How to Sew a Scalloped Edge

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Hello!  It’s Cassy Gobin from Pear Berry Lane blog.  I’m excited to be stopping by to share my first tutorial here at Seams and Scissors.  I love adding little bits of details on creations to give them a pop.  I think adding a scalloped edge to hemlines is a great way to utilize some of those machine stitches we often leave unused.  Hopefully you’ll be trying this out and getting to know those decorative stitches by the end of the this post.

Materials List:

Sewing Machine with Decorative Scallop Stitch

Fabric

Thread color of choice

Tear away stabilizer- light to medium weight

Scissors (Be sure these are sharp and can get into tiny spaces)

Fray Check (Optional)

Let’s Get Started

I like to start with a trial run of stitches to decide what stitch I want to use and if I want to adjust the length or width of the stitch.  To do a test run, cut a scrap of fabric.  Lay your fabric over the tear away stabilizer.  Select your stitch and run a length of the stitch so that you can see it.  Make adjustments if needed. You can see my run of trials below. I decided to use the settings for the stitching on the bottom row.

Once you have made a decision on your stitching, it’s time to put it to use.  Layer your fabric to be edged with the tear away stabilizer underneath.  I like to stitch with a 1/4″ seam allowance.  This will put the bottom of the scallop nearly off the edge at the fabric.

*Tip: Do you have a machine with a start and stop button? If you do, you should definitely use it here! This will help provide an even stitch throughout your stitching.

Stitch the decorative edge along the length of your project.  Tear away stabilizer from project.

Once you have removed the stabilizer, trim the edge of the fabric as close to the stitching as possible without cutting the thread.  There shouldn’t be a lot of fabric fraying, but you can utilize fray check if needed.  That is all  you need! Complete project with a beautiful finished edge.

You can see the finished trimmed edge below.  What do you think? Would you try this on an upcoming project?  If you try it, share it on Instagram and tag me so I can see!

I decided it would be great if you could see this scalloped edge in action, so I whipped up a dolly skirt with this same decorative edge.  This was a circle skirt with an elastic waistband.  I stitched out and trimmed the scalloped edge before completing the rest of the skirt construction.

The decorative edge gives this skirt a little bit of sass.  I love how the thread color choice can also change the feel of the project.  Where will you use your first scalloped edge project?

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Cassy Gobin

Blogger at Pearberry Lane

I’m a wife, mother, teacher, and sewing enthusiast.I’ve recently (over the several years) picked up sewing as a fun and productive hobby.As children’s clothing seems to spike in price for quality products, I have developed my skills and tools enough that I am making my girls original, adorable outfits that will last.My journey is taking new paths everyday and it is sew much fun!

Latest posts by Cassy Gobin (see all)

• How to Sew a Scalloped Edge - March 6, 2017