4. Current fashion: The modern trend is to use a simple seam which produces a garment. 12.3 TYPES OF SEAM: Seams are of different types. They are: 1. Plain seam 2. Run and Fell seam 3. French Seam 4. Mantua maker seam 5. Piped seam 1. Plain seam: This is the most widely used seam because it is easy to make, requires less time, is pliable and inconspicuous. It is used on all types of fabrics except on very transparent kinds, and is especially suitable for firm fabrics that do not ravel. To make this seam, place the two pieces of fabrics to be joined together right side facing, matching the seam lines. Insert pins at right angles to the seam line and work a line of tacking following the Plain seam 124 seam line. Remove the pins and stitch the seam exactly on the seam line. Remove tacking and press the seam open. If the fabric is fine, both the seam allowances can be pressed to one side. Plain seam is used especially for side seams and armhole seams on skirts, coats, petticoats, blouses etc.

5. Chemical retting: Chemical retting can shorten the retting process but chemicals will affect the strength and color of the flax fiber. Soda ash, oxalic acid are the chemicals used. (c) Drying: These fibers (flax stalks) are then dried by means of warm air ovens.