Tailor Pressing and Finishing Techniques 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of pressing seams open in tailoring?
- To reduce bulk and create a flat, professional finish (Correct answer)
- To make seams more durable against stress
- To prevent the raw edges from fraying
- To add structure and stiffness to the garment
Correct answer: To reduce bulk and create a flat, professional finish
Pressing seams open distributes fabric bulk evenly on both sides, resulting in a flatter, more professional appearance.
Question 2: What iron temperature setting is appropriate for pressing wool fabrics?
- Low (below 250°F) to avoid any heat damage
- Medium (275–300°F) with steam (Correct answer)
- High (above 400°F) for maximum penetration
- No heat; wool must be pressed cold
Correct answer: Medium (275–300°F) with steam
Wool requires a medium heat setting combined with steam to shape and press effectively without scorching the protein fibers.
Question 3: What is a tailor's ham primarily used for during pressing?
- Storing sewing notions and pins
- Pressing curved seams and shaped body areas (Correct answer)
- Measuring sleeve and inseam lengths
- Blocking fabric grain before cutting
Correct answer: Pressing curved seams and shaped body areas
A tailor's ham is a firmly stuffed, curved pressing tool used to press darts, sleeve caps, and other shaped seams that follow body contours.
Question 4: What is the main purpose of using a pressing cloth when ironing fabric?
- To add extra moisture to the fabric surface
- To protect delicate fabrics from direct heat and iron marks (Correct answer)
- To stretch fabric to the correct grain during pressing
- To transfer chalk markings onto seam allowances
Correct answer: To protect delicate fabrics from direct heat and iron marks
A pressing cloth acts as a barrier between the iron and fabric, preventing shine, scorching, and iron imprints on delicate or dark fabrics.
Question 5: What is a seam roll (sleeve roll) primarily used for in tailoring?
- Measuring and marking seam allowances accurately
- Pressing long narrow seams without imprinting the allowances on the right side (Correct answer)
- Hemming curved edges on skirts and trousers
- Transferring pattern markings to fabric
Correct answer: Pressing long narrow seams without imprinting the allowances on the right side
A seam roll is a cylindrical pressing tool that keeps seam allowances from leaving ridge imprints on the right side of sleeves and other narrow areas.
Question 6: When should seams generally be pressed during garment construction?
- Only at the very end when the entire garment is complete
- As each seam is sewn, before joining to another piece (Correct answer)
- Only when the fabric type specifically requires pressing
- Before any fabric pieces are cut from the pattern
Correct answer: As each seam is sewn, before joining to another piece
In professional tailoring, each seam is pressed immediately after sewing to set the stitches and prepare the area for the next construction step.
Question 7: What does 'under-pressing' mean in tailoring terminology?
- Pressing from the wrong side of the fabric with a cloth
- Using less pressure than normal when ironing delicate areas
- Pressing done during construction between sewing steps (Correct answer)
- Pressing the hem allowance upward toward the waistband
Correct answer: Pressing done during construction between sewing steps
Under-pressing refers to all pressing done during garment construction — between sewing steps — as opposed to the final top-pressing applied to the finished garment.
Tailor Pressing and Finishing Techniques 1
What is the primary purpose of pressing seams open in tailoring?