Classification of Seam
Noor Ahmed Raaz
Specialized in Apparel Manufacturing
Owner and Editor in Chief Textile Merchandising
Asst. Prof., Department of Textile Engineering
Atish Dipankar University of Science & Technology
Email: textilemerchandising1@gmail.com
Seam Types or Classes:
A formal description of the configuration of a seam is called a seam type. The Seam may be of a hundred types, and these types are classified into six main classes. Also, in the present time, two more classes are used.
The following are the 8 classes of seam:
- Seam Class-1: Super Imposed Seam
- Seam Class-2: Lapped Seam
- Seam Class-3: Bound Seam
- Seam Class-4: Flat Seam
- Seam Class-5: Decorative Seam
- Seam Class-6: Edge Neatening
- Seam Class-7: Applied Sea
- Seam Class-8: Enclosed Seam
Seam Class-1 (Super Imposed Seam):
- This is a most ordinary used seam.
- This type of seam is formed by correctly placing the ends of the fabric on the other ends of the fabric and sewing them.
- Generally, the seam ends are in the same direction.
- Different types of stitches are used to form this type of seam.
- The seam strength may be changed.
- This seam can be used for joining the fabric and neatening the edge.
Seam Class-1 (Super Imposed Seam)
Seam Class-2 (Lapped Seam):
- The simplest seam is formed by lapping two pieces of fabric.
- Two sewn ends of the fabric are in opposite directions and overlapping one ends on other.
- Uses of this seam is very less because the threads draw off from the fabric edge and create the problem.
- The seam thread may be damaged due to frictional resistance.
- The seam strength is higher.
- The possibility of seam slippage is very less.
- Seam thickness increased.
- Twin twin-needle sewn machine is used to prepare the seam.
Seam Class-2 (Lapped Seam)
Seam Class-3 (Bound Seam):
- Two fabrics are required.
- Here, one edge of the fabric is bounded by the other fabric.
- The binder fabric may be of different colors.
- Widely used.
- It can be applied for both functional and decorative purposes.
- The folder must be required to produce a bound seam.
- Mostly used for knit fabric than woven fabric.
Seam Class-3 (Bound Seam)
Seam Class-4 (Flat Seam):
- Two or more fabric ends are joined without overlapping.
- The Seam can be made with the gap of the ends of the fabric for decorative purposes.
- Generally twin needle sewing m/c is used to produce this type of seam where continuous binding can be made by covering thread between needle threads
- Seam thickness is comparatively less.
- Zigzag stitch causes sufficient stretch for knit fabrics.
- Neat join forms.
- Before sewing, Edge should be cleaned.
Seam Class-4 (Flat Seam)
Seam Class-5 (Decorative Seam):
- This type of seam is made by making one or more adjacent stitch lines in one or more layer of fabric.
- Multi-needle sewing machine is used.
- This type of seam is called decorative stitching.
- This seam is produced and used to increase the beauty or decorative value of fabrics.
Seam Class-5 (Decorative Seam)
Seam Class-6 (Edge Neatening):
- This type seam is used to bind the edge of fabric, so that thread cannot be drawn off.
- Various stitches are used in this type of seam.
- It can be made by over lock machine.
- If folder is used, the seam can be made easily.
Seam Class-6 (Edge Neatening)
Seam Class-7 (Applied Seam):
- Similar to lapped seam (Seam Class-2), but the joined component is extended limited on both sides from sewn line.
- This is used for joining of different parts of garments with additional or extra materials such as lace, elastic braid, elastic etc.
- Multi needle sewing machine and folder is used to produce this seam. It will be easier this function is involved.
Seam Class-7 (Applied Seam)
Seam Class-8 (Enclosed Seam):
- Mainly one piece of fabric is used.
- The edges of fabric are sewn by folding in various ways.
- Very used of folder to make the seam.
- Seam is made in one time completed by twin needle machine and folder.
Seam Class-8 (Enclosed Seam)

Founder & Editor of Textile Merchandising. He is an Assistant Professor and Chairman of the Textile Engineering Department of a Reputed University in Bangladesh. He has performed numerous Research Regarding Textile Engineering. He has also received two times “Research & Development Fellowship” from the Ministry of Science & Technology in Bangladesh. For any further queries, please contact email at raju.uttara105@gmail.com or WhatsApp at +8801673758271.