Fashion Designer Pattern Making & Garment Construction 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of tailor's tacks in garment construction?
- Permanently joining two fabric layers together
- Temporarily marking construction points through multiple fabric layers (Correct answer)
- Reinforcing buttonholes before stitching
- Stabilizing bias-cut edges
Correct answer: Temporarily marking construction points through multiple fabric layers
Tailor's tacks are loose thread loops that transfer pattern markings (darts, pocket placements) through fabric layers without leaving permanent marks.
Question 2: In sleeve construction, a 'sleeve cap ease' of approximately how much is typical for a set-in sleeve in woven fabric?
- 0 to ¼ inch
- ½ to 1 inch
- 1 to 1½ inches (Correct answer)
- 2 to 3 inches
Correct answer: 1 to 1½ inches
Set-in sleeves typically require 1 to 1½ inches of ease in the sleeve cap so the cap can be eased smoothly into the armscye without puckers.
Question 3: Which pattern symbol indicates that a pattern piece should be placed on the fabric fold?
- A notch mark
- A double-ended arrow along the edge (Correct answer)
- A grainline arrow perpendicular to selvage
- A circle or drill hole mark
Correct answer: A double-ended arrow along the edge
A double-ended arrow or bracket along a straight edge signals 'place on fold,' meaning that edge aligns with the fabric fold to create a symmetrical piece.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of understitching a facing?
- To add decorative topstitching visible from the outside
- To anchor the seam allowances to the facing so it rolls to the inside (Correct answer)
- To reinforce the neckline against stretching
- To reduce bulk at curved seams
Correct answer: To anchor the seam allowances to the facing so it rolls to the inside
Understitching is sewn through the facing and seam allowances only, preventing the facing from rolling to the garment's outside.
Question 5: A 'princess seam' pattern design achieves shaping primarily through:
- Multiple horizontal tucks at the waist
- Vertical seams that curve over the bust and through the waist (Correct answer)
- A large single dart at center front
- Gathering at the side seams
Correct answer: Vertical seams that curve over the bust and through the waist
Princess seaming replaces darts with curved vertical seams that flow over the bust point and follow the body contour through the waist and hip.
Question 6: When cutting fabric on the bias, the grain line on the pattern piece runs at what angle to the selvage?
- 0 degrees (parallel)
- 45 degrees (Correct answer)
- 90 degrees (perpendicular)
- 30 degrees
Correct answer: 45 degrees
True bias is exactly 45 degrees to both the lengthwise and crosswise grains, giving maximum drape and stretch.
Question 7: In pattern grading, what does 'grading up' mean?
- Improving the quality of a pattern by adding notches
- Increasing a pattern from a smaller to a larger size (Correct answer)
- Raising the hemline on a finished garment
- Adding seam allowances to a net pattern
Correct answer: Increasing a pattern from a smaller to a larger size
Grading up means systematically enlarging a base pattern size to a larger size by moving pattern lines outward at defined grade points.
Fashion Designer Pattern Making & Garment Construction 3
What is the function of tailor's tacks in garment construction?