french seams

[OddBall13]

Hey I,m doing a job working with french seams and am having troubles making them look right I have all the material backed with 1/2inch scrim foam.  should I have not backed all of the material with foam?

[seamsperfect]

Hey I,m doing a job working with french seams and am having troubles making them look right I have all the material backed with 1/2inch scrim foam.  should I have not backed all of the material with foam?

You are going to have a tough time with 1/2" scrim.  Most I ever use is 1/4" but really never use any foam backing.   If you actually need 1/2 total make a foam cover for your seat then use the 1/4" on the material itself.  I have actually found it hard to do FS with a single needle with the 1/4 foam backing.  My double needle makes it easier.
Kevin

[OddBall13]

thanks Ill remember that

[Gabe63]

Are you going to glue the 1/2 backing? If so how about the french seam first then glue on the backing. I would think the seam would look sunk in even if the spacing is right on 1/2 foam if sewn through. 

[stitcher_guy]

I do french seams all the time using 1/2" scrim. Until a few years ago when the motor companies wimped out and started using 1/4" scrim, it was all 1/2" at least on the top. Just make the selvage a little longer so the foot sits up on the padded part and doesn't creep in towards the seam. I also have made a skinny foot (grind down a regular flat foot) that holds it's line very nicely.

Another cheat I do when the 1/2" is on the face and I'm sewing to either 1/4" scrim or unbacked material: Let the 1/2" lay flat after sewing the seam, and sew a double fell. Then just run a fake second seam on the flattened selvage and it sinks in the same and looks like an authentic french seam. I use this on industrial seat repairs that already have a french seam (like van seats, which really shouldn't have it in the first place).

[OddBall13]

thanks Ill remember that for the next time Im doing some