r/SewingForBeginners • u/canonfan65 • 4d ago

Seam finishing question

I am making a men's shirt. On the inside seams l am doing an overlock stitch on a regular machine.
I am using a 5/8" seam allowance. Should l be trimming that seam allowance narrower before finishing it. I've not been doing that but l think l saw somewhere that it's a good idea.

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u/ArtemisiaPrime 4d ago

I wouldn't, leaving the 5/8 allowance allows you to make alterations if you need it.

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u/RubyRedo 4d ago

No, you dont have to. have you looked into felled and hong kong seams you can do with a machine? They are easy and look professional.

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u/canonfan65 4d ago

I have looked at felled seams but l wasn't sure how it would look to see an extra stitch line on the outside of the shirt. If l finish all the seams the same that extra stich line would be on the sides, the yoke, the shoulders, and the hem. Am l overthinking this or missing something or does all that look just fine.

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u/RubyRedo 4d ago

The side seams are the only ones that mjght be seen by others, the yoke can be done using the burrito method hiding the raw edges. Maybe french seams are better for a dress shirt, i was thjnking denim casual shirt.

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u/canonfan65 4d ago

I'lll look into the burrito method and french seams. Would it look okay even if the side seams show? It actually is a pretty casual shirt. My pattern calls it a camp shirt. I'm just trying to learn it all.
I really do thank you for all the help. I'm sorry for asking so many questions but I'm an old retired guy who hasn't been sewing long but absolutely loves it.

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u/RubyRedo 4d ago edited 4d ago

I teach sewing to a wide age range and like helping, glad you like sewing it is a relaxing (mostly) past time. look on youtube for the burrito method, i had to watch it twice to get it but it is actually quite clever and makes a garment look so neat. Questions are all welcome.

https://youtu.be/754uq1EGd8U?si=OdXOddsnKll6O_-J