Seam finishes: a beginner's guide
Stop raw edges fraying inside.
- Most cut fabrics fray, so most seams need finishing.
- A finish stops fraying, looks clean and adds strength.
- Pinked edges are simplest but fray eventually; use for light use.
- Zigzag suits most seams and wears much better than pinking.
- French seams suit lightweight fabric; flat-felled seams suit hardwearing trouser seams.
Watch
7 Seam Finishes (5 are WITHOUT a SERGER) | Sewing Basics for Beginners (14:14)
By Pattern Scout · Open on YouTube
Chosen from its title and channel: a 14-minute video from Pattern Scout on the same topic as this guide. Embedded from YouTube with credit; we don't host it. It only loads when you press play.
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Sources
All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.