(a)    With the aid of diagrams, differentiate between the following pairs of processes:

1.  French seam and machine-felled seam;
2.  Piping and binding.

(b)   Explain two points to consider when choosing a seam.

(c)   State six different ways of neatening a plain seam.

OBSERVATION

Many of the candidates lacked very important skills like drawing and sketching which are very vital in clothing and textiles.

The required answers to the questions are as follows:                                                                                                                      
Question 1:

•     Difference between the follow:

      

•  French seam                           Machine – felled seam

 (b)       Points to consider when choosing a seam

• The fabric being used

Fabrics vary in weight and thickness and here are suitable seams for each type e.g. French seam is a suitable seam for light weight fabrics.

                                  
(ii)        The garment being made

Some garments require very strong seams, especially those which are used more often and therefore need to be washed frequently e.g. school uniforms, overalls and babies garments.

(iii)       The position of the seams

Some seams are suitable for sides of a garment but not for joining the bodice to the skirt. E.g. French seam is suitable for the sides of a garment whilst a plain seam is suitable for attaching the midriff section to the upper bodice.

• The shape of the seam

French seam for example is quite suitable for the straight side seams of blouses but it is not easily worked on the curved seams sometimes needed for attaching yokes.

            (c)        Different ways of neatening a plain seam

• Edges turned down and machined/edge stitching
• Raw edges neatened with pinking shears.
• Raw edges machined and overcast.
• Raw edges loop stitched over a row of machine stitches.
• Edges bound with bias binding.
• Edges neatened with zigzag stitch
• Edges over locked.
• Edges herringboned over a row of machine stitches.