Tailor Dressmaking and Tailoring Fundamentals 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the function of interfacing in a tailored garment?
- To add decorative color
- To provide structure, body, and support to areas like collars, cuffs, and lapels (Correct answer)
- To make the garment waterproof
- To replace the lining
Correct answer: To provide structure, body, and support to areas like collars, cuffs, and lapels
Interfacing is an inner layer that stiffens and supports key areas so they hold their shape.
Question 2: A tailor measuring a client for trousers records the 'inseam.' This measurement is taken from:
- The waist to the floor on the outside of the leg
- The crotch to the desired hem along the inner leg (Correct answer)
- Around the fullest part of the hip
- Across the back from shoulder to shoulder
Correct answer: The crotch to the desired hem along the inner leg
The inseam runs along the inner leg from the crotch seam down to the trouser hem.
Question 3: Which type of needle is best suited for sewing knit or stretch fabrics to avoid skipped stitches and holes?
- Sharp/microtex needle
- Ballpoint or stretch needle (Correct answer)
- Leather wedge needle
- Topstitch needle
Correct answer: Ballpoint or stretch needle
A ballpoint needle slips between knit loops rather than piercing and cutting the yarns, preventing damage and skipped stitches.
Question 4: What is 'grading' a seam allowance, and why is it done?
- Adding extra allowance for growth
- Trimming the layers of a seam to different widths to reduce bulk (Correct answer)
- Marking the seam with chalk
- Sewing two seams in parallel
Correct answer: Trimming the layers of a seam to different widths to reduce bulk
Grading trims each layer of an enclosed seam to a staggered width so it lies flat without a thick ridge.
Question 5: When the bobbin tension is too tight relative to the upper thread, what visible result appears on the fabric?
- The top thread shows loops on the underside
- The bottom thread is pulled to the top surface (Correct answer)
- The stitches skip entirely
- The fabric puckers only at corners
Correct answer: The bottom thread is pulled to the top surface
Excess bobbin tension drags the lower thread up so it shows on the right side of the fabric.
Question 6: Why does a tailor cut an underlining and the fashion fabric, then baste them together to be treated as one?
- To double the seam allowance
- To add body and prevent show-through while supporting the fashion fabric (Correct answer)
- To make hemming unnecessary
- To allow the garment to be reversible
Correct answer: To add body and prevent show-through while supporting the fashion fabric
Underlining backs the fashion fabric to give it more body, reduce transparency, and provide a base for hand stitches that don't show.
Question 7: What is the purpose of 'clipping' the seam allowance on an inward (concave) curve?
- To allow the seam to spread and lie flat when turned (Correct answer)
- To gather the fabric
- To prevent fraying
- To mark the notches
Correct answer: To allow the seam to spread and lie flat when turned
Clipping into a concave curve lets the allowance spread open so the seam lies smooth when turned right side out.
Tailor Dressmaking and Tailoring Fundamentals 3
What is the function of interfacing in a tailored garment?