Concepts Related to Garment Industry: Dressmakers & Tailors

Flashcards covering concepts of the garment industry, dressmakers vs. tailors, essential tools, sewing equipment, fabrics, upper garment types, and construction details.

What is the total economic value of the global garment industry?

The global garment industry is worth over $1.5\text{ trillion}$ dollars.

How is dressmaking defined?

Dressmaking is the art of designing and creating women's clothing and dresses, focusing primarily on style and creativity.

How is tailoring defined?

Tailoring is the craft of making and altering clothes with a primary focus on precise fit and structure, often specializing in menswear like suits and formal jackets.

What are the four essential skills of tailors?

Measuring & Fitting, Altering & Repairing, Suit Construction, and Sewing Skills.

What are the four essential skills of dressmakers?

Creativity & Design, Pattern Making, Precise Sewing, and Detailed Finishing.

What is the primary function of an L-Square in pattern drafting?

It creates perfect right angles for straight pattern lines.

Which drafting tool is used to shape smooth curves at the hip and waist area?

The Hip Curve.

What is a French Curve used for in pattern drafting?

It is used to draw neat, flowing curved lines on patterns.

How do dressmaker's shears differ from general fabric scissors?

Dressmaker's shears are large scissors with long blades designed specifically for cutting fabric cleanly without fraying, whereas fabric scissors are general-purpose scissors used for paper patterns and interfacing to protect the shears' sharpness.

What is the purpose of a seam ripper?

It is a pointed tool used to carefully remove stitches without damaging fabric, making it essential for fixing sewing mistakes and opening seams.

What is a thread clipper?

A small, handheld tool used to quickly snip and trim loose threads after sewing.

What does lay-outing fabric mean?

Lay-outing means spreading fabric flat on a cutting surface and placing pattern pieces on top to ensure each piece is cut to the correct size, shape, and grain direction.

What function do dressmaker's pins perform?

They are sharp, thin pins used to hold fabric pieces together before and during sewing to keep layers aligned.

How does carbon paper work with a tracing wheel to mark fabric?

Carbon paper is placed between the pattern and fabric; when the tracing wheel rolls over the pattern paper, it presses the markings through precisely onto the fabric.

What is the difference between interfacing and lining?

Interfacing is a hidden layer placed between fabric layers to add structure and stiffness (such as in collars and cuffs), whereas lining is a smooth inner fabric layer that gives garments a clean, polished finish and extra comfort.

What are the characteristics of cotton thread?

It is strong and breathable, making it great for natural fabrics.

What are the characteristics of polyester thread?

It is durable and stretchy, making it ideal for most sewing projects.

What defines casual garment style?

A comfortable, relaxed fit designed for everyday wear and ease of movement, such as T-shirts, hoodies, and casual shirts.

What defines formal garment style?

Neat, structured garments designed for professional, work, or special event settings, usually featuring collars, buttons, and tailored cuts.

What is a polo shirt?

A collared, short-sleeved shirt made from breathable, stretchy fabric featuring a partial button placket at the neckline.

What is an upper garment?

Any clothing worn on the torso, from the shoulders to the waist or hip.

What is a raglan sleeve?

A sleeve that extends to the neckline with a diagonal seam.

What is a kimono sleeve?

A sleeve cut as one single piece with the bodice, creating a relaxed silhouette.

What is a dolman sleeve?

A sleeve that is wide at the armhole and tapers down to the wrist.

What are bishop sleeves?

Sleeves that are full and billowy through the arm and gathered tightly at the wrist band.

What is a Mandarin collar?

A short, stand-up collar ($1\text{ to }2\text{ inches}$) that does not meet at the front center, leaving a small gap.

What is a Peter Pan collar?

A flat collar with rounded edges that lies flat on the shoulders, creating a youthful and feminine look.

What is a placket in garment construction?

A finished opening in a garment located at the center front, center back, or cuffs that allows the garment to be put on and taken off easily while reinforcing closures.

What is a patch pocket?

A fabric pouch sewn directly onto the outside surface of a garment.

What is a bodice?

The main structural section of an upper garment covering the torso from shoulder to waist, forming the front and back foundation panels.

What is a French seam?

A seam that encloses raw edges within a double-stitched seam for a clean finish, ideal for sheer or delicate fabrics.

What is a flat-felled seam?

A strong, visible topstitched seam commonly used in denim garments.

What is a dart and what is its purpose?

A dart is a stitched fold of fabric that shapes a flat piece of cloth to fit the contours of the body by removing excess fabric and creating three-dimensional form.

What is the structural difference between a single-point dart and a double-point dart?

A single-point dart is sewn from a wide base to a single tapered tip, whereas a double-point dart tapers to a point at both ends from a wide center to shape the bodice front and back simultaneously.

What is garment facing?

A fabric piece applied to give a garment edge a clean, neat, and professional finish while preventing the fabric edge from fraying.