Tailor Pressing and Finishing Techniques

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of pressing seams open in tailoring?

Accepted Answer

To reduce bulk and create a flat, professional finish

Answer

To make seams more durable against stress

Answer

To prevent the raw edges from fraying

Answer

To add structure and stiffness to the garment

Question 2

What iron temperature setting is appropriate for pressing wool fabrics?

Accepted Answer

Medium (275–300°F) with steam

Answer

Low (below 250°F) to avoid any heat damage

Answer

High (above 400°F) for maximum penetration

Answer

No heat; wool must be pressed cold

Question 3

What is a tailor's ham primarily used for during pressing?

Accepted Answer

Pressing curved seams and shaped body areas

Answer

Storing sewing notions and pins

Answer

Measuring sleeve and inseam lengths

Answer

Blocking fabric grain before cutting

Question 4

What is the main purpose of using a pressing cloth when ironing fabric?

Accepted Answer

To protect delicate fabrics from direct heat and iron marks

Answer

To add extra moisture to the fabric surface

Answer

To stretch fabric to the correct grain during pressing

Answer

To transfer chalk markings onto seam allowances

Question 5

What is a seam roll (sleeve roll) primarily used for in tailoring?

Accepted Answer

Pressing long narrow seams without imprinting the allowances on the right side

Answer

Measuring and marking seam allowances accurately

Answer

Hemming curved edges on skirts and trousers

Answer

Transferring pattern markings to fabric

Question 6

When should seams generally be pressed during garment construction?

Accepted Answer

As each seam is sewn, before joining to another piece

Answer

Only at the very end when the entire garment is complete

Answer

Only when the fabric type specifically requires pressing

Answer

Before any fabric pieces are cut from the pattern

Question 7

What does 'under-pressing' mean in tailoring terminology?

Accepted Answer

Pressing done during construction between sewing steps

Answer

Pressing from the wrong side of the fabric with a cloth

Answer

Using less pressure than normal when ironing delicate areas

Answer

Pressing the hem allowance upward toward the waistband