Turning Sharp Corners: A Sewing Technique for a Crisp Finish
Garments often feature design elements with sharp corners, such as collars, plackets, cuffs, and pockets. When sewing these pieces, it's essential to turn the corners neatly to achieve a polished and professional finish.
The Impact of Fabric Thickness
The thickness of your fabric can significantly impact how well a corner turns. Thicker fabrics can be more challenging to turn, as they may bulk up at the seam allowance.
Eliminating Bulk and Creating a Crisp Corner
To minimize bulk and ensure a crisp corner, there are a few techniques you can employ:
Trimming Seam Allowances: Carefully trim the seam allowances inside the corner to reduce bulk.
Clipping the Corner: Make small clips into the seam allowance, stopping just short of the stitching line. This allows the fabric to turn more smoothly.
Diagonal Stitching: This technique, while counterintuitive, is a game-changer for sharp corners, especially with thicker fabrics. Instead of simply pivoting the fabric at a 90-degree angle, create a diagonal stitch in the corner. This creates more space for the seam allowance and prevents the corner from rounding.
What Not to Do
It's important to avoid using tools that can damage the fabric, such as seam rippers or sharp awls. These tools can create holes in the fabric, compromising the integrity of the garment. Instead, use a point turner or a small, blunt-tipped screwdriver to carefully turn the corner without causing any damage.
An Alternative Technique
For an even cleaner and more precise corner, consider using a thread-turning technique. This method involves stitching a strand of thread inside the corner and using it to turn the fabric. While this technique requires a bit more practice, it can produce exceptional results. We cover this technique in detail in another tutorial.
Maintaining Seam Allowance Width
As you sew around the corner, it's important to maintain a consistent seam allowance width. By following the techniques outlined in our tutorial, you'll achieve a professional finish that will elevate your sewing projects.
In our tutorial, we demonstrate how to execute this technique step-by-step, ensuring that your corners are sharp, crisp, and perfectly turned.
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