What is Seam Allowance

Seam Allowance 

Seam allowance is extra area reserved of the fabric at the edges for the purpose of stitching. Seam allowance is usually ¹⁄₄ inch to several inches wide. The amount of seam allowance is decided by the type of seam, type of garment, machine type, operator efficiency and most important marker efficiency. Lesser the seam allowance greater is the marker efficiency. Seam allowance increases the consumption of the fabric, thus every pattern maker tries to keep seam allowance as less as possible without harming the quality of the garment.  

• More seam allowance helps to prevent the seam slippage. 

• Seam allowance also affect the seam strength.

• Curve patterns have less seam allowance than the straight one. 

• More seam allowance results in the increased thickness at the seam. 

• Flat seam and superimposed seam requires less seam allowance than lapped seam. 

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