Sewing a scalloped edge: Need to quickly spruce up a neckline, a pocket, or a hem? It’s so easy with a neatly sewn scalloped edge. In this tutorial, I'll show you how it's done!
The most important things at a glance
- In this post, I will show you how you can easily sew a beautiful scalloped edge
- In the example, I embellished a child's top with a scalloped edge at the neckline
- I used the sleeveless LUV shirt pattern
- This type of hem and edge finishing is ideal for sewing beginners because it delivers a maximum-impact result with minimal effort
- Jersey, cotton fabrics, canvas, or linen, for example, are ideal for a hem with a scalloped pattern
Sewing a scalloped hem – here’s how easy it is!
What a great idea to finish a neckline, pocket, or hem with a scalloped edge! It’s quick and easy, and it also looks sensationally good!
Grab your favorite pattern and get started!
Which fabrics can you use to sew a scalloped edge?
Any clothing fabric that isn't too bulky is suitable, whether elastic or non-elastic! In the example, I used a lovely medium-blue stretch denim*. It offers good stability without being restrictive.
Of course, you can also sew beautiful scalloped hems with jersey. Jersey has the advantage of hardly fraying at all, so you don't have to worry about the trimmed fabric edge ripping. You can also reinforce jersey with an elastic interfacing at any time.
This has the advantage that the fabric is stable while remaining easy to shape.
Suitable fabrics for sewing a scalloped edge:
Classic sweatshirting fabrics may be a bit too bulky for this type of finish. French Terry* is a good alternative.
Also very suitable are linen*, cotton*, and canvas*.
What you need to sew a scalloped edge
A pattern of your choice. In the example, I embellished a child's top with a scalloped edge at the neckline. I used the sleeveless LUV shirt pattern.
The usual basic accessories such as:
- Sewing thread* (also nice in a contrasting color for topstitching!)
- Rotary cutter*
- Fabric scissors*
- Patchwork ruler*
- Pins*
- Sewing machine
Sewing a scalloped edge: Tutorial
Cut the pattern pieces for the front and back as usual.
Then cut a facing as shown in the photo below.
Use the pattern including armholes for this facing. The facing should be about 5 cm wide, measured at the bottom edge of the neckline on the front piece.
Sew the shoulder seams on both the facing and the top.
Place the facing and the top together, matching them up right sides together with the shoulder seams open.
Pin everything well so it doesn't slip while sewing.
Now select a scalloped stitch of your choice. I opted for a very simple curved stitch: stitch no. 19 on my Janome.
Sew around the neckline using the scalloped stitch. I start the seam at the shoulder and guide the presser foot along the neckline edge. This gives me a good guide.
Important: Make sure the scallops are curved in the right direction! They should already be facing the "right way" while sewing, meaning the curved edge should be pointing toward the neck opening.
This is what it should look like now:
Now you need sharp scissors. Trim the seam allowance all around to about 3–4 mm. You can make a small notch in the indentations.
If your fabric tends to fray, I recommend reinforcing the facing beforehand with a lightweight interfacing.
Fold the facing into the neckline so that the wrong sides of the fabric are together.
Press the hem, carefully shaping the scallops. This works especially well with plenty of steam.
Then, press the scallops again from the right side of the fabric.
Pin the top and the facing together at the shoulder seams.
If you like, you can finish the bottom edge of the facing with a zigzag stitch.
Now you can finish the garment piece as usual.
I like to finish the armholes with a bias tape binder. It’s a very neat method that I describe in detail in my post Sewing with a bias tape binder.
And it has another advantage: when binding with jersey strips, I catch the facing directly and secure it in a very simple, beautiful way.
This is what it looks like from the inside:
And from the outside:
Super chic, right? And soo easy!
By the way, you can also sew the Yoko children's dress beautifully with a scalloped edge!
Feel free to write to me in the comments if you have any questions!
Happy simple sewing,
your Sabine
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