TextileGlossary.com

What is "Seam Allowance" - Definition & Explanation

The amount of fabric extending beyond a seam and not visible once the seam is sewn.
Narrow width between the seam line and the raw edge of the fabric. Seam allowances vary depending on where they occur on the garment and the manufacturers' specifications. Home sewing patterns generally have a 5/8" seam allowance except at hems. Commercial patterns generally use 1/4" to1/2" except at hems.
The width of fabric between the sewn seam and the cut edge. Traditionally 1/4 inch.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

Cotton and Linen or blend of rayon staple and cotton, usually in a dobby weave with a smooth, clear finish and small diamond-shaped figures with a dot in the center of each. The pattern suggests the...
The force necessary to tear a fabric, measured by the force necessary to start or continue a tear in a fabric. Expressed in pounds or in grams, the most commonly used method for determining the tear...
A system of measuring the weight of a continuous filament fiber. In the United States, this measurement is used to number all manufactured fibers (both filament and staple), and silk, but excludes...
Resistant to a specified agency either by reason of the physical structure or the chemical non-reactivity of the textile, or arising from a treatment designed to impart the desired...
Lumber (timber) that is planed or jointed on all sides. Typically marked S4S. In Britian, known as Dressed all round (DAR). Lumber is also sold S2S (surfaced two sides with both edges rough), or S2S...

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