A Narrow Seam is a very easy quick to sew. It is a basic seam and should be in the repertoire of any sewer of any level, beginner to expert. If you are a beginner this is one of the simplest, easiest and most versatile seams to learn. And it works on a variety of fabrics. Because it is well finished it is most appropriate for lightweight and transparent fabrics.

A Narrow seam is simple. It is basically just a plain seam with the edges trimmed and finished with an overcast stitch. You can use this seam anywhere but this seam is especially useful for armholes and curved seam lines.

So let’s get started teaching you this seam. You do need to know it if you are going to know how to sew.

To make this Seam you want to begin by basting together a Plain Seam. Make sure that the sides of fabric you have basted together are the right sides. After you have basted the seam sew permanent stitching along your basted stitch line.

Press the seam. Keep the seam closed as you press it flat. Your stitches will sink into the fabric and leave you with a sleek result. Trim the plain seam so that the cut edge is ¼ inch away from the seam line. To avoid ending up with excess bulk you will want to remove the basting stitches.

After you have removed the basting stitches and trimmed the cut end you will need to apply an overcast stitch. Overcasting prevents the unraveling of the fabric while you finish the garment as well as during wear and over time. To overcast stitch you can either use your hand, a serger, or a standard sewing machine.

A serger is the quickest method because it actually trims the fabric while it sews the overcast stitch, but not everyone has a serger accessible. If a serger is unavailable you can use any standard sewing machine. Simply set your sewing machine stitch to the zigzag stitch and sew along the cut edge. Make sure that the zigzag stitch crosses over the cut edge or your fabric will eventually fray.

It is always important to finish a garment well. This means the difference of your garment lasting a few months or several years. Maybe your unborn grandchildren will wear it one day if you make it high enough quality. Always overcast your seams especially if your fabric ravels badly.

This seam is very easy and quick to sew. I turn to it, probably, more than any other seam when I want to make a high quality garment in an evening. Now that you know how to make a Narrow Plain seam you can too. It may even save you some time if you use this seam often enough.