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Need solution: seams too thick

I don't know why I skipped corners but my finished tablecloth has seams that are too thick and both fabric seams are laying in one direction (bumpy tablecloth). It's comprised of one panel, with panels attached at each side. The bullion fringe has already been sewn. I'd rather not take apart this very large tablecloth at this stage. It is currently unlined. I cannot really trim the seams because it is very close to the stitches.

My question is, what can I do to flatten the seams? Is "ditched stitching" meant to flatten the stitching? If so am I to stitch directly on the open seam, and on which side? Or should I trim carefully and spread the seams on the wrong side, and apply a fusible binding?

(Do you ever find the work you do for others is sometimes better than the work you do for yourself?)

Reply to
RLK
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You don't say what kind of fabric you used, but as long as it's a natural fiber and you use some kind of thick press cloth to protect the surface, you might try pounding it with a wood mallet. Really. Try it on some scraps of your fabric first, obviously.

Is "ditched stitching"

"Stitch in the ditch" is usually to hold down a facing or something. I use it when attaching lycra binding to activewear.

HTH, gabrielle

Reply to
gabrielle

My mother who's a seamstress recommended doing that too, tho I have never tried it before this. The fabric is a cotton linenweave, mediumweight.

Reply to
RLK

If it's 100% cotton, I bet it would work. I pound the crap out of denim after I stitch each seam, so it's easier to stitch across them. This is where sewing gets really therapeutic for me. ;)

Just don't forget to test with scraps + press cloth & look for shine on the fabric, which may not come out.

gabrielle

Reply to
gabrielle

LOL! I must remember to keep a denim project going at all times.

Is it possible to reduce shine by delicately going over it with the finest side of an emery board, or dampen it with vinegar and rub hard?

another Sharon

Reply to
m8tey

Darn! I must apologize for the canceled post. I forgot that my husband has taken to posting to news groups and changes the signature. I prefer to use my own signature, and forget to check what it's set for.

LOL! I must remember to always keep a denim project going.

Is it possible to reduce shine by delicately going over it with the finest side of an emery board, or dampen it with vinegar and rub hard?

another Sharon

Reply to
Life Experience

Re: Need solution: seams too thick

8:54pm (EST-3) From: snipped-for-privacy@gorge.net (gabrielle) < RLK> wrote:
Reply to
sewingbythecea

I'm with Cea, topstitching is a first solution, before abusing the fabric.

But can you first pick out the hems and trim out one of the seam allowances? If you can do this, you might also then flat fell the seams in the center of the cloth. Linen usually presses nicely, so I'd try that first.

Whatever you end up doing, I wish you good luck with it. Karen Maslowski in Cincinnati

Reply to
SewStorm

Thanks Karen, I'm starting to think the same. Cea's post hasn't shown up in my browser... I'm probably better off being diligent and set aside an afternoon to pick out the stitches, trim and redo. That would be much better than having to pick out *two-plus* rows of stitches if it doesn't turn out the way I want...

Reply to
RLK

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