Tailor Alterations and Repairs 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the first step a tailor should take before performing any alteration on a client's garment?
- Inspect the garment and assess the fabric, construction, and what alterations are possible (Correct answer)
- Begin seam removal immediately
- Press the garment thoroughly
- Write up the alteration ticket
Correct answer: Inspect the garment and assess the fabric, construction, and what alterations are possible
Before any alteration, the tailor must inspect the garment to assess the fabric type, construction quality, existing seam allowances, and whether the requested alteration is feasible.
Question 2: What limits how much a jacket can be taken in at the side seams?
- The amount of seam allowance available (Correct answer)
- The color of the lining fabric
- The number of buttons on the front
- The type of thread used in construction
Correct answer: The amount of seam allowance available
The amount the side seams can be taken in is limited by the existing seam allowance — if it is already narrow, there may not be enough fabric to safely sew a new seam.
Question 3: How is a trouser hem typically lengthened when there is enough original hem allowance?
- The original hem is let down, pressed, and re-hemmed at the new length (Correct answer)
- New fabric is added to the bottom of the trouser
- The waistband is raised to add length
- The crotch seam is lowered to add length
Correct answer: The original hem is let down, pressed, and re-hemmed at the new length
When there is sufficient hem allowance, the original hem is released, the crease is removed with steam, and the trouser is re-hemmed at the new longer length.
Question 4: What is a 'mend' in garment repair?
- Restoring a torn, worn, or damaged area of a garment to a serviceable condition (Correct answer)
- Adding new design elements to an old garment
- Resizing a garment for a different client
- Replacing all worn hardware on the garment
Correct answer: Restoring a torn, worn, or damaged area of a garment to a serviceable condition
A mend is a repair technique that restores a damaged, torn, or worn area of a garment to a functional and presentable condition.
Question 5: When replacing a zipper in a tailored trouser, what is the recommended zipper type?
- Metal or nylon coil trouser zipper with a matching color (Correct answer)
- Plastic molded zipper
- Invisible zipper
- Hook-and-bar closure
Correct answer: Metal or nylon coil trouser zipper with a matching color
A metal or fine nylon coil trouser zipper in a matching color is recommended for tailored trousers because it is durable and blends with the fly facing.
Question 6: What is 'reweaving' in the context of garment repair?
- Reconstructing a hole or tear by weaving new threads into the existing fabric (Correct answer)
- Stitching a decorative patch over a hole
- Ironing fusible web over a damaged area
- Cutting out the damaged area and seaming it closed
Correct answer: Reconstructing a hole or tear by weaving new threads into the existing fabric
Reweaving is a highly skilled repair technique where new threads are woven by hand into a hole or tear to recreate the original fabric structure, making the damage nearly invisible.
Tailor Alterations and Repairs 1
What is the first step a tailor should take before performing any alteration on a client's garment?