How to Create a Slit Opening on a Garment with facing | Clean, professional finish
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How to create a slit opening on a garment with facing | Clean, professional finish
A slit opening with a separate facing gives a particularly clean, stable result — ideal for tops and dresses where the opening needs to hold its shape beautifully. This tutorial guides you through marking, stitching, turning, and finishing for a precise, professional result every time.
Materials needed
- Matching thread
- Interfacing (optional but recommended)
- Scissors
- Tailor’s chalk or fabric marker
- Iron and point turner
- Pins or clips
Step-by-step instructions
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Mark the slit placement
Use chalk or a fabric marker to draw the slit opening on your garment, then repeat the marking on the facing piece. Apply interfacing to the back of both pieces if desired — particularly useful for lightweight fabrics where the opening may otherwise stretch or distort.
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Pin the facing
Place the garment and facing right sides together. Align the markings carefully and pin securely all around the slit outline so neither layer shifts while you stitch.
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Sew around the slit and facing
Stitch precisely along the marked slit shape and all the way around the facing outline. Use a small stitch length — around 2 mm — for better control, especially at the corners where precision matters most.
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Trim and cut the slit
Trim the seam allowance around the facing to reduce bulk, then cut down the centre of the slit. Clip carefully into each corner, getting as close to the stitching as possible without cutting through it — this is the key step for sharp, clean corners.
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Turn and press
Turn the facing to the inside of the garment through the slit opening. Use a point turner to push out the corners fully, then press everything flat with an iron. Take your time to achieve crisp, sharp edges — this step defines the final look of the slit.
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Optional: topstitch
For added stability and a more decorative finish, topstitch around the edge of the slit opening from the right side of the garment. This also helps the facing stay flat and prevents it from rolling to the outside over time.
Pro tip
When trimming and cutting the slit, use sharp scissors and work slowly — this is the most important step for a clean result. Clipping right into each corner without breaking the stitching is what allows everything to turn out neatly and prevents puckering at the edges. A point turner is invaluable for getting those corners completely sharp before pressing.
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