How to Sew a French Seam / Double Top Stitch

Nothing sets off an upholstery job better than a French seam. A French seam (Double Top Stitch) is often found in luxury vehicles and boat upholstery. Often used when sewing panels of leather, faux leather or vinyl seating fabric together. Combined with thick thread a French seam will make your next upholstery project really look great. Get noticed, consider using French seams!

[maryalgar]

Looks great and very professional. Obviously a heavy-duty sewing machine. Interesting technique.

[capnjan]

Excellent video, as always. I will certainly use this 'trick' of putting grosgrain along the inside edge, when I rebuild the interior cushions on our boat. French seams that I learned in apparel are quite different and would not benefit from this method.

Cindi is clear, concise and expert! Eric's voice over reinforces the method.

Go sailrite!

Cap'n Janh

[earthangel]

I have been researching machines for leather work, after seeing this video I am now leaning towards a Sailrite Ls1. Thank you Angel from The Bay

[brianfanning]

l have learnt so much from your videos. thankyou from Aotearoa New Zealand

[amartinjoe]

that is beautiful. yes, they use this for upholstery. I work in a leather sofa factory.

[markleamer]

great video! very well done, and explained it perfectly. Now I will attempt my first French seam.

[automazing]

Great Video!
As newbie to this craft, I purchased the Sailrite 111 with the MC-SCR to reupholster a classic car and have practiced this French Seam with an automotive grade vinyl with backing for the seams using a 6 mm stitch, V-92 thread and tension set appropriately. With a few runs of practice I was able to replicate this method successfully but a little concerned about the seam itself and if I am doing something wrong. I did not use the grosgrain binding that was used in this video but used an automotive 1 1/4" backing that is sold in a wholesale automotive upholstery shop that they recommend for these seams. Additionally, I did not use a foam backing material in my practice runs but don't think that attribute much binding strength to this vinyl seam itself. Using a little force, I am able to separate the seams to the point where I can see the backing material behind it (approx. 1/16" and probably more if I tried) and there are no manuals or video's that explain how much effort you should be able to use to pull apart the seams or what is acceptable.

That said, any idea how to gauge how much effort could be applied to a seam to consider it acceptable or if from the details of my question--I've overlooked something? What are acceptable stitch lengths for a french seams in automotive grade vinyl as to not tear the material and keep it ascetically pleasing for automotive seats? Any assistance or advice is appreciated!

[Edits_Moped]

2:00 the accuracy is prestine! only with 50 years of expirience you get that level :D

[SilverWedge]

Great video. I'm thinking of doing a small seat cover and this video answered all my questions.

[bccabernet]

Great video!! You're videos are fantastic with clear and consise instructions. Thank you!

[sportsmancraft]

Wonder about the advantages of using a twin needle machine.

[BroderieMachine]

In French, we call it : Double surpiqûre plate 😉

[gamingheadquartersHD]

What size stitch Length would you Recommend for this ? for doing the Top stitch

[MrCaptainobvious]

Great video- clear, informative and to the point. Thank you!

[jaytopham]

Great video. Very neat outcome. I notice that the first seam is stitched with quite a long stitch. Is this only because your sewing with vinyl. I always that that the seam stitch length would be a shorter stitch but the top stitch is the longer one of the two.

[radioguy]

I'm just learning all this at age 64 and would like to thank you for the video. I heard you say V 92 thread and I looked it up on your site so all good there but I wonder which needle to use, I have a regular home machine of relatively seeming stout construction. but standard type I'm guessing. Thanks again.

[pprotory]

The narrator really likes to enunciate SEAM.

[tariqhassan]

Hello, You also sell used machines in double stitch

[kennymager]

Used this on my boat seats about a year ago looks awesome

[jaimeek]

Great video. The French seam that I was taught for apparel is a little different from this version. Good information to know, kinda confusing that its called the same thing.