seam allowance

English

WOTD – 26 March 2010

A pattern shows excess at the edges for a seam allowance.

Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ˈsiːm əˌlaʊ.ənts/

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

Noun

seam allowance (plural seam allowances)

1. (sewing) The part of the material or fabric added to the dimensions of a sewing pattern outside the seam.
   • 2001, Claire B. Shaeffer, Couture Sewing Techniques, page 40:

     Trim the seam allowances to between 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. Fold one seam allowance in toward the other and pin along the fold.

Translations

part of the material or fabric added to the dimensions of a pattern outside the seam

• Finnish: saumanvara
• French: valeurs de couture
• Russian: припуск (ru) m (pripusk), припуск на шов (pripusk na šov)
• Swedish: sömsmån c

See also

• seam roll