Author: Marjorie Vaudreuil. Sewing Pattern Secrets, Design Secrets, TheSewingBuzz.com and TheSewingBrew.com

"The Burrito Roll Facing Technique: What It Is and Why It’s a Game-Changer"

🌯 The Burrito Roll Facing Technique:

The Cleanest Neckline Finish You’ll Ever Sew

If you’ve ever looked at the inside of a professionally made garment and thought, “How did they make that edge so clean—with no visible seams?”—chances are, it was the burrito roll method.

This technique is one of the sewing world’s best-kept secrets. It creates a flawless, fully enclosed finish for armholes or necklines—no hand stitching, no topstitching, no visible seams.
And yes—it really is as magical as it sounds.

🧵 What Is the Burrito Roll Technique?

It’s a method used to enclose the raw edges of a neckline or sleeveless armhole by “rolling” the fabric like a burrito and sewing it from the inside.

You then pull the entire piece through a narrow opening—just like turning out a burrito—and poof! You’re left with a beautifully clean edge.

It’s most commonly used in sleeveless tops, dresses, and lined bodices where both the neckline and armholes are finished with a facing or lining.

🪡 When Should You Use It?

Use the burrito roll method when:

• You want a completely clean finish (no visible topstitching or seam allowances)

• You’re working with lightweight to midweight fabrics like cotton lawn, voile, rayon, or poly crepe

• Your project involves facings or full linings in a sleeveless design

💡 It’s especially ideal for fabrics that don’t press crisply or fray easily.

✂️ How the Burrito Roll Works – Step-by-Step (Simplified)

Here’s a basic overview of how this technique is done:

1. Sew the Shoulder Seams
   Join the main fabric and the facing or lining pieces at the shoulders.

2. Sew the Neckline
   With right sides together, sew around the neckline to attach the facing or lining.

3. Roll Up the Back Bodice Like a Burrito
   Start at one side seam and roll the back bodice tightly toward the opposite shoulder seam.

4. Enclose the Armhole
   Bring the front and back facing pieces together over the burrito roll, right sides together. Sew the armhole closed over the roll.

5. Turn It Right Side Out
   Gently pull the burrito (a.k.a. the entire bodice) through the open shoulder seam or side seam and turn everything right-side out.

6. Finish Remaining Seams
   Press everything flat, then close up the side seams using the “all-in-one” method.

🎉 Done! You now have completely clean armholes and neckline—all without any visible seams.

→»See our Video on our Blog Post

⚠️ Tips for Success

• Mark notches and shoulder seams carefully. It’s easy to twist things during the roll.

• Press every seam as you go. This helps keep the burrito neat and your corners crisp.

• Test the method on scrap fabric first. The first time can feel confusing—but it clicks fast once you try it.

🎯 Why You’ll Love It

✅ No raw edges
✅ No hand finishing
✅ No need for bias binding
✅ Perfect for elevating beginner-level garments into boutique-quality finishes

Once you try it, you may never go back to turning and topstitching again.

Warmly,
—Margie
Founder, Sewing Pattern Secrets

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