How can you finish a raw edge on a woven fabric?

How can you finish a raw edge on a woven fabric?

• A. Serging/overlocking, zigzag stitch, or French seam; methods depend on fabric.
• B. Pinking shears alone.
• C. Single straight stitch.
• D. Overcast seam with no finishing.

Answer: (D)

Finishing a raw edge on woven fabric means preventing unraveling by sealing the edge. An overcast seam does this by wrapping the edge with stitches as you sew, so the edge is finished in one step. This eliminates the need for a separate finishing process after stitching, which is why it’s a practical choice for woven fabrics. Pinking shears only cut the edge and don’t stop fraying; a straight stitch alone doesn’t secure the edge; while serging/overlocking or zigzag can finish edges, the overcast seam specifically finishes the edge as part of the seam itself.

Finishing a raw edge on woven fabric means preventing unraveling by sealing the edge. An overcast seam does this by wrapping the edge with stitches as you sew, so the edge is finished in one step. This eliminates the need for a separate finishing process after stitching, which is why it’s a practical choice for woven fabrics. Pinking shears only cut the edge and don’t stop fraying; a straight stitch alone doesn’t secure the edge; while serging/overlocking or zigzag can finish edges, the overcast seam specifically finishes the edge as part of the seam itself.