Tailoring Terms

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Instructions: Thread your way through this quiz about the specialized vocabulary of tailors and dressmakers.

1.
What is a 'dart' in tailoring?
A
A tapered fold sewn into fabric to shape a garment to the body's curves
B
A quick stitch to fix a tear
C
A type of button
D
A sharp needle
2.
What does 'basting' mean in sewing?
A
Making long, temporary stitches to hold fabric in place before permanent sewing
B
Ironing a seam flat
C
Applying fabric glue
D
Cutting fabric on the bias
3.
What is the 'selvage' of fabric?
A
The back side of printed fabric
B
The center of a bolt of cloth
C
The finished, non-fraying edge running along the length of woven fabric
D
A decorative trim added to a hem
4.
What does 'ease' mean in tailoring?
A
Removing wrinkles from fabric
B
A type of fabric softener
C
Making sewing simpler
D
The extra room built into a garment beyond exact body measurements for comfort and movement
5.
What is 'interfacing' used for?
A
Joining two different fabrics together
B
A material added between fabric layers to provide structure, stiffness, or shape
C
Connecting a sewing machine to a computer
D
Creating a lining for a jacket
6.
What does 'bias cut' mean?
A
A machine-cut technique
B
Cutting only straight lines
C
Cutting fabric at a 45-degree angle to the grain, allowing it to drape and stretch
D
Cutting fabric unevenly by mistake
7.
What is a 'gusset'?
A
A type of button loop
B
A type of zipper
C
A decorative patch
D
A triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric inserted to add width or ease of movement
8.
What does 'pressing' differ from 'ironing' in tailoring?
A
Pressing is done without steam
B
Pressing uses more heat
C
They are the same thing
D
Pressing involves lifting and placing the iron rather than sliding it, to avoid stretching fabric
9.
What is a 'placket'?
A
An opening in a garment that allows it to be put on, often with buttons or a zipper
B
A pocket lining
C
A decorative collar piece
D
A patch for repairing fabric
10.
What does 'notching' mean in pattern cutting?
A
Making buttonholes
B
Trimming thread ends
C
Cutting small V-shaped marks in seam allowances to indicate alignment points or reduce bulk on curves
D
Creating decorative edges
11.
What is a 'toile' in dressmaking?
A
A type of silk
B
A sewing machine attachment
C
A decorative fabric print
D
A test garment made from inexpensive fabric to check the fit and design before cutting the final material
12.
What is 'grainline' on a pattern?
A
A decorative stitching line
B
The texture of the fabric
C
A line indicating the direction in which the pattern piece should be aligned with the fabric's lengthwise threads
D
The pattern's cutting line
13.
What does 'seam allowance' refer to?
A
A discount on sewing supplies
B
The area between the stitching line and the raw edge of the fabric
C
The maximum number of seams in a garment
D
Permission to sew a seam
14.
What is a 'welt pocket'?
A
A pocket with a visible flap
B
A pocket sewn on the outside of a garment
C
An unfinished patch pocket
D
A pocket finished with a narrow strip of fabric creating a clean, slit-like opening
15.
What does 'drape' refer to in tailoring?
A
A type of heavy cotton
B
A window covering
C
The way fabric hangs and falls when held or worn on the body
D
The pattern layout on a cutting table

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