Tailor Garment Construction Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard seam allowance used in most tailored garments?
- 5/8 inch (1.5 cm) (Correct answer)
- 1/4 inch (6 mm)
- 1 inch (2.5 cm)
- 2 inches (5 cm)
Correct answer: 5/8 inch (1.5 cm)
The standard seam allowance in tailoring is 5/8 inch (1.5 cm), which provides enough fabric to sew a secure seam while still allowing for fitting adjustments.
Question 2: What is a 'pad stitch' used for in tailoring?
- To secure interfacing to a lapel and create a roll (Correct answer)
- To hem the bottom of a jacket
- To attach buttons to a jacket front
- To sew the lining into a jacket
Correct answer: To secure interfacing to a lapel and create a roll
Pad stitching is a hand-sewing technique used to secure interfacing to lapels and collars, building up a soft, rolled shape.
Question 3: What type of seam finish prevents raw fabric edges from fraying?
- Serged or overlocked seam (Correct answer)
- Plain straight-stitch seam
- Basting seam
- Topstitched seam
Correct answer: Serged or overlocked seam
A serged or overlocked seam wraps the raw fabric edge with interlocking thread loops, preventing the edge from fraying over time.
Question 4: What is the purpose of 'understitching' in garment construction?
- To prevent facings and linings from rolling to the outside (Correct answer)
- To reinforce the bottom hem of a jacket
- To attach shoulder pads inside a jacket
- To secure buttons on heavy fabric
Correct answer: To prevent facings and linings from rolling to the outside
Understitching is sewn through the facing and seam allowances close to the seam line to keep the facing rolled neatly to the inside of the garment.
Question 5: What is a 'fell stitch' in hand tailoring?
- A nearly invisible slip stitch used to attach linings and facings by hand (Correct answer)
- A decorative stitch on jacket lapels
- A long basting stitch used in fittings
- A reinforcing stitch at pocket openings
Correct answer: A nearly invisible slip stitch used to attach linings and facings by hand
A fell stitch is a fine hand stitch used to invisibly attach linings, hems, and facings without the stitches showing on the right side.
Question 6: What is 'ease stitching' used for in a set-in sleeve?
- To gather the sleeve cap slightly so it fits smoothly into the armhole (Correct answer)
- To hem the sleeve at the cuff
- To attach the sleeve lining to the outer fabric
- To reinforce the underarm seam
Correct answer: To gather the sleeve cap slightly so it fits smoothly into the armhole
Ease stitching uses a long machine stitch around the sleeve cap to gently ease the extra fabric, allowing it to be sewn smoothly into the armhole.
Tailor Garment Construction Techniques 1
What is the standard seam allowance used in most tailored garments?