Tailor Dressmaking and Tailoring Fundamentals 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When laying out a pattern on fabric with a nap, such as velvet or corduroy, why must all pieces be placed in the same direction?
- To save fabric and reduce waste
- Because the pile catches light differently and shading will mismatch otherwise (Correct answer)
- To keep the selvage edges aligned
- Because the pattern pieces are only printed one way
Correct answer: Because the pile catches light differently and shading will mismatch otherwise
Napped fabrics reflect light by direction, so pieces cut opposite ways appear as different shades when sewn together.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of staystitching a curved neckline before assembly?
- To gather the fabric evenly
- To prevent the bias edge from stretching out of shape (Correct answer)
- To finish the raw edge permanently
- To mark the seam allowance
Correct answer: To prevent the bias edge from stretching out of shape
Staystitching is a line of regular stitching just inside the seamline that stabilizes bias-cut curves from distorting.
Question 3: A 'dart' in garment construction is used primarily to:
- Decorate the surface of the fabric
- Add ease for movement at the hem
- Shape flat fabric to fit body curves like the bust or waist (Correct answer)
- Reinforce a buttonhole
Correct answer: Shape flat fabric to fit body curves like the bust or waist
Darts remove excess fabric in a tapered fold to create three-dimensional shaping over body contours.
Question 4: Which seam finish is most appropriate for an unlined jacket where the inside will be visible and durability matters?
- Pinked edge
- Flat-felled seam (Correct answer)
- Single row of straight stitch
- Raw edge left unfinished
Correct answer: Flat-felled seam
A flat-felled seam encloses all raw edges and is strong and clean, ideal for visible, hard-wearing seams.
Question 5: What does the term 'true bias' refer to in fabric?
- The lengthwise grain parallel to the selvage
- The crosswise grain
- The 45-degree diagonal across the grain (Correct answer)
- The finished edge of the fabric
Correct answer: The 45-degree diagonal across the grain
True bias runs at a 45-degree angle to both warp and weft, giving maximum stretch and drape.
Question 6: Why is it important to press seams as you sew rather than waiting until the garment is finished?
- It makes the fabric shrink to the correct size
- Pressing each seam sets stitches and gives crisp, professional results that can't be achieved later (Correct answer)
- It removes the need for interfacing
- It permanently dyes the seam
Correct answer: Pressing each seam sets stitches and gives crisp, professional results that can't be achieved later
Pressing each seam as constructed sets the stitches and flattens seams that become inaccessible once enclosed.
Question 7: When threading a pattern instruction calls for 'easing' two seams together, it means:
- Stretching the shorter piece to match the longer
- Distributing a slightly longer edge into a shorter one without gathers or tucks (Correct answer)
- Cutting one piece smaller
- Adding a separate panel
Correct answer: Distributing a slightly longer edge into a shorter one without gathers or tucks
Easing works a small amount of extra length into a seam smoothly so it fits a curve, like a sleeve cap, without visible puckers.
Tailor Dressmaking and Tailoring Fundamentals 2
When laying out a pattern on fabric with a nap, such as velvet or corduroy, why must all pieces be placed in the same direction?