Finishing / edge overlocking
Also known as: Overlocking, Edge finishing, Serging
Securing raw fabric edges against fraying — usually done with an overlock/serger, less often with zig-zag or a rolled hem.
Description
Edge finishing (in German Ausputzen or Versäubern) refers to securing raw fabric edges so they do not fray during wear and washing. It is the final step at a seam and is decisive for the garment's longevity — poorly finished seam allowances start to unravel after just a few washes.
The industry standard is the overlock seam (three-, four- or five-thread overlock), which trims, wraps and chain-stitches the edge in a single pass. Fine fabrics get a rolled hem, robust denim edges a doubled flat-felled seam, and a quick home fix works with a zig-zag stitch. Sustainably constructed garments often use a French seam or flat-felled seam — both hide the raw edges completely inside and need no additional finishing.
- Overlock (3-, 4-, 5-thread) is the industrial standard
- Alternatives: zig-zag, rolled hem, flat-felled seam, French seam
- Prevents fraying and splitting of seam allowances
- Flat-felled and French seams need no separate finishing
Properties
| Standard method | Overlock/serger (3-, 4- or 5-thread) |
|---|---|
| Alternatives | Zig-zag, rolled hem, flat-felled seam, French seam |
| Purpose | Prevent fraying of seam allowances |
| Quality indicator | Dense stitch frequency, clean edge guidance |
Related product categories
Sources & references
3- Wikipedia: Overlock Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overlock
- Wikipedia: Säumen Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A4umen
- Wikipedia: Serger (English) Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serger
