Fashion Designer Garment Construction & Tailoring

Question 1

What is a 'seam allowance' and what is the most common standard width in industrial garment production?

Accepted Answer

The extra fabric beyond the seam line included to allow for stitching and finishing; typically 1 cm (3/8 inch) in industrial production, 5/8 inch (1.5 cm) in home sewing patterns

Answer

The decorative border at a garment hem; typically 1 inch wide

Answer

The gap between two patterns on the cutting table

Answer

The extra length added at the hemline for alterations

Question 2

What is a 'French seam' and in what garment applications is it most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

A double-stitched seam where the raw edges are enclosed within the seam itself, creating a neat finish on both sides appropriate for sheer fabrics and fine lingerie

Answer

A seam used exclusively for attaching French lace trim

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A seam technique used in denim construction

Answer

A reinforced seam used in workwear and technical garments

Question 3

What is 'staystitching' and why is it essential in garment construction?

Accepted Answer

A line of straight stitching sewn in the seam allowance on curved or bias edges immediately after cutting to prevent those edges from stretching out of shape during construction

Answer

Decorative stitching that stays visible on the garment's exterior

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A technique for attaching buttons that stay in place through heavy use

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The final stitching line that permanently closes a garment

Question 4

What is the difference between a 'lockstitch' and a 'chain stitch' in industrial sewing?

Accepted Answer

A lockstitch interlocks upper thread with a bobbin thread from below, creating a secure stitch; a chain stitch uses only upper thread looped through itself from below, which is faster but unravels from the end

Answer

A lockstitch uses thread from one needle only; a chain stitch requires no thread

Answer

A lockstitch is used only for buttonholes; a chain stitch only for seams

Answer

Both create identical seams with no functional differences

Question 5

In tailoring, what is the purpose of 'pad stitching' in a jacket lapel?

Accepted Answer

To permanently set the roll of the lapel and interface the canvas to the fashion fabric through small hand stitches, creating the lapel's characteristic soft yet structured roll

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To attach the lining to the outer fabric

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To decorate the lapel edge with a subtle stitched pattern

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To reinforce the buttonhole placement area

Question 6

What is 'ease of movement' and how does a designer ensure adequate ease in a structured jacket pattern?

Accepted Answer

Adding wearing ease beyond body measurements at key points of movement: typically 2 to 3 inches at chest, 1 to 1.5 inches at waist, while ensuring sleeve and armhole design allow full arm rotation without back stress

Answer

Ease of movement is achieved by using stretch fabrics in structured jackets

Answer

Making all seams adjustable with hooks and bars

Answer

Ease of movement is a styling concept, not a technical pattern consideration