Card 11 · Start Sewing
Joining two pieces of fabric.
When fabric is sewn together, the stitch-line is called a seam. The gap between the edge of the fabric and the seam line is the seam allowance, and it needs to stay the same width.
- Straight stitch for non-stretchy fabrics.
- Zig-zag stitch for stretchy fabrics.
- Use a 1.5cm seam allowance for standard sewing.
- Seam allowance may be written as S.A on patterns. Check it, as it can vary.
- The seam allowance may be 0.5cm for stretchy fabrics.
Try it!
☐ Straight stitch non-stretchy fabric with a 1.5cm seam allowance.
☐ Zig-zag stitch stretchy fabric with a 0.5cm seam allowance.
Top tip: Stretchy fabrics can be seamed and over-locked at the same time, using an over-locker or zig-zag stitch. You may need to make the seam allowance smaller.
