Tailor Alterations and Fitting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a 'trouser break' in tailoring?
- The slight fold or crease where the trouser leg rests on the shoe (Correct answer)
- A press crease running down the front of the trouser leg
- A vent cut into the back of the trouser hem
- The point where the trouser waistband meets the fly
Correct answer: The slight fold or crease where the trouser leg rests on the shoe
The trouser break is the amount of fabric that folds or 'breaks' at the shoe top, affecting the formality of the finished look.
Question 2: What alteration addresses trousers that pull across the thigh with horizontal drag lines?
- Letting out the side seams or inseams through the thigh area (Correct answer)
- Taking in the waistband
- Shortening the trouser rise
- Adding a center back seam
Correct answer: Letting out the side seams or inseams through the thigh area
Horizontal drag lines across the thigh indicate the trousers are too tight in that area and need to be let out.
Question 3: What does 'taking in' a seam mean in alterations?
- Sewing a new seam closer to the cut edge to make the garment smaller (Correct answer)
- Adding a fabric extension to make the garment larger
- Pressing a seam open to reduce bulk
- Overlocking the seam edge to prevent fraying
Correct answer: Sewing a new seam closer to the cut edge to make the garment smaller
Taking in a seam involves stitching a wider seam allowance so the garment fits more closely.
Question 4: Which tool is used to transfer fitting marks from a muslin toile to the pattern pieces?
- Tracing wheel and carbon paper (Correct answer)
- Tailor's chalk only
- A hand-stitched running stitch
- A water-soluble marker
Correct answer: Tracing wheel and carbon paper
A tracing wheel used over dressmaker's carbon paper transfers markings accurately from one layer to another.
Question 5: What is a 'floating lining' in jacket construction?
- A lining attached only at the hem and facing edges, not stitched to interior seams (Correct answer)
- A lining that is quilted for added warmth
- A lining sewn completely to all interior seams
- A partial lining covering only the upper back
Correct answer: A lining attached only at the hem and facing edges, not stitched to interior seams
A floating lining hangs freely inside the jacket, reducing stress on seams and allowing ease of movement.
Question 6: What alteration fixes a jacket that buttons but pulls horizontally across the chest?
- Letting out the side seams from underarm to waist (Correct answer)
- Shortening the jacket body length
- Raising the collar attachment point
- Taking in the center back seam
Correct answer: Letting out the side seams from underarm to waist
Horizontal pulling across the buttoned chest indicates the jacket is too narrow and requires the side seams to be let out.
Tailor Alterations and Fitting 2
What is a 'trouser break' in tailoring?