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How to Burrito Roll Sewing: Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

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how to burrito roll sewingReady to master the art of burrito roll sewing? With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be rolling up garments with ease.

Burrito roll is a technique used in garment making that can create a clean finish inside your garment when you have a lining or facing.

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of using the burrito method and take you through each step from preparing fabric pieces to finishing side seams and hems.

Key Takeaways

  • Suitable for garments with linings or facings
  • Achieves a neat finish without visible raw edges
  • Easy to learn and implement
  • Works with all fabric types

What is the Burrito Method in Sewing?

What is the Burrito Method in Sewing
You’ll be amazed when you see how the tube technique transforms your sleeveless shirts! The burrito method rolls the shell and facing together, then stitches the armscye seam through the roll.

It’s a sleek trick that boosts your sewing prowess. Try creative variations like contrasting facings or faux cuff details. Skip tricky pins and aim for accuracy. Love the satisfaction of crisp, perfect seams? Dive into this method and master impeccable edges.

Whether it’s a simple shell or an elegant lining, the burrito roll brings it all together.

Benefits of Using the Burrito Method

Benefits of Using the Burrito Method
Encasing seams conceals construction details while rolling right sides together achieves a perfectly clean finish for necklines, armholes, and yokes when utilizing this clever sewing technique. The Burrito Method offers several benefits. It provides professional results without the frustration of clipping curves or trying to roll edges under.

With just a few pins and some strategic rolling, you can avoid countless hours of tedious hand-stitching facings.

This versatile technique works for all fabric types and allows for fully finished seams along curved edges in virtually invisible flat construction. It is important to avoid the common mistake of skimping on stay-stitching or rolling too tightly.

Mastery of proper clipping, pressing, and rolling, along with strategic understitching, delivers the ultimate clean finish and liberating feeling of perfectly executed inside-out construction.

Step 1: Prepare Fabric Pieces

Step 1: Prepare Fabric Pieces
First, match up and sew the shoulder seams of your outer shell and lining pieces. Starting with proper fabric preparation is key to using the burrito method. Ensure your fabric pieces are cut on grain and any raw edges are finished as needed.

Mark darts, pleats, notches, and dots using fabric chalk or tailor’s tacks.

Transfer any pattern markings to fabric.

Finish raw edges by pinking, serging, or pressing under.

Proper fabric selection and cutting techniques set you up for success. Take your time in step 1 to prep pieces for assembly. With sharp shears and sewing machine ready, you’ll avoid frustration down the line.

Step 2: Sewing the Shoulder Seams

Step 2: Sewing the Shoulder Seams
After ecstatically matching the fused front and back outer shell at the shoulder seams, enthusiastically pin and sew those bad boys before opening them up with gusto.

With prep complete, it’s time for the fun part – stitching the shoulder seams! This crucial step sandwiches the outer shell and facing pieces together at the shoulders.

Carefully align the front and back pieces along the shoulders, right sides facing. Insert pins perpendicular to the seam every 2-3 inches. Securely baste the layers if needed. Sew the shoulder seam along the 5/8 seam allowance. Repeat for the facing shoulder.

Finger press seams open. Shoulder seams done, you’ve conquered step two!

The burrito roll technique continues as you excitedly prep the neckline next.

Step 3: Attaching the Facing/Lining

Step 3: Attaching the Facing/Lining
Here we embark upon step 3 of the Burrito Method: attaching the facing or lining. This crucial maneuver sandwiches the shell between the facing and lining for a clean finish.

  • All-in-one facing
  • Separate facing and lining pieces
  • Self-facing with shell fabric
  • Contrasting facing for design detail

Whichever you choose, align pieces precisely and stitch.

Consider these nuances when burrito rolling:

  • Roll direction impacts ease of pressing
  • Tighter rolls help wrangle unruly fabrics
  • Looser rolls allow more wiggle room

With practice, you’ll intuit the ideal tension for controlling your burrito wrap.

Master sandwiching the shell for flawless finishes around necklines, armscyes and more, elevating your sewing skills.

The burrito taketh focus, but also giveth professional results. Onward!

Step 4: Sewing the Neckline

Step 4: Sewing the Neckline
To wrap the interior facing around the shell’s edge, roll the neckline between your hands. Pin the folded sections so the shell and facing right sides are together. Stitch slowly and carefully along the neckline, pivoting at curves and corners.

Grade (trim) the heavier seam allowance on the facing layer. Clip inward curves without cutting stitching. Understitch close to the seam on the facing side, catching only a few threads of the shell.

Press the seam flat, then toward the facing. Check the finished neckline is smooth with no puckers or ripples. Neatly finishing edges like this produces professional-looking garments and is easier than imagined with this clever burrito method stitching technique for concealing raw fabric edges.

Masterfully wrapping facings results in crisp finishes.

Step 5: the Burrito Roll Technique

Step 5: the Burrito Roll Technique
Now slip the denim inside out to encase the cotton within. Roll the armholes tightly together to form a cylinder; this is the secret of the burrito roll!

The technique has these clever applications:

  • Control bulk at the armhole seam
  • Finish a clean, durable lining
  • Create a smooth sleeveless finish
  • Eliminate hand-sewing steps
  • Conceal construction details

With some practice, you’ll have burrito rolling down to an art. Master this trick and tackle any lining, finish any neckline, and encase seams with ease.

Step 6: Sewing the Armholes

Step 6: Sewing the Armholes
Pin the armhole and seam after flipping the garment right side out, then trim, grade, clip, and press the curved edges before pulling through the shoulder channel.

This important burrito method step ensures a clean finish inside the armhole. Precision pinning secures the rolled sections. Clipping the inner curves prevents puckering when the bodice is turned right-side out.

Press armhole seams towards the bodice; pressing the seams open could flatten the sleeve cap. Gently tugging the garment through the shoulder hole reveals a professional-looking armhole ready for finishing.

Whether making a simple pillowcase or a detailed dress, following these essential steps for sewing the armholes guarantees a flawless finish.

Step 7: Finishing the Side Seams and Hems

Step 7: Finishing the Side Seams and Hems
Flip the lining up and secure it by stitching in the ditch under each arm at those side seams you just sewed.

Follow these steps to finish those side seams and hems:

  • Use French seams for a clean professional finish inside and out.
  • Serge the raw edges together for a quick and easy finish.
  • Pink the edges to prevent fraying then stitch down with a twin needle.
  • Turn up a narrow double-fold hem and topstitch for a tidy look.
  • Bind the edges with bias tape or Hong Kong seams for a couture touch.

With the side seams and hems complete, you’ve got yourself a burrito rolled bodice ready to attach to a skirt or pants.

Give yourself a pat on the back for another sewing project well done!

Tips and Tricks for Successful Burrito Rolling

Tips and Tricks for Successful Burrito Rolling
Haven’t you discovered some handy tips for burrito rolling your garments smoothly?

  • Use lighter weight woven fabrics that roll easily vs. stiff denim or canvas.
  • Roll fabric slowly and methodically, smoothing out wrinkles as you go.
  • Insert pins perpendicular to the roll to temporarily secure bulky spots.
  • Practice on scraps first to perfect tension and get the hang of the technique.
  • Try the burrito method on pillowcases or even as a French seam for versatility.

With some fabric handling finesse and rolling techniques, you’ll troubleshoot any issues and unlock creative applications for the versatile burrito method in your sewing projects.

Conclusion

Learning how to burrito roll sewing is an essential skill for any sewist looking to create beautiful, professional-looking garments. With the right technique and tips, you can master this skill in no time and create stunning sleeveless garments or fully-lined bodices with straps.

The burrito method is simple to do and is great for finishing neck and armholes. With this step-by-step guide, you can perfect the burrito roll technique and create the most amazing garments.

Whether you’re sewing a Kalle shirt or a shirtdress, the burrito method is an invaluable skill that will serve you well. So, take the time to practice and perfect this technique, and soon you’ll be rolling with the pros.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief of sewingtrip.com, a site dedicated to those passionate about crafting. With years of experience and research under his belt, he sought to create a platform where he could share his knowledge and skills with others who shared his interests.