Burda Style For people who sew

Making new travel clothes. These need to be tough. Like, Indiana Jones tough. Worn for days on messy trails, rough rivers, jagged mountains, etc. Last thing I want to worry about while hand washing in a river or chucking them in a washing machine is the edges falling apart.
So, what do you think is the toughest edge finish? Zig zag (doubtful)? Roll under (hate this)? A binding of some sort (really interested in this one)? What about taking the chemical route with No Fray or whatever it’s called (does it hold up to repeat washings/need reapplication?)
Throw your ideas out here, really interested in what others use and prefer.

Nov 22, 2011, 05.10 AM by straycat

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  Nov 22, 2011, 10.31 AMby katexxxxxx

  For things that need to be tough but not bulky, serging the edges works well. hems get turned under half an inch and pressed, then turned again and machine sewn. take a look at my trouser project for the Giant Mutant Ninja Teenager a couple or three years back:

  http://dressdiaries.livejournal.com/321780.html
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  Nov 23, 2011, 03.34 AMby kaitui-kiwi

  Flat felled seams are pretty tough aren’t they? That’s what they use on jeans, probably more time consuming though.
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  Nov 23, 2011, 02.27 PMby thunderlily

  Agree with both of these other posts — flat fell seams for the side seams and serged hems, folded in twice and then machine sewn. However something to consider as much as seams, is the fabric you are using. Consider a flat fell seam on chiffon is not going to be as tough as when used on a cotton batiste. (OK those are extreme examples, but they make the point) So choosing the fabric for you travel clothes is key. If you are traveling in the mountains think of a light wool-blend to keep you warm and dry in all temperatures, will crease less and will wash easily (that won’t shrink).
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  Nov 24, 2011, 02.21 AMby jenss-1

  For blouses french seams are an easier alternative to flat-fell and the edges will still be enclosed.
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  Dec 2, 2011, 03.22 PMby mickeygirl

  do some research. go to a travel store and look at the clothing that you want to make. Look inside. Maybe take them into a change room to do this.

  You need to use quality fabric however. Cheap fabric that might look strong might not hold up to wear.