Taped Seams & How to Use Seam Tape

Taped seams are simply seams that have been sewn and then sealed with waterproof tape so that water cannot penetrate through the needle perforations. The taped seam waterproofing process occurs at the manufacturing stage when a thermoplastic tape is applied. This tape is sealed under heat and pressure onto the seam. When shopping for waterproof clothing, check that the seams have been waterproofed for added protection against water seepage. Taped seams are necessary on all outdoor equipment, including tents and protective clothing.

How to Use Seam Tape

Yes, you can create your own taped seams. It requires something called waterproofing seam tape which comes on a roll like scotch tape. Decide on a brand with a good reputation and try it out at home on a scrap of fabric to be waterproofed. 

If you are learning professional sewing techniques, explore the full types of seams guide to understand durable and waterproof seam finishes.

Supplies for a Taped Seam

• SEAM TAPE – There are also glues and sprays on the market, but the tape seam generally gives the best waterproofing. 
• PRESSING TOOLS – A pressing ham is a great help and a pressing cloth as well. Create your own pressing cloth by using scrap fabrics, cut into long strips the length of the seams.
• IRON – Steam irons are the best for pressing it as you need a strong bond between the tape and the fabric. This is achieved both with heat and pressure. 

Taped Seams with Waterproofing Seam Tape

When creating taped seams with specialized waterproofing seam tape, here are a few tips to get the best results.

1. SEAM ALLOWANCE -Fold the seam over to the side or press it open before attaching the bonding tape.
2. PLACEMENT – The tape must cover both the stitching and the seam. Trim the fabric first if necessary. Make sure you are putting the waterproofing side to the seam and not the other way around. Keep the tape on the roll as you go along because that helps you to know which side is treated. Waterproof tape is not double-sided.
3. PRESSING – Avoid putting the iron directly on the tape and use a presser cloth. Take your time and hold the heat down on the presser cloth. It is a pressing action rather than sliding. Use a tailor’s ham to help with the sleeve seams and curved seams.
4. PATCHING – You can add patches if you mess up in a small area.
5. FINISHING – It will look transparent when the bonding is successful.

Taped Seams for Stabilizing

Fusible bonding tapes are another way of making taped seams. Bonding can be used to stabilize knit fabrics. A useful idea is a fusible stay tape across the shoulder. This prevents the shoulder from stretching. Applying seam tape to the neckline is another helpful application to prevent too much stretching on a knit fabric.

Taped Seams – In Conclusion

Sealing your seam for waterproofing is a choice you make for outdoor clothing that keeps you warm and dry. Without taped seams, the tiny needle perforations on the seam will allow water to penetrate your weather-resistant clothing. 

Take time to practice the art of taped seams with specially manufactured tape, and you will be thankful for the next outdoor expedition that you did. Keep a few pieces of excess tape on hand for patches in case you overlooked a small piece of a seam. It is a bit like keeping a puncture repair kit on hand. If you spring a leak or find not watertight, you have a little piece of waterproof tape to patch up those leaky spots.

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More Seam Types

• Plain Seams
• Open Seams
• Closed Seams
• Princess Seams
• Bound Seams
• French Seams
• Grading Seams
• Welt Seams
• Serged Seams
• Pinked Seams
• Double Stitched Seams
• Flat Felled Seams