How to sew a mitered corner

Today we are sharing a sewing hack that is handy not only when sewing garments but also when finishing corners on a festive dining table runner or blanket.

How to sew a mitered corner?

This finishing is used for vents and slits on skirts, dresses, blazers, trench coats, coats, and sleeves and helps achieve a polished look. Here are a couple of ways to sew a mitered corner.

Method no. 1

For this example, we show you how to finish a vent. 

1. Mark the bottom and side seam lines at e.g. 4 cm (1 5/8") from the edge. Then mark again at 4 cm (1 5/8") from each of the lines as shown in the photo. 

!! If the garment is not lined, we recommend finishing the edges on the overlocker.

2. Draw a line connecting the two marks, ensuring it crosses the intersection of the finished edges (that is the finished corner). 

3. Fold the corner wrong side out, aligning the diagonal lines. Pin and then machine-stitch, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam. Press the seam.
4. To reduce the seam bulk, trim the seam allowance down to 5–7 mm (about 1/4") and clip the corner.

5. Press the seam allowances open.
6. Push the corner to the right side and smooth it out. Press along the bottom and side edges following the marking.

Method no. 2 (with a double turn hem)

1. Fold one edge to the wrong side by 1 cm (3/8") and press in place. Fold the edge to the wrong side once again by 1, 2 or 3 cm (3/8", 5/8" or 1 1/8") depending on the finished border width. Repeat to the other edge.

2. Mark at the inner folded edges intersection as shown in the photo.

3. Unfold the corner, leaving the inner edge folded. Fold the corner right sides together, matching the marks. 

4. Draw a diagonal line to connect the marks with the corner, as shown in the photo. 
5. Machine-stitch following the marked line, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam. Press the seam.
6. Clip the corner leaving a 5–7 mm (about 1/4") seam allowance.

7. Push the corner to the right side, smooth it out, press flat, and then topstitch.

Cool, right?

Find more sewing hacks from Vikisews here:

How to figure out how much fabric you’re going to need

How to finish paired darts at the same level

How to work with a slippery fabric

Long-sleeve top Kendall redesign tutorial