Finishing the inside

[Marietta Graziella]

I have been enjoying everyone else's projects since I obviously rarely post mine.  That's because I seem to have this irrational concern about having the inside as perfectly finished as the outside. 

Please, what are your thoughts?  Does the inside need to be "finished"?  I don't mean with trim, I just mean with no visible seam allowances, etc.

[sealion]

Most of the things I have made so far either have the seam allowances hidden under the lining, have the edges bound with bias strips, or have the seam allowances turned under and stitched like a hem because I want the inside to look nice even if no one but me ever sees it. The advantage to never having learned modern sewing techniques is that I found it easier to learn period construction. LOL

[Kate XXXXXX]

I like the inside to be as neat as possible for two reasons:

Firstly, if all the edges are properly finished, the garment wears better and lasts longer.

Secondly, if the inside is neatly finished and nice and smooth, it is more comfortable to wear.

My sister accused me of making the inside of something so neat she could wear it inside out and no-one would notice!  Not quite true, but certainly what I aim for.

[operafantomet]

The inside isn't a big deal for me. Really. I want items to be durable and solid, and if neat details on the inside contributes to this, great. If not, I skip it.

I usually fold in the raw edges and stitch them down (=binding them), but that's solely to prevent it from fraying. It looks very nice, but if I had a fabric that didn't fray, I would never do it.

[Hoowil]

I've been trying to get better about finishing, inside and out, on my more recent projects. I mainly do it to try to make things a little more durable, especially in the case of the kids' garb, it reduces the severe wear and tear. And its good practice. Especially as after last faire, my wife said she dreams of one day going noble. Any practice of any kind should help make wonderful garb when I have the time & $$$ for that. Double stitched seams, double turned hems, french seams, and everything lined and turned whan feasable. No wonder I don't have time to make ME anything......

[Dinobabe]

My rule of thumb is to make things reversible when possible.  I figure if I am going to line it anyway the lining might as well be something that can also be on the outside! 

[Marietta Graziella]

See, that's my problem!  I try to make the inside as nice as the outside or make it specifically to be reversible and end up getting frustrated about how to put it all together the way I want it so I don't finish the project.  Grrr!   I think this means I need more practice.  lol

Thanks for your thoughts!

[Welsh Wench]

Two words...FRENCH SEAMING!

I have started to french-seam everything I make and oh, what a difference! No more stray thread caught in a zipper.

And it's like great lingerie--sure, you may--MAY--be the only one who knows what lies beneath the garb, but don't you feel better for it? 

http://www.helium.com/items/871738-sewing-how-to-sew-a-french-seam

[Kate XXXXXX]

I like to fell seams in underskirts and  smocks, like this:



Anything that is tucked inside a lining just gets left as an open seam and pressed.

[ladyharrogate]

I spend so much time making things for other people and also doing professional couture bridal gowns that my own stuff is always rushed.  I was just doing some trimming on my daughters dress and thought (three months after sewing it) that I needed to finish tacking down the lining at the waist.  Like another writer said, it will wear better if it's finished off on the inside.  Even when I let little finishing things go I'm still a stickler for understructure  because I was schooled in couture techniques.  There are places I use underlinings, interfacings, horsehair, paddings, etc.  It makes the whole garment look more finished.  Still, at the end of the day the outside is what is seen.  If your in a time crunch know what you are willing to let go to achieve the best possible look.  In all seriousness there are few costume police running around looking for people to critique.  If you feel lovely in your dress and enjoy wearing it then that is what truly matters (unless your cast and then the rules end up changing LOL).


....U know, maybe we should start a thread called "inside out" where we show what we do to the inside of our gowns!  Anyone do hidden pockets, special tricks for making the inside better?  Hidden zippers?  Might be fun to see what everyone else is doing where no one else is looking!

[Kate XXXXXX]

That sounds like an excellent idea!  I'll post some of the kirtle when I take it off the stand.

[LadyShadow]

I am one who is notorious for rushing at last minute to get garb done.  I still have several peices that need the inside finished.  But will just wait, cuse the lazy button is kicked on and I keep saying I'll do it after this next project.