"Make It Yourself"

by Sarah A. Gordon

Home Sewing, Gender, and Culture, 1890–1930

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Susan Sews a Skirt

French Seam

Susan sews the side seam a second time, creating a “French” seam. While it takes more steps, the advantage of this type of seam is that it encases all of the raw edges, making an attractive seam that won’t fray.

Photograph by Sarah Gordon.