dumb question: how to sew up seam to close pillows, etc.

[QueeTheBean]

So, let's say I have sewed something--a pillow, for example--on all 4 sides, leaving a small section unsewn so that I can turn the thing right-sides out.

How do I nicely sew up the opened seam after I have turned the thing right-side out? Lordy--I swear everytime I try, it looks like and I have to keep ripping out. I want to be able to do this right--so that the seam doesn't show.

I can't find anything on the web that explains it.

Can anyone find a good link? Or else try to explain it to me?

Thanks.

[JLav]

I just carefully tuck the edges in and line up the fold with the seam, then I carefully pin it together. If the pillow is really stuffed full I use a couple pins to hold the stuffing back and then I machine stitch the opening closed. I found that using my sewing machine works better than trying to do it by hand...looks better and holds better.
I'll see if I can find a linky for you.

[QueeTheBean]

Originally Posted by JLav

I just carefully tuck the edges in and line up the fold with the seam, then I carefully pin it together. If the pillow is really stuffed full I use a couple pins to hold the stuffing back and then I machine stitch the opening closed. I found that using my sewing machine works better than trying to do it by hand...looks better and holds better.
I'll see if I can find a linky for you.

Thanks for the reply--that is pretty much what I thought I would end up doing, but won't that leave a little "stich trail" on the outside where I sew it shut?

I really am new to this--but what I mean is--all the other stitching is "inside" and "invisible", and if I stitch the little opening shut from the outside, won't it show?

[peekyboo]

I've been taught that you fold inwards the raw edges, then carefully stitch the sides together along the fold.

So you have the outer material, the part folded inward, making a section with two layers on each side. Sew through the inner layer, not the outer. You're not sewing the raw edge part, just above that.

Does that make sense?