Seam allowance is the area between
the edge and the
stitching
line on two (or more) pieces of material
being stitched together. Seam allowances can
range from 1/4 inch wide (6.35 mm) to as
much as several inches. Commercial patterns
for home sewers have seam allowances ranging
from 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch.
Sewing industry seam allowances range from 1/4 inch for curved areas (e.g. neck line, armscye) or hidden seams (e.g. facing seams), to one inch or more for areas that require extra fabric for final fitting to the wearer (e.g. center back).
External links
- An illustrated image of seam allowance - an image of sewing seam allowance on an unstitched shirt.
