Yesterday I used the Dreamweaver XE to embroider a fun Mickey Mouse design on the fabric that will be used to make a gift bag. Today I’ll show you how easy it is to make French seams that give the inside of the bag a neat, finished appearance.

Here’s the ‘patchwork’ Mickey Mouse design that came pre-loaded on the Brother Dreamweaver XE.

Before sewing the side and bottom seams, I’ll tear away the stabilizer from the back of the embroidery.

Sewing the gift bag with French seams

Step 1 – fold wrong sides together

Fold the fabric for the gift bag in half with wrong sides together and then clip or pin the outside edges prior to sewing with the Dreamweaver XE. I just recently started using Wonder Clips and I have to tell you that I really love them!

Step 2 – set your machine to sew a ¼” seam

Select the ‘Sewing’ key on the Home Screen of the Dreamweaver XE.

In the Utility Stitches section on the Dreamweaver XE I’ll select the Quilting stitches “Q”.

Using the Q-02 stitch and the “J” presser foot on the Dreamweaver XE will make a ¼” seam.

Step 3 – sew seam

Sew the side and bottom of the gift bag using a ¼” seam. Backstitch at both ends of the seam.

Step 4 – turn and press

Turn the gift bag wrong side out and press the sewn seams.

Step 5 – Set machine to sew a ⅜” seam

To sew a ⅜” seam on the Brother Dreamweaver XE, use presser foot “J” and select stitch Q-03.

Step 6 – sew seam a second time

Sew the side and bottom seams of the gift bag again, this time using a ⅜” seam which will encase the raw edges in the French seam.

Here’s what the inside of the French side seam of the gift bag looks like – see, no raw edges!

Step 7 – press and trim

Turn the gift bag right sides out and press the side and bottom seams again. Use sharp scissors to trim any stray threads that are poking out of the seams, being careful not to cut the fabric.

Now that the side and bottom seams of the bag have been sewn, tomorrow I’ll finish it up by adding a simple drawstring. The Dreamweaver XE sure does a great job at embroidery AND regular sewing!!