Finishing or Facing? – The Difference and Their Use in Sewing

Recently, I was looking for a new topic I hadn’t written about yet… and I stumbled upon how mixed up these two terms are across the internet. In sewing, people often confuse what the difference is between finishing, waistbands, and shaped facings — yet each of these refers to a completely different method of edge finishing.

When I first started sewing, I also thought that if we bound the edge of the fabric with bias tape, that was called a facing. But the more I learned about sewing, the more I realized just how many variations there are. In this post, I’ll explain everything step by step.

I could say that every facing is a finishing, but not every finishing is a facing.
That sentence perfectly describes why it’s worth clearing up these two concepts once and for all.

One is a process, the other is a component.

Finishing – the process

Finishing itself is the process: it simply means neatening the raw edge of a garment so it doesn’t fray, stretches less, and looks clean and tidy.

Finishing can be done in several ways:

• with bias tape (the classic method),
• with zigzag, overlock, or interlock stitching,
• with coverstitch,
• with lace or decorative ribbon,
• by folding (single or double hemming),
• or even with a shaped facing.

So, finishing is the method — the technique — that closes the raw edge, sometimes elastically if needed, but always securely and neatly.

Facing – the component

A facing, on the other hand, is a shaped fabric piece that’s cut according to the sewing pattern and becomes part of the garment.

Technically, a facing is a kind of applied piece, belonging to the group of attached or topstitched elements — but its function goes well beyond decoration. Most often, we encounter it as a shaped facing strip, for example:

• at the waistband of skirts and trousers,
• or around the neckline and armholes of blouses and dresses.

The Facing Strip

The facing strip is where the two concepts meet:
It’s a separately cut, shaped fabric piece that’s part of the finishing process.

• It’s cut to match the pattern, often curved or angled.
• It’s sewn to the inside at the end of construction.
• It gives structure and ensures a clean, professional inside finish.

The facing strip follows the curve of the edge, is often reinforced with interfacing, and lies on the inside — invisible from the outside, yet giving structure and a professional inner finish.

Which one should you choose?

• For thin, stretchy fabrics → use bias tape finishing.
• For thicker, autumn fabrics → use a shaped facing strip, as it holds the shape better.
• For decorative purposes → lace, piping, or decorative bias tape can be perfect.

The way you finish an edge says a lot about your sewing skills.
A neatly finished inside shows patience and precision.
And creative, varied use of finishing techniques offers endless possibilities for unique handmade garments.

How to apply each method?

Here I’ve collected the posts where I’ve already shown each type in detail:
Click on each line to read the full tutorial.

• Finishing raw fabric edge with 4-thread overlock stitch.
• Double-fold hemming for trousers.
• Corner finishing with bias tape.
• Neckline finishing with shaped facing strip.

Whether you use bias tape or a shaped facing, the principle is always the same:
The finishing gives the garment its final character.
A neat finish is the true hallmark of a careful, skilled maker.

A little preview

In my next post, I’ll be sewing a circle skirt, and I’ll show you how to finish the waistband with a shaped facing strip — so you can see in practice how much this small but professional detail matters.