Which three seams are commonly used in machine-sewn fabric work?

• A. Plain overlap, folded-fell, and French-fell.
• B. Zigzag, overlock, and flat-felled.
• C. Center seam, seam seal, and lap seam.
• D. Elastic seam, bulky seam, and binding seam.

Answer: (A)

The idea here is recognizing common ways fabric is joined by machine to create a clean, strong seam suited to different fabrics and finishes. A plain overlap seam is the simplest way to join two edges: the edges are overlapped and stitched, giving a straightforward, versatile seam for many projects. The folded-fell seam is a sturdy finish where the seam edge is folded under and stitched so the raw edge is enclosed, producing a durable, neat look that’s widely used in garment construction. The French-fell seam—the version that encloses the raw edge while stitching—provides an even neater interior and is favored when you need a smooth, professional finish on lighter fabrics.

Other options mix stitch types or specialized seams that aren’t standard joining methods for everyday machine sewing, so they aren’t as representative of commonly used machine-sewn seam types.