Seams should be finished as they are stitched, before being crossed by another seam. A finish should not add bulk or show an obvious imprint on the right side of the garment after it is pressed. If you are not sure which seam finish to use, try several on a fabric scrap to see which works best.
The seam finishes shown here all begin with a plain seam. They can also be used as edge finishes for facings and hems.
Selvage finish requires no extra stitching. Appropriate for straight seams of woven fabrics, it requires adjusting the pattern layout so that the seam is cut on the selvage.
Stitched and pinked seam finish is suitable for firmly woven fabrics. It is a quick and easy finish that prevents raveling and curling.
Turned and stitched finish (also called clean-finished) is suitable for light- to medium-weight woven fabrics.
Zigzag seam finishes prevent raveling and are good for knits, because they have more give than straightstitched finishes. These finishes use the built-in stitches on automatic zigzag machines.