Ever go to a tailor and have no idea what word(s) she/he just said? Well, we are here to bring a little education into the wide world of tailoring with a little terminology talk. Check back every week for a new term.

Next up: Seam Allowance

Technically, the seam allowance is the extra fabric on the inside of the garment between the sewing line and the edges of the fabric itself.  Or an easier way, it’s the extra fabric hanging out on the inside of your clothes.  Seam allowance is important for tailoring as it determines whether or not you can let out a garment (aka make it a little bit bigger). If there isn’t enough seam allowance you won’t be able to let out, say, a dress or pair of pants.  In addition, if there isn’t enough seam allowance, this can cause the garment to fall apart if the stitching is too close to the edge, and normal wear and tear causes the fabric to fray.

Interestingly enough, while many contemporary women’s pieces don’t have much seam allowance, men’s garments often do.  On these men’s pants, the waist can actually be let out 1.5″

 There is only about 1/4″ seam allowance in this women’s shirt.  There is no way we could let this out without revamping it.

However, if you hunt down a vintage dress or something of the like, there is sometimes enough seam allowance if you want to let it out.  Back in the day, clothing was meant to last longer, and would often be handed down to new owners–thus extra fabric was often left in the clothing for easier adjusting.  We like to call that responsible fashion 🙂

On this vintage dress there is extra fabric at the zipper & also at the side seams.

*Pictures courtesy of  Sew Sweetness, Ginger Root Design and The Coletterie