user-fc3sx2cw5x]

@@MadetoSew and by the way my question isn’t addressed at princess seams particularly but any seam on the inside of the garment which I will line to hide.

[@MadetoSew]

@@user-fc3sx2cw5x You can of course sew the seam allowances down if you want to. In couture sewing the seam allowances are often hand sewn down to an interlining fabric using a herringbone catch stitch. However this is not required, once your lining is attached and secured the seam allowances on the inside can't really move about and fray more. Hope this helps, Aneka

[@MadetoSew]

@@user-fc3sx2cw5x Of course, the same technique (that I suggest above) can apply to any seam. 😊

[@asnaheyna5374]

Hi aneka.. i just want to know about the seam allowances. Do we need to finish it using a serger or leave it just like that. If we need to finish the seam allowances so it doesn't fray, when we can do it? Is it before or after we sew the seam.. i hope u will answer my question. Tq 😊

[@MadetoSew]

Asnah Eyna it is up to you and how you want to finish the garment, which is why I didn’t mention it. For example, will your garment be lined? If so then not necessarily any need to finish the seam allowances. If the garment isn’t going to be lined, then do you plan to press the seam allowances open or to one side. When pressing seam allowances open I would finish the seam allowances before sewing, but this will mean that when you clip into the seam allowance you will be clipping through your overlooking? So I would reduce my seam allowances to limit the need to clip and cut into my princess seams. If I was going to press my seam allowances to one side I would overlocker after sewing and trim off extra fabric. Does this help? Sorry there are lots of options! Aneka x

[@asnaheyna5374]

Made to Sew thank you.. that is really helpful! ❤❤❤

[@lynettemb4532]

I thought so too, I had exactly the same question as you. ;)

[@asnaheyna5374]

Lynette Boxall 😊😊

[@MadetoSew]

So pleased I could help Lynette and sorry that I didn't cover this in the tutorial. I debated on it and then thought there are SO many options, it depends on what you are all making. Sorry for the oversight. Aneka x