4
My teacher in Atlanta said to always use a 1/4 inch seam allowance for draping, but I found out it depends.
Mrs. Carter, my design instructor, was very firm about that specific measurement for all our muslin work. When I tried to drape a bias-cut skirt last month, that tight allowance just bunched up the fabric and ruined the line. I switched to a 3/8 inch allowance for that project and the drape fell perfectly. Has anyone else run into a 'rule' that only works for certain fabrics or garments?
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
rileyellis6d ago
That's interesting because a quarter inch is basically the standard for flat pattern making, not draping. Draping needs more flexibility. A bias cut like you did absolutely needs a bigger seam allowance, the fabric needs room to move. Even with a straight grain, a thicker wool would fight a tiny seam allowance. Teachers sometimes give one rule to keep things simple for beginners.
4
simonl116d ago
Yeah, the whole quarter inch thing falls apart with lace or mesh too. Those fabrics can't handle a tight seam. You almost need a half inch just to stop it from chewing up the edge in the machine. The rule really only works for basic, stable muslin.
3