Felling on machine sewn garments...

[dpalyka]

How was this done?
I am familiar with flat and french felling on handsewn shirts but how was it done on machine sewn period garments? Particularly shirts.

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Felling on machine sewn garments...

I do not know whether or not machines at the time had a special "felling foot" as is available now. Regardless, the process is just the same as for hand-felling a seam, save that you stitch with a straight stitch very close to the folded-in edge, enclosing the seam.

I cannot speak to the prevalence of machine-felled seams on men's shirts, however.

By "french felling," do you mean a French seam? If so, this is something I've yet to find on clothing created in the 50s and 60s. If this is not the same seam, though, please do describe it, as it's a term I'm not remembering.

[dpalyka]

Re: Felling on machine sewn garments...

I do not know whether or not machines at the time had a special "felling foot" as is available now. Regardless, the process is just the same as for hand-felling a seam, save that you stitch with a straight stitch very close to the folded-in edge, enclosing the seam.

I cannot speak to the prevalence of machine-felled seams on men's shirts, however.

By "french felling," do you mean a French seam? If so, this is something I've yet to find on clothing created in the 50s and 60s. If this is not the same seam, though, please do describe it, as it's a term I'm not remembering.

I have been using the following 2 methods, please forgive me if I am unable to describe them properly, its tough...

Flat Felling: cut off one side, fold over edge, fold flat, whip stitch edge to finish.

French Felling: fold flat, fold entire seam over once, stitch, whipstitch opposing edge to hold in place...

Please let me know if I am way off, I have no problem being wrong... :)

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Felling on machine sewn garments...

Nope, your french felling technique is not a modern french seam... I've not come across the term in women's clothing yet, so it wasn't familiar to me. I think I've got the process, though, so I thank you!

In what situations are french-felled seams mentioned? I would imagine the textiles would need to be quite thin, as the seam would be bulky otherwise, and hard to tuck under. I'd be glad of any references to its use--I'm supposed to put "new shirts for husband" on the list this summer.

[dpalyka]

Re: Felling on machine sewn garments...

http://www.vintagesewing.info/19th/1892-sn/sn-02.html#fell

Is partially where I got it from... I'll dif around and get back to you... :)