seam question from the sewing inept

[Whitetre]

if I was making a linen shirt...


for the sleeves, I might be using something lile a rectangle of cloth, 18x27 inches, folded to a rectangle 9x27, and sewn to form a tube (of sorts.. (turn the thing inside out so the seam is on the inside, and viola! a sleeve.. I think)

If I was using a backstitch for the seam.. what on earth would I do to the cut edges, so that they dont fray????

I have never even picked up a needle before this, so...many thanks..

-j

[Jess]

modern ideas:
http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/sewi ... .html#seam

Or

http://www.medievaltailor.com/demosSeams.html

[Whitetre]

Thank you!!!

[Tailoress]

James, the easiest way to finish the rough edges is to roll them both together to one side and stitch down what's rolled/folded. Easiest stitch to use is running stitch, which is just the in/out/in/out stitch.

Best of luck,
Tasha

[Jestyr]

I think French seams look the best because no unfinished edges are visible (there is an example on one of the links that Jess gave).

I just started sewing in January, and I find the french seam very easy to do.

I think I also read that french seams are a good approximation of an extant viking find.