A facing finishes a garment edge from the inside. Usually shaped to match a neckline, armhole, waist, opening, or hem, it is sewn right sides together and turned inward. The facing conceals the raw edge, helps the garment keep its shape, and leaves a clean exterior.
Shaped and self-facings
A shaped facing is a separate pattern piece whose outer edge matches the edge being finished. A self-facing is cut as part of the main piece and folds inward along a marked line, as on some centre-front openings. “Self” can also describe a facing cut from the same fabric as the garment, so the sewing instructions provide the decisive context.
Facings are often supported with interfacing. The correct weight and type depend on the fashion fabric and the amount of structure required. The free inner edge may be finished, bound, or enclosed by a lining.
Turning a clean edge
After stitching, trim or grade the seam allowances and clip or notch curves where necessary. Understitching secures the allowances to the facing close to the seamline, encouraging the facing to roll to the inside. Press the edge into shape and tack the facing at discreet seam allowances if the pattern calls for it.
Facing is not the same as trim
In English-language sewing, trim normally means a visible decorative addition such as braid, lace, ribbon, fringe, or piping. It is not a general synonym for facing. This distinction matters when translating the German word Besatz: German instructions may use it for an inner facing, while fashion terminology also uses it for decorative trim. Translate according to function, not by replacing every occurrence with the same English word.