Fashion Design Questions

Question 1

Name the three main parts of a pattern

Answer 1

An envelope, a guide sheet, and tissue pattern pieces

Question 2

List three types of cutting equipment

Answer 2

Dressmaker’s shears, sewing scissors, embroidery scissors

Question 3

List three types of marking equipment

Answer 3

Fabric marking pen, Tracing wheel, Tailors chalk

Question 4

List three types of measuring equipment

Answer 4

Tape measure, sewing or seam gauge, Transparent ruler

Question 5

Three types of seam finishing

Answer 5

Plain seam, zigzag finish, french seam

Question 6

If body measurements differ from a pattern size, what should you do?

Answer 6

Make sure you are looking only at the measurements within your figure type category. Find the measurements that came closest to yours. That will identify your pattern size. If your measurements fall between two sizes, base your choice on the design.

Question 7

If two people are different sizes, could they share the same pattern?

Answer 7

No, because your measurements identify your pattern size.

Question 8

List at least five fabrics that a beginning sewer should avoid

Answer 8

Slippery fabrics, loosely woven fabrics, sheer or thick; bulky fabrics, fabrics with a one-way design and pile fabrics

Question 9

How do you decide how much fabric to buy

Answer 9

The yardage chart on the pattern envelope lists how much fabric you’ll need for your size and the view you plan to make.

Question 10

Why should notions be purchased at the same time as your fabric?

Answer 10

Notions should be purchased at the same time as fabrics to make sure the colors look good with the fabric. Also, choosing buttons, tapes, trims, and interfacings that require the same care as the fabric.

Question 11

When choosing a machine needle and thread, what should you consider?

Answer 11

Choose needles and thread according to fabric type.

Question 12

What stitch length is recommended for regular stitching on most fabrics?

Answer 12

Choose a medium length for most fabrics.

Question 13

Where are the hands placed when stitching with a conventional machine?

Answer 13

Keep one hand in front and one hand behind the presser foot to guide the fabric smoothly.

Question 14

What three tasks does a serger do at the same time?

Answer 14

The serger can stitch, trim, and overcast a seam at the same time.

Question 15

How should you use and store pins safely?

Answer 15

Use pincushions to store pins safely. Never hold pins in your mouth. Don’t place pins in the clothes you’re wearing.

Question 16

What is the difference between scissors and shears?

Answer 16

Shears have long blades and two handles with different shapes. They are used for cutting fabric. Scissors, which are smaller than shears, have two handles with the same shape. Use them to trim a clip fabric and cut threads.

Question 17

Name the three essential items needed for pressing

Answer 17

Iron, ironing board, and press cloth

Question 18

For what specific reasons do you need a pattern guide sheet?

Answer 18

The guide sheet gives step-by-step information for cutting, marking and sewing

Question 19

How do you combine two different sizes on a multisized pattern?

Answer 19

Blend sizes by drawing a new cutting line that tapers from the smaller to the longer size.

Question 20

How do you preshrink washable fabric?

Answer 20

By preshrinking, you wash or dry-clean the fabric to prevent or minimize later shrinkage.

Question 21

How can you determine the right side of a fabric?

Answer 21

One clue is the way the fabric is folded or rolled on the bolt. Cottons and linens usually have the right side out on the bolt. Wools and most others fabrics are folded with the right side toward the inside.

Question 22

Why are some fabrics folded with right side in and some with it out?

Answer 22

For most layouts, the fabric is folded with the right side in. The pattern pieces are placed on the wrong side of the fabric for ease in transferring markings. This also protects fabric from soil and dirt during handling. Stripes, plaids, and prints should be folded with the right side out.

Question 23

Why shouldn’t you tilt or angle a pattern piece to save fabric?

Answer 23

If you do, that section of the garment will not hang properly.