Clothing and Garment Construction
Core concepts
Understand the stages of garment construction: taking measurements, selecting a pattern, preparing fabric (washing, straightening the grain), laying out and cutting, then assembling. Know the meaning of grainline, selvedge, bias, and nap. Learn key stitches and techniques: tacking/basting, backstitch, running stitch, seams (plain, French, flat-felled), darts, gathers, facings, interfacing, and hems (blind, machine, hand). Know fastenings - zips, buttons, hooks - and pressing as an essential step. Understand pattern symbols and the importance of seam allowances and fitting.
Traps to watch
- Bias is the diagonal with the most stretch; the grainline runs parallel to the selvedge.
- A French seam encloses raw edges and suits fine fabrics; a flat-felled seam is strong and suits denim.
- Darts shape fabric to the body; they are not decorative.
- Pressing is not the same as ironing; pressing lifts and sets rather than slides.
Worked example
A candidate is asked which seam to use on a sheer blouse. Answer: a French seam, because it encloses the raw edges so no fraying shows through the sheer fabric and it gives a neat finish. Name the seam and the reason.
Rule of thumb
For any construction question, identify the fabric and the purpose, then choose the technique that best controls the edge and the shape.