finishing raw edges

[Ultra Magnus]

I was just wondering what you guys all do to finish the raw edges of the fabric on your myog projects.  I just recently made a frame bag (not 100% finished, needs velcro- will post pics later) where I used a french seam (I think that's what it's called) to hide all the raw edges.  I planned for having a 1/2" seam allowance, and then first sewed the bag right side out at a little less than 1/4" in from the edges.  then I turned it inside out and sewed it on the 1/2" line.  then when I turned it right side out again, all the raw edges were hidden.  This was a bit of a pain, as the fabric in the corners got kind of thick and difficult to make look right.  From the outside it looks ok enough for me though.  For smaller projects like a gas tank, I think this would be very difficult to do.  I've noticed on some commercial products they hide the edge with grosgrain ribbon, but that sounds like it would be a bit on the difficult side too...  Anyway- thoughts and pics would be appreciated.

BM

[JReeves]

Most of the time I will use the method you did, of sewing it inside out and then all the seams are hidden once it's turned right side out.  On some spots that's not possible, such as handle bar slings.  I've played around with the 3/4" grosgrain technique and it's not too hard to accomplish a good looking edge with it.  They do make "feet" for your sewing machine that make using grosgrain a much simpler effort, and I plan of giving one of them a go on the next project...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002TMTMCY/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001UG1EN0&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=17SDFKNP7R2FAAVDPXKB

[JerryW]

I usually just make a regular seam on the inside. Once I turn it right side out and everything looks okay, I'll turn it inside out again and sew the seams a second time as a back-up. Then I use a candle to singe all of the edges to keep them from fraying. Since they're on the inside, I've never had a problem.

If you want to bind the seams, an alternative to folding grosgrain is to use double fold bias tape. Since it's pre-folded it's real easy to use.

[jhl99]

You have to do a little more layout, but here is what I do:

[Ultra Magnus]

You have to do a little more layout, but here is what I do:

I wish I would have check back before I started my gas tank project.  I just finished it they day after you posted this.  I didn't have any binding materials on hand and was antsy to get it done so I just did the french seam again, but sewing it like that in all those tight corners (which on something that small is as if it's nothing but tight corners) was a slow going pain in the behind.

I'll definitely try to remember this technique for my next project.

Thanks,
BM