Unlocking the Mystery: What Is a Facing in Sewing?

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Have you ever looked at a garment and noticed the perfectly finished edges that give it a polished and professional appearance? That finishing touch is known as a facing in sewing. Whether you’re an experienced seamstress or just starting out, understanding what facings are and how to use them can elevate your sewing projects to the next level. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of facings and discover what they are, their purpose, and how to incorporate them into your sewing projects. So let’s unravel the mystery of facings in sewing together!

The Basics of Facings in Sewing

Facings are an essential technique in sewing that allow for a clean, professional finish on a garment. Simply put, facings are extra pieces of fabric that are used to finish off the raw edges on the inside of a garment, providing stability and structure to the garment while also hiding any messy seams or raw edges. They can be found on a variety of clothing items such as blouses, jackets, dresses, and more.

Types of Facings

There are several types of facings commonly used in sewing including:

1. Bias facings – These are cut from fabric that has been cut on the bias (diagonal angle) and they are used to finish curved edges such as neckline and armholes.

2. Shaped facings – These facings are cut to match the shape of a specific pattern piece, typically found on garments with unique design details like collars or pockets.

3. Extended facings – These are larger pieces of fabric compared to shaped facings and they extend all the way down to the hemline, creating an extra layer of support for garments like coats or skirts.

4. Fused facings – These use fusible interfacing to provide structure and shape to the face edge.

Preparing Facings for Sewing

Before attaching facings to your garment, it’s important to prepare them properly for sewing.

Firstly, you need to decide which type of facing would work best for your project depending on its purpose and design details. If you’re working with directional prints (where all pieces must be cut one way), you may need to use shaped or extended facing instead of bias facing.

Secondly, make sure you have enough fabric for your facings – determine how much is needed based on your pattern instructions plus extra if you choose a directional print or need to match patterns at seams.

Next, you’ll need to transfer all markings from the facing pattern piece to the fabric. Use chalk, tailor’s tacks or disappearing fabric pen to mark all notches, darts and stitching lines. This will make attaching your facings much easier and ensure a precise fit.

It’s also a good idea to stay stitch around the edge of the garment where the facing will be attached. This prevents any stretching or distortion of the fabric while sewing, keeping everything symmetrical and in place.

Attaching Facings

When attaching facings, it’s important to pay attention to detail as the final result relies heavily on how accurately they are sewn on. Here are some tips for sewing facings:

1. Always start by sewing and finishing the raw edge of the facing pieces before attaching them to your garment.

2. Use plenty of pins or clips when attaching your facings – this will ensure that everything stays in place and makes for neater stitching lines.

3. When sewing curved edges like a neckline, clip along the seam allowance – this will help stretch out any excess fabric and give you a smoother curve.

4. After attaching your facing pieces, snip into any tight corners or curves so that they lie flat once turned right side out.

Finishing Facings

After attaching your facings, there are a few more things you’ll need to do to finish them off and achieve that clean professional look:

1. Trim any excess seam allowances from inside of your garment after attaching your facing – this helps avoid bulkiness around edges of your garment.

2. Press along stitches used for understitching purpose – this keeps seams open flat and invisible when turned inside out taking away from crispness appearance when finished always press as you go after each step!

3. Use an iron-on adhesive tape to secure raw edges before understitching to create a crisper edge.

Facings are an important technique to master in sewing as they can make all the difference between an amateur and professional-looking garment. By choosing the right type of facing and preparing it correctly, you can achieve clean, neat edges that add structure and stability to your garments. Paying attention to detail while attaching and finishing facings is crucial for achieving a polished final look, so take your time and don’t rush through this step. With practice, you’ll be able to use facings confidently to enhance the quality of your sewing projects.

The Definition of a Facing in Sewing

A facing in sewing is an essential component of garment construction that helps provide a clean and professional finish to the edges of a garment. It is a separate piece of fabric that is attached to the inside edge of the garment’s neckline, armholes, or hems. The facing is usually made from the same fabric as the main body of the garment, but it can also be made from a contrasting or coordinating fabric for decorative purposes.

The Purpose of a Facing

The primary purpose of a facing in sewing is to hide raw edges and give a neat and tidy appearance to the garment. It also helps reinforce and stabilize areas that may experience stress, such as necklines and armholes. Additionally, facings can provide structure and shape to the garment, allowing it to lay flat against the body without any unsightly puckering or pulling.

Types of Facings

There are several types of facings used in sewing, depending on the style and construction of the garment. Here are some common types:

Neckline Facings:

Neckline facings are used to finish the inside edge of a garment’s neckline. They are typically sewn onto both front and back pieces separately before being joined at one shoulder seam. The rest of the facing is then stitched down along the edge with topstitching or understitching.

Armhole Facings:

Armhole facings serve a similar purpose to neckline facings but are used for finishing armholes. They are sewn onto both front and back pieces separately before joining at side seams. As with neckline facings, topstitching or understitching keeps them in place.

Hem Facings:

Hem facings can be found on skirts, dresses, and pants. They are used to finish the lower edge of a garment and can be either attached to the inside or outside of the fabric. Hem facings provide a clean and professional finish, especially on curved or shaped hemlines.

Single-Sided Facings:

Single-sided facings are often used for garments with a visible lining or those made from sheer fabrics. They are cut from a single layer of fabric and sewn onto the inside edge of the garment, providing a clean finish while minimizing bulk.

How to Sew a Facing

Sewing a facing requires precision and attention to detail to achieve a polished look. Here is a general guide on how to sew one:

  1. Prepare Your Facing: Begin by cutting your facing pieces according to your pattern’s instructions, making sure they are mirrored for front and back pieces.
  2. Sew Shoulder Seams: With right sides together, sew the shoulder seams of both the facing and garment together.
  3. Attach Facing to Neckline/Armholes/Hem: Match the facing with the appropriate edge of your garment, right sides together, and pin in place. Sew around the edge using a ⅝” seam allowance.
  4. Clip Curves: For curved edges such as armholes or necklines, use small snips or make tiny notches along the seam allowance to help turn the fabric smoothly without any puckering.
  5. Understitching (optional): To prevent facings from rolling outwards, understitch along the seam allowance on the facing side, close to the stitching line. This will help keep it in place neatly.
  6. Trim Excess Fabric: Trim any excess seam allowance close to stitching lines with sharp scissors. Be careful not to cut into your stitches.
  7. Press: Press the facing away from the garment using an iron, making sure to turn the seam allowance towards the facing.
  8. Finish Facing: Sew down your facing’s remaining raw edge along the seam line using either topstitching or slip stitching.

Tips for Working with Facings

Here are some tips to keep in mind when working with facings:

  • Choose a lightweight fabric for your facings to avoid bulkiness and visible lines through your garment.
  • Use interfacing on your facings to provide added stability and structure, especially for lightweight fabrics.
  • Sew facings in a contrasting fabric for a unique and decorative touch to your garment.
  • Be careful when selecting a pattern that uses facings as some may have overlapping pieces that need to be traced separately onto the fabric.
  • Practice accurate stitching techniques, such as topstitching and understitching, for a professional finish.

Facings are essential components of garment construction that help give garments a polished and professional appearance

1. What is a facing in sewing?
A facing in sewing is a piece of fabric that is used to cover the raw edge of a garment. It is typically made from the same fabric as the garment and is sewn to the inside of the fabric.

2. Why are facings used in sewing?
Facings are used to create a clean, professional finish on the inside of a garment. They also help to reinforce and stabilize areas such as necklines, armholes, and waistbands.

3. How do you attach facings in sewing?
To attach a facing, you will first need to sew it to the right side of your fabric along the raw edge. Then, flip it over to the wrong side and understitch along the seam line to keep the facing from rolling out.

4. Can you replace facings with bias tape?
Yes, you can replace facings with bias tape if you prefer a different finish or need more stability in certain areas. However, facings provide a cleaner look on the inside of garments than bias tape.

5. When should I use interfacing with facings?
Interfacing should be used when creating facings for more structured garments or when your fabric is too lightweight or sheer for a stable edge.

6. How do I handle bulky seams when using facings?
If your seam allowance is creating bulk underneath your facing, trim down the seam allowance before attaching your facing for a smoother finish. You can also trim down excess seam allowance within your facing piece itself.

In conclusion, a facing in sewing is an essential technique that adds structure and a professional finish to garments. It involves creating a duplicate piece of fabric that is attached to the raw edges of a garment to conceal them and provide a clean edge. Facings play a crucial role in ensuring that garments fit well, drape properly, and look polished. Additionally, they can add design elements and serve as a canvas for decorative stitching or embellishments.

To create facings successfully, it is important to select the appropriate type of facing for your garment and fabric. Understanding the different types of facings and their uses can help you achieve the desired result for your sewing project. Additionally, proper cutting and applying techniques are key to creating neat and evenly distributed facings.

Furthermore, it is essential to take your time and pay attention to detail when creating facings, as mistakes can be challenging to correct once the fabric has been cut. Practice makes perfect when it comes to facing techniques, so do not be afraid to try different methods and experiment with different fabrics.

Overall, mastering facing techniques in sewing skills is crucial for achieving a professional-looking garment. It requires patience, precision, and attention to detail but is well worth the effort for the beautifully finished product it produces. Whether you are a beginner or

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.