How to Sew a French Seam / Double Top Stitch
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2024
- Nothing sets off an upholstery job better than a French seam. A French seam (Double Top Stitch) is often found in luxury vehicles and boat upholstery. Often used when sewing panels of leather, faux leather or vinyl seating fabric together. Combined with thick thread a French seam will make your next upholstery project really look great. Get noticed, consider using French seams!
Purchase all your supplies & Fabric from: www.sailrite.com - Навчання та стиль
Looks great and very professional. Obviously a heavy-duty sewing machine. Interesting technique.
great video! very well done, and explained it perfectly. Now I will attempt my first French seam.
We hope is goes very well. Thanks for the positive comment.
Great video!! You're videos are fantastic with clear and consise instructions. Thank you!
Excellent video, as always. I will certainly use this 'trick' of putting grosgrain along the inside edge, when I rebuild the interior cushions on our boat. French seams that I learned in apparel are quite different and would not benefit from this method.
Cindi is clear, concise and expert! Eric's voice over reinforces the method.
Go sailrite!
Cap'n Janh
+Cap'n Jan Thanks for your positive comments!!!
I have been researching machines for leather work, after seeing this video I am now leaning towards a Sailrite Ls1. Thank you Angel from The Bay
Excellent. The LS-1 or the Leatherwork sewing machine will work great for leather applications. Let us know if you have more questions.
l have learnt so much from your videos. thankyou from Aotearoa New Zealand
that is beautiful. yes, they use this for upholstery. I work in a leather sofa factory.
Great Video!
As newbie to this craft, I purchased the Sailrite 111 with the MC-SCR to reupholster a classic car and have practiced this French Seam with an automotive grade vinyl with backing for the seams using a 6 mm stitch, V-92 thread and tension set appropriately. With a few runs of practice I was able to replicate this method successfully but a little concerned about the seam itself and if I am doing something wrong. I did not use the grosgrain binding that was used in this video but used an automotive 1 1/4" backing that is sold in a wholesale automotive upholstery shop that they recommend for these seams. Additionally, I did not use a foam backing material in my practice runs but don't think that attribute much binding strength to this vinyl seam itself. Using a little force, I am able to separate the seams to the point where I can see the backing material behind it (approx. 1/16" and probably more if I tried) and there are no manuals or video's that explain how much effort you should be able to use to pull apart the seams or what is acceptable.
That said, any idea how to gauge how much effort could be applied to a seam to consider it acceptable or if from the details of my question--I've overlooked something? What are acceptable stitch lengths for a french seams in automotive grade vinyl as to not tear the material and keep it ascetically pleasing for automotive seats? Any assistance or advice is appreciated!
Hi Alan, You are correct, the type of backing is not too important and the foam backing is only a preference for the type of job we were doing, it is not a requirement for a french seam. When pulling the first seam apart only apply enough force to splay it open along the stitches (so it folds open along the stitch line). Try not to open up the seam to the point where you see the backing materiel (keep it (backing) hidden as much as possible). Typically a stitch length of 6mm is used, anything less may result in possible wrinkles in the fabric (or perforation of the fabric, but that is reduced due to the advancements in fabric making today) anything longer than 6mm may be easy to catch and break a stitch when the project is in use. Let me know if you have more questions.
Thanks, Eric
Absolutely perfect explanation! Thank you!
Really neat work! Thank you!
Great video. I'm thinking of doing a small seat cover and this video answered all my questions.
Glad to help.
In French, we call it : Double surpiqûre plate 😉
Great video- clear, informative and to the point. Thank you!
I am glad you liked it!
Excellent work 👍
Used this on my boat seats about a year ago looks awesome
+Kenny Mager Yes, it does look awesome! Thanks for you comment.
love that machine!!
Great video, honestly
Excelent vídeo very explicit, i'm glad your channel is abeliable for people who realy want to learn from a real profecional people
Thanks for your positive comments!
That was sew helpful!! Thank you for posting it.
All puns intended
Great video, thanks guys
Your welcome!
Great video, thank you.
I love it ❤️
Thanks understandably simple
What size stitch Length would you Recommend for this ? for doing the Top stitch
Excelente vídeo, me ayudó mucho.
Thanks!
Thanks, very helpful.
2:00 the accuracy is prestine! only with 50 years of expirience you get that level :D
excellent video as always, I need to purchase one of these machines
Great! Let me know if you have questions.
Thanks I will go on your website and make my purchase but I am from the Caribbean island of Barbados so if you don't Shipp here I will purchase and send it to new York to relatives and I will get it
We do ship worldwide. However, shipping to New York would be cheaper.
OK will do so after the Christmas holidays I will place my order,thank you very much
Nice presentation, I'm going to attempt it on a leather office chair.
Awesome!
thank you :)
Your welcome!
Thank you, very useful.
Thanks!
Very nicely shown, produced and explained. I make my own motorcycle clothing. Seam strength is really important. I’m considering this method for cowhide leather rather than a full flat felled seam because you only sew through through 2 layers of leather with the French (plus a binding layer) versus 4 layers for for leather. My cowhide is usually 1.8mm thick so that’d be 5.2mm thick!
How strong do you consider this french seam?
The French Seam is very strong if a polyester fabric backing is used to reinforce the seam. We use this product: www.sailrite.com/Binding-Tape-Polyester-Beige-1
Muito Bom parabéns
Спасибо.Понравилось.
When I put on ma leather, and rock to sum Metallica, Delta Parole, Foo Fighters or the Smashing Pumpkins I feel like I can do anything in the whole wide world.
Perfeito....tks
The narrator really likes to enunciate SEAM.
Im from Chile and really feel the ones to buy one of those
For more about our sewing machines see this link: www.sailrite.com/Sewing-Machines/Portable-Heavy-Duty-Sewing-Machines
Great video. The French seam that I was taught for apparel is a little different from this version. Good information to know, kinda confusing that its called the same thing.
+Jaimee K Yes, you are correct the French Seam in apparel is much different than what is used for upholstery in leather and seating vinyl.
+Jaimee K
That is correct. This finishing method is called "double top stitch".
Singer quantum sewing vinyl
@@zitosonic Good to know. I'm redoing our yacht and I come from the apparel sewing world...I was just a little confused until they made it very clear that this was "sometimes" called a french seam. I ordered some poly grosgrain ribbon. Hoping it will be beefy enough. I can't find grey on the Sailrite website.
very good work💓👍
Thanks!!!
Thx for info video 👍🏻
Wonder about the advantages of using a twin needle machine.
Gotta be much easier. 🤔
Thanks for explanation ❤
My pleasure 😊
Great video. Very neat outcome. I notice that the first seam is stitched with quite a long stitch. Is this only because your sewing with vinyl. I always that that the seam stitch length would be a shorter stitch but the top stitch is the longer one of the two.
When we sew vinyl we usually sew with about a 6mm stitch length. True the first stitch can be shorter while the top stitches can be longer.
Makes it looks easy
Glad you liked the video!
Essa máquina e transporte triplo?
Awesome
Nice.. Videoooo... Like it
pretty beutiful 👍
I'm just learning all this at age 64 and would like to thank you for the video. I heard you say V 92 thread and I looked it up on your site so all good there but I wonder which needle to use, I have a regular home machine of relatively seeming stout construction. but standard type I'm guessing. Thanks again.
+radioguy1620 If using V-92 sewing thread I would use a size #18 or #20 needle. If using a smaller thread like V-69 use a size #16 needle.
Thanks for the info . great site and just ordered a catalog.
+radioguy1620 I am glad you ordered a free catalog. I know you will love it!
In drills, I used to practise sewing on papers with printed lines. It was part of training.
@@pinklady7184 and no thread involved either.
Always enjoy your videos...and still wishing I had a Sailrite machine. But I have an inherited Brother CS 6000i with which I need to make protective covers for two smallish machines used for welding. I have created a pattern from felt and purchased flannel-backed vinyl for the covers from my local fabric store where they recommended regular all-purpose Coats and Clark thread and a denim needle size 14. The covers are for my son’s birthday in 10 days, but now I’m wondering if the notions I have are correct or at least sufficient for the fabric I’ll be using. I can get basting tape, grosgrain binding, and size 16 needles, but I am not familiar with V92 or V69 polyester thread. Is there another name for it? My worry now is that I choose the correct needle and thread so that I don’t split/tear the vinyl as I topstitch/french seam the pieces. Thank you for any guidance you can provide.
Just wanted to add that I checked my sewing machine manual and it looks like the longest straight stitch possible is 5.0 or 3/16”. Is this long enough? And would a walking foot help? Thanks again.
Vinyl seating fabric likes a long straight stitch to avoid perforation (ripping). We like to use a 6mm stitch length, but your 5mm (or 3/16") length should work fine. If your needle size recommendation is a size #14 then the thread you will be using is like a V-46 size (Tex 45), which is way too small for boat vinyl seating applications (if that is what you are doing). You must use a V-69 (Tex 70) or even better V-92 (Tex 90). However, your Brother CS 6000i is a home sewing machine and may only be able to sew with V-69 (Tex 70) thread and a size #16 needle for the max size. It may struggle with proper tension on this thicker thread and will defiantly not be able to handle the V-92 size thread, way too large for a home sewing machine. Let me know if you have more questions.
Sailrite Thanks for taking the time to respond. ❤️ Will be trying as many of your suggestions as possible. And next time I’ll plan ahead and allow myself enough time to order supplies from you. 😊
What type of presser foot do I need for sewi g leatherette material
Hi, what model or sewing machine it is that ?
hola amigo soy d marrucos quiero comprar l vinil marin standar ya como contactar
good machine
Glad you liked it.
what thread is used on this visible french seam?
Super
what kind of sewing machine do u you use?
We are using the Sailrite Ultrafeed LS-1 in this video. Here is a link: www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Ultrafeed-LS-1-PLUS-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine
great with Walking foot the Speed of the Maschine is slow in comparision to my monster
Andrew James servo motor.
Its good....
I used to do that and maybe we could collaborate
I always wondered how these seams were made..
Tried it, ended up in stitches
What thread are you using?
We are using a V-92 Polyester thread.
احسنت جيد جدأ انا اعمل في هذا المجال رائع
+maisar kb Translate
Thanks for your positive comment!
شكرا لتعليقك إيجابي!
Can you sew this French stitch on camel hide?
Is the needle in the center position?
The Ultrafeed LS-1 does not have a needle bar positioning lever, so the needle is in the center position.
Very good ;)
Thanks!!!
Curious to know what type of sewing machine this is? Is there a certain type or preferred machine for upholstery projects?
My favorite sewing machine for upholstery is this one: www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Fabricator-Sewing-Machine-in-Power-Stand-with-Workhorse-Servo-Motor-Kit
is good
Thanks!
I wanted to know the model of this machine ? And can it be used in stitching of upholstery / sofas and arm chairs?? Please revert back asap
It is the Sailrite Ultrafeed LS-1 Sewing machine. Yes, it can sew canvas, upholstery, sofa cushions and more. Here is a link to the packages that we sell: www.sailrite.com/Sewing-Machines/Portable-Heavy-Duty-Sewing-Machines/Ultrafeed-LS-1-Sewing-Machine
I am going ot be sewing a french seam onto a motorcyle seat that doesnt currently have it. How much extra material do I need to add to the edge of my pattern to compensate for the seam? 1/4 or half on each panel?
Each French Seam will take up 1" of fabric or a half inch on each panel.
Thank you much for the tip.
👌 French 👌 👌 Seam 👌
oh boy this is confusing , french seams in apparel and garment making means something totally different
That is very true, in the apparel and garment industry they are different.
@@SailriteDIY what's the difference?
@@peacheskong2245 You can google it and find the answers rather quickly.
@@peacheskong2245in addition to what serendipidus said, 1) the stitch length is shorter; 2) the thread is still durable but much thinner, 3) the thread guide is somewhat smaller depending on the type of garment being sewn, 4) the size of the needle is going to be thinner in most cases what was shown was a #18, #20 or #22 needle, in garments it is going to be most likely a #11 to a #14 needle.
Alright, I am fairly confident that this is not a French Seam even in upholstery terms. I looked around to see if the vernacular was somehow different than in garment construction and, so far, the only mention I have found referring to this reinforced double top stitch technique as a french seam is from Sailrite. I really think the narrator just likes to say "Frenccchhhh Seammmm."
Thank you - I thought it was 'just me' intrigued by the use of the term 'French Seam' for their presentation here... garment construction of a French Seam is completely different!
Very good I need to buy the machine
Great. Here is a link: www.sailrite.com/Sewing-Machines/Portable-Heavy-Duty-Sewing-Machines/Ultrafeed-LS-1-Sewing-Machine
I clicked on your link, but when I click on the sewing machine, it says I have veered off course.
What size stich was used?
We used a 6mm straight stitch.
I am reupholstering a couch and am trying to french seam all visible seams. I have a huge curve on the back panel, similar to the front arm of an armchair, I can't seem to figure out how to french seam. Do you guys have any tips for me?
Sorry, we do not have a tutorial video on completing a french seam following a curve. I will add it to the very long list of possible future videos.
@@SailriteDIY Thank You!
Indonesia Blora Jawa tengah. Like
Great video
Which needle are you using ?
#20 Round/Sharp Point.
@@SailriteDIY needle system ?
Top
No back stitch?
Awesome video. Will the french seam generally make that joint stronger? We have a small boat and use the rear seats to step in. Over time the seams have ripped due to the pressure of standing on the seats. I'm thinking doing a french seam along those seams will increase the durability. Opinions or experience? Also, have you ever done just a white seat with a couple of seams and top stitch with a different color (blue). Currently I have 3 seams on the seat - one blue/white, one white/white. I was thinking of just making it all white, but top stitching in blue, but I'm not sure it that would just look weird? I don't see anything like that online.
+inge stevens A French Seam is very strong if a ribbon of fabric backing is used on the underside, as shown in the video. So, it may be a great seam to use for your boat seats. You can use any color of thread that you think looks best. So, yes a blue may look great with white fabric. Using a white for the first stitch is a good idea, since it may tend to show up near the seam.
Hello, You also sell used machines in double stitch
Is that a French or Flat felt seam?
Nwa
The flat fell is different but this is not a french seam.
donde lo adquiero
Hi I'm looking for a job in this area
On this particular server or the cloud in general?
When she transitioned from the blue material to white, Dis she continue with the thread without cutting it or did she cut the thread and start a new one? I think she just rotated it, but not sure. Does anyone know which way is correct?
You do not need to cut the threads at the end, if you will be sewing close to the section you just sewed from. So... here she ended her sewing, did not cut threads, and rotated the panel to sew on the opposite side to start sewing again. Not cutting threads means you do not have to worry about holding loose ends when you start sewing again. After you are done you can then cut the loose threads.
@@SailriteDIY Thank you for your quick and very clear response! You guys are 100% in every facet of this industry! Thank you.
What machine is being used on the French seams?
That is the LS-1 sewing machine found here: www.sailrite.com/Sewing-Machines/Portable-Heavy-Duty-Sewing-Machines/Ultrafeed-LS-1-Sewing-Machine
The sewing machine 😍, can i know the model
It is the Sailrite LS-1 Plus Walking Foot Sewing Machine found at this link: www.sailrite.com/Sewing-Machines/Portable-Heavy-Duty-Sewing-Machines/Ultrafeed-LS-1-Sewing-Machine
soy tapicro quiero l drction
برابو عليكي سيدة محترمة ومحترفة
🖐
Subtítulos a español porfavor
How much
It would be "complementary" to mention stitch length and thread size?
6mm stitch length is common for the top stitches. 5mm for the center seam. V-92 Polyester was used to sew this.
What kind of.... seam? Why, I do believe he said a french.... seam...
Sew it would seam....
FRENCH. Seam. Lol
Scott Hildenbrand he is Lane Meyers' uncle whose sister said, "French...bread...french...fries..." In better off dead
@@robertklipstein5878 French kiss
*Scott Hildenbrand* It was definitely a French... seeeam.
but what side thread in the bobbin?
The same at the top thread. We used V-92 Polyester.
That's easy without 1/2" foam glued to the vinyl.
How exactly do you say...FRENCH....seam?
Just like your captain Holt from Brooklyn 99!
What sewing machine is that?
You can find that sewing machine here: www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Ultrafeed-LS-1-PLUS-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine
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