An Interesting Method for Finishing a Shaped Keyhole Opening

Step 1

Openings are usually finished with facings. As a rule, this means bias tape or an all-in-one facing. These methods are standard, and every skilled seamstress has mastered them.

I want to show a slightly unconventional method for finishing a shaped keyhole opening.

Step 2

These cutouts are made on the front of dresses or blouses. They can also be found on sleeves. I'll say right upfront that this finishing method requires more fabric than standard bias binding, but it turns out incomparably more elegant.

So, take a piece of fabric that completely covers the cutout. Apply interfacing if needed. Mark the outline of the cutout onto it.

Step 3

Place the facing onto the main piece (in our case, the sleeve) with right sides together.

Step 4

Pin the pieces together.

Stitch along the marked outline of the cutout.

Trim away the excess fabric, leaving a 5 mm seam allowance. Make clips along the curved sections.

Step 5

Turn the facing out. Understitch the seam allowance onto the facing and press.

Step 6

Turn the facing to the wrong side of the main piece, rolling the seam slightly to the underside.

From the finished edge of the cutout, measure the desired facing width and trim away the excess. Finish the raw edges of the facing.

All that's left is to attach the cuff, and the sleeve is ready. Everything here is done standardly: stitch it to the lower edge of the sleeve, finish the vertical ends, and secure the serged edge by stitching in the ditch.

For this post, I used photos from albinaskripka. Thank you to the author.