Finishing Armholes, Neck Edge and Hems with Lace

When I made my first petticoat I used narrow lace to finish the armhole and neck edges. You can also use this method to put lace on the hem edge of any garment.

Here is how I did it.

Place the narrow lace on the fabric edge right sides together with edge of the lace you don't want to see level with the raw edge of the fabric.
If you are using gathered lace with a header tape you will find that the header tape is usually 1/4" wide. Just lay the header tape next to the raw edge with right sides together and stitch along the stitching line on the header tape.

Place the lace and fabric right sides together

Stitch it along the edge with a 1/4" seam.

I trimmed the seam and lace back to 1/8". If you are using the ready made gathered lace that has the 1/4" header tape don't trim the seam or lace just turn the 1/4" seam allowance to the wrong side.
If you need to neaten the edge, after stitching on the lace you can overcast the seam allowance with zig zag stitch. I think overlocking might add too much bulk.

Don't trim the header tape off your lace if it has one.

Fold the lace and the fabric towards the wrong side. I didn't bother pressing before top stitching.

Top stitch along the middle of the seam shadow.

Be careful when you press that you don't melt your lace.

Great finish for underwear.

Happy Sewing,
Val