Easy way to do Flat Felled Seam?

[JohnScott]

Hey guys, I just started making homemade gear and have really been enjoying it. I had a quick question that maybe some of you can help me with.

Is there an easier way to do a flat felled seam other than by hand? How is the seam done in a manufacturing setting? I've been doing it by hand, and it turns out ok, but I'd like to find a quick way of getting nice even seams.

Thanks for your help.

[Ramblinrev]

I demonstrate it in one of my videos. Follow the link in my signature to get to the full series. If I remember correctly I demonstrate it in the Tarp video. There are other ways of doing it as well along with a modified french seam. The french seamm is demonstrated in the second episode of those vids.

[Redoleary]

They make felled seem feet for sewing machines but I'm not convinced it would save you any trouble, however,to add to Rev's info here is another nice clear explanation of how to do it rather easily. Depending on whether you start with the wrong sides together or the right sides together will determine how many rows of stitching is visible on the outside.


And here is another variation on the same theme, however you would have to get a silicone based tape(which exists) if you're using sil. You could prolly use really small dabs of actual silicone from a tube to baste it together too, tho I'm sure that'd make a mess. The flat felld seem info starts at 7:50 in the video. Hope its helpful.

[JohnScott]

Wow, that's a lot of good information so far. Thanks! Using silnylon is just going to take some getting used to.

Have any of you used a roll hem foot? I've gotten one that is supposed to do a 1/4" rolled hem, but I've not been able to get it to work. Maybe it's better to just do it by hand.

[Redoleary]

I have not used one, but it seems that the general consensus around here is that you love them or hate them, sil is just not what they were made for. So if its not working for you, you're not alone.