Chapter 26 Basic Sewing Skills 449 Welt Seams Welt seams are a variation of the fl at-fell seam, but are less bulky, 26-11. For this reason, they are often used on heavy fabrics. They are easier to sew and can be used on straight or slightly curved seams. To make a welt seam: 1. Sew a plain seam with right sides together. 2. Trim one seam allowance to ¼ inch. 3. Press the other seam allowance over the trimmed edge. 4. With right sides up, stitch through the outer fabric and the wider seam allowance. The distance between the seam line and the second row of stitching can vary, depending on the look you want. 5. For a padded look, press the seam, right side down, over a bath towel. French Seams A French seam is a narrow seam within a seam, 26-12, and is useful on fabrics that ravel easily. It is also an ideal seam for sheer fabrics because no raw edges show. Use French seams only for straight seams. To make a French seam: 1. Place the fabric wrong sides together and pin. 2. Stitch about ¼ inch from the edge. 3. Trim the seam to ⅛ inch. 26-9 Topstitched seams create a decorative effect on garments. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher 26-10 Flat-fell seams provide sturdy construction on jeans and sportswear. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher 26-11 A welt seam is a good choice for heavy fabrics. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher 26-12 A French seam provides an attractive fi nish for sheer fabrics. Goodheart-Willcox Publisher