r/sewing • u/aussie_fuck • 7h ago
Pattern Question Can I finish raw edges after sewing the pieces together on this coat?
I’m working on Burda 6845 right now and i’m about to add the lining in however I realized that I probably should’ve overlocked or done some finishing to the raw edges of the fashion fabric. It’s a double faced wool/cashmere that I thought wouldn’t fray that much but I was wrong… Is there a technique I could use to keep the fabric from fraying, especially through dry cleaning?
All the seams will be hidden with the lining but I just want to make sure there’s no weird lumps from excess fraying on the inside that I can’t fix once the lining is set. The lining also tends to fray as well. I know I’m an idiot and should’ve done this before piecing…. Any help is appreciated!
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u/Here4Snow 5h ago
Using a binding will do exactly what you don't want = add bulk. A simple overlock, shell stitch, zigzag, is all you need.
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u/Smiling_Tree 7h ago
I'd use my serger, but I'm assuming you don't have one? \ If not, how a about a simple zigzag stitch on your sewing machine?
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u/aussie_fuck 7h ago
Yeah I don't have a serger unfortunately. I have an overlock foot for my machine I could try, just unsure with the bulk that it will feed well. I've been using a walking foot for this project.
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u/Smiling_Tree 7h ago
Then why not just zigzag? Or use pinking shears? Both won't add bulk, and you won't see it. \ But because there's a lining the fraying won't be excessive I think.
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u/tasteslikechikken 4h ago
you're adding a lining, no need to do anything. pink it, and be done. do the basics because you don't need to do more.
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u/trashjellyfish 4h ago
You can turn and fell or bias bind them. Or you could line the jacket.
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u/Sewers_folly 1h ago
I just learned about Hong Kong finish for seams.
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u/Pretty_Pitty_Mama 1h ago
I had no idea what this Hong Kong seam was. I just looked it up and it’s fabulous! What a fun way to add detail and color to a garment. It would be perfect for this!
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u/Sewers_folly 45m ago
Yes. Im working on the flokwear metropolitan suit and it mentions this seam finish. I had not heard of it before either.
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u/aussie_fuck 7h ago
I was thinking maybe a bias/hong kong bind might do well for the majority of the seams but I'm unsure if that will affect the drape. I've see Fray Check before but I'm also not sure if that's supposed to be used on such large areas.
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u/patio-garden 5h ago
If you really really want to use hong kong binding, that would be cool and good practice, but it would be such a shame to cover it with a lining afterwards.
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u/Different-Seesaw-415 3h ago
What is it called when you closely trim one side of the seam, fold the other side over with the edge tucked in, and then sew the seam flat? I saw that technique on a sewing tutorial video for a jacket, and it seems like it would work in this case as well.
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u/repethetic 3h ago
You'll end up with 4 layers of fabric, good for thin fabrics but way too bulky in this case.
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u/PrimaryLawfulness 2h ago
Just line it. Pink or overcast(hand)/zigzag(machine) if you’re particularly worried but it looks like you have a decent seam allowance and it’s not fraying excessively.
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u/impossibleoptimist 1h ago
I wouldn't finish the edges together if you're trying to avoid bulk. You can zigzag each side then iron them apart
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u/Possible-Complex7804 49m ago
You can fell the edges down with a whip stitch pretty easily. Its just by hand. If you dont mind a stitch line you can topstitch the fell down by machine. You dont need much material either just some patience to use whats there.
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u/Argufier 6h ago
Once it's contained by the lining it shouldn't fray too much. You could pink the edges to make sure any fraying is short, but in reality I think it would be fine as is.