Question 5

(a) (i) Mention four decorative seams that can be used on garments

  (ii). Indicate two positions each where any two of the seams mentioned in 5(a)(i) can be used on garments.

(b). State two factors to consider when choosing a method of neatening for a plain seam.

(c) (i) Identify two faults which may occur when working a french
   (ii) State one remedy for one of the faults mentioned in 5(c)(i)

(d) Give three differences between machine felled seam and french seam

OBSERVATION

5(a). On decorative seam that can be used on garments was not answered correctly by all the candidates a few of them could try to mention just 2 points out of 7 decorative seams.

5(ai) on position where the decorative seams can be found on garments was not answered correctly by “any” of the candidates. The expected answers are:

• Machine felled seam
• Overlaid seam
• Welt seam
• Slot / Canal / Channelled seam
• Strap seam

Overlaid seam/Welt seam   

• Yoke on front of blouses/shirts 
• Yoke on front/back of shirts/ trousers  
• Yoke on back of blouses / shirts.    
• Centre back/centre front of shirts.

Piped / Tucked seam

• Yoke on front/back of ladies’ dresses
• Panel lines
• Yoke on back/front of men’s shirt

In 5(b), on factors to consider when choosing a method of neatening for a plain seam was not correctly answered by the candidates. The expected answers are:

2. Factors to consider when choosing a method of neatening for a plain seam
   • Texture of the fabric
   • Fraying quality of fabric.
   • Width of seam allowance.
   • Position of seam.
   • Weight of fabric.
   • Front of ladies’ blouses.

In 5(c), on faults and remedy which may occur when working a French seam was answered correctly by just a few candidates. The expected answers are:

1. Fault
   • Raw edges or frayed threads showing on the right side.
   • Uneven seam width.
   • Puckered seam.
   • ‘Pockets’ along the outer edge of the seam on the wrong side.
   • Bulky seam.
2. Remedy
   • Trim raw edges with sharp scissors after the first stitching and make sure that the second line completely encloses them.
   • Measure seam width, mark and tack before stitching.
   • Press turnings completely open and flat after first row of stitching. Tack second turning, press and stitch.
   • Trim first turning sufficiently and press.

5(d) on differences between machine filled seam and French seam was answered correctly by just few candidates.

The expected answers are:
Machine felled seam

• Seam allowance lies flat.
• It is a visible seam
• It is used on medium to heavy weight fabrics.
• It is suitable  for sports clothings, jeans etc.

French seam

• Seam allowance does not lie flat.
• It is an invisible seam.
• It is used on thin fabrics and garments that require frequent washing.
• It is suitable for children’s garments, undergarments, blouses and dresses.