Occasions and ordering · 8 October 2026 · 3 min read
What does finishing mean in a stitching quote?
What is finishing in stitching? The steps after sewing, from seam edges and hems to dupatta edges, pressing and checks, and what to have written into your quote.
InspirationEverything after the main seams
Finishing is the work that turns a sewn garment into a wearable one: neatening seam edges so they do not fray, hemming, edging the dupatta, adding fastenings, pressing, trimming loose threads and checking the result. When a quote says “stitched and finished”, it means the outfit arrives ready to wear rather than sewn together and left raw inside.
The word is broad, which is why two quotes that both say finishing can cover different things.
The usual parts of finishing
In general dressmaking, finishing covers several separate jobs. Which ones apply depends on the garment and the fabric.
- Seam edges: overlocking, a French seam on sheer fabric, a bound edge, or pinking on fabric that does not fray much.
- Hems: on the kameez, the trouser legs and the sleeves, either machine stitched or blind stitched so the stitching barely shows.
- Dupatta edges: a narrow rolled or machine-finished edge, or a border or lace where one has been agreed.
- Openings and fastenings: neatening the neckline facing, inserting a zip, buttons and buttonholes, or a drawstring channel.
- Lining: attaching and hemming a lining, where one is part of the design.
- Pressing and thread trimming: the last steps, which make a garment look finished rather than freshly sewn.
- A final check: measurements, symmetry and loose stitches looked over before the piece is packed.
Why it matters more than it sounds
Finishing decides how a garment wears and washes. Raw seam edges fray in the machine, a hem that is too heavy drags a light fabric, and a dupatta edge left too wide can look clumsy. On sheer and slippery fabrics, the choice of seam finish is half the work.
Decorative edges are a separate subject, covered in dupatta finishing ideas. Trims such as piping are described in our guide to piping, lace and trims.
What to ask to have written down
If finishing matters to you, put it in your enquiry so it appears in the written quote rather than being assumed. Useful points to raise:
- how the inside seams will be finished on your fabric, especially if it is sheer
- whether the dupatta edge is included and how it will be done
- the type of fastening at the neckline, side or back
- whether lining is part of the outfit, and for which pieces
- any border or lace placement you have planned, and on which edges
Finishing with us
With Stitching Only, we cut, stitch and finish the outfit from your own fabric, once we have confirmed it is suitable. With Fabric + Stitching we supply the fabric as well. In both cases, tell us any finishing preferences and we confirm what is possible on your fabric and design in the written quote before cutting. Ask for a stitching-only quote and include a photo of the fabric.
Common questions
Is finishing charged separately from stitching?
Practice varies between tailors. Some include it in one stitching price; others list special edges or lining separately. Ask what the quote covers so you can compare like with like.
What is the neatest seam finish for chiffon?
A French seam is a common choice on sheer fabric, because it encloses the raw edge and looks tidy from the outside. It works on straight seams better than on curves.
Does finishing include washing the garment?
Usually not. Finishing normally ends with pressing. Pre-washing fabric before cutting is a separate step, if it is done at all.
