Tailor Pressing and Finishing Techniques 3

Question 1

Which finishing technique reduces bulk in seam allowances at inward curves and outward corners?

Accepted Answer

Clipping inward curves and notching outward curves

Answer

Stay-stitching along the seam line before pressing

Answer

Edge-stitching close to the seamline after pressing

Answer

Basting the seam allowances in place before final pressing

Question 2

What is the recommended pressing technique for a freshly sewn hem?

Accepted Answer

Press the fold to create a clean edge, then press the allowance up while avoiding heavy pressure on the hem fold

Answer

Press the entire hem from the outside with maximum steam and pressure

Answer

Never press hems — leave them to hang and gravity-set overnight

Answer

Press only the stitching line and leave the hem allowance unpressed

Question 3

What does 'blocking' a garment mean in the tailoring finishing process?

Accepted Answer

Pressing and shaping a garment with moisture and forms to achieve the intended silhouette

Answer

Removing all sewn-in interfacing blocks and structural supports

Answer

Laying out and blocking pattern pieces before cutting the fabric

Answer

Applying a wax block to fabric before final pressing

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of a sleeve board in tailoring?

Accepted Answer

Pressing sleeves and other narrow tubular sections of a garment

Answer

Measuring and marking sleeve seam allowances before cutting

Answer

Cutting sleeve pattern pieces to the correct shape

Answer

Storing completed sleeves flat before they are inserted

Question 5

When pressing interfaced areas such as cuffs and collars, what is the correct sequence?

Accepted Answer

Press the interfaced side first, then finish from the right side with a pressing cloth

Answer

Press the right side first, then the wrong/interfaced side

Answer

Press only from the right side with a damp cloth throughout

Answer

Avoid pressing interfaced areas entirely to prevent distortion or bubbling

Question 6

What is the purpose of 'setting' a seam immediately after sewing?

Accepted Answer

Pressing along the stitch line to embed the stitches and smooth the thread into the fabric

Answer

Marking the seam line with chalk for visibility before pressing

Answer

Adding extra reinforcement stitches along the seam to secure raw edges

Answer

Pinning the seam allowances in place temporarily before final pressing

Question 7

When pressing a finished trouser crease, which combination produces the sharpest and most durable result?

Accepted Answer

A steam iron followed by pounding with a tailor's clapper

Answer

A standard household iron used alone with no steam

Answer

A dry iron at low heat applied slowly along the crease

Answer

A hand steamer used without any pressing or pounding