Fabrics

Seam allowance

Seam allowance / this is the area of the fabric from the stitch to the edge. This can vary based on what gets sewed. #seamallowance

Seam allowance

A seam allowance reminds me of a bleed in the graphic design and printing industry.

A seam allowance is the area between the edge of fabric and the stitching line (or seam line) on two (or more) pieces of material being stitched together. 

Seam allowance - in this sewing terminology blog post o share what a seam allowance is. #seam-allowance

Notice the graphic above with the left and right arrows on the right side

Home sewing Seam allowances can range from 1/4 inch wide (6.35 mm) to as much as several inches. 

Commercial patterns often have seam allowances ranging from 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch.

When you sew a project, you must keep to the same seam allowance through out, unless it calls for various allowances. 

Always check your pattern for what seam allowance is used.

Search for sewing machines on Amazon!

Affiliate links used

Common seam allowances:

  • 0.6 cm / 1/4″
  • 1 cm / 3/8″
  • 1.6 cm / 5/8″
  • 2.5 cm / 1″

Narrow seam allowance

  • Curves
  • Special seams
  • French seams

Wider seam allowance

  • French seams
  • Heavier fabrics
  • For fitting or size adjustments

First published March 3, 2022. Last updated or republished December 27, 2022.

Upcoming Events

This is a list of the upcoming events that Steve Sews will be at. If you know of one in the East Tennessee area, let me know.

None at this time. Check back later.


Meet …

Meet the staff and/or equipment for Steve Sews.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

Don’t miss a single blog post about sewing, quilting, crafts, and recipes! Plus so much more!

Please like, subscribed, comment, share

Follow on WordPress

Follow Steve Sews Stuff on WordPress.com

Follow Steve Sews Stuff on Social Media:

You can also choose to follow Steve Sews Stuff on social media as well. (@SteveSews2)

Below are some examples of blog entries from all blogs that I do. (Courageous Christian Father, Steve Sews Stuff and SteveZ DesignZ).


Search for Sewing on Amazon
Affiliate links used.

Recent Feed of All of Steve’s Blogs

Loading RSS Feed

Clipart: UnsplashPixabayPexelsOpenverseAdobe ExpressAdobe StockFreePikMetroCreative and more. This site uses Amazon Affiliate Ads & Google Ads.

About Post Author


Search for Sewing on Amazon
Affiliate links used.

Your Comment Is Appreciated!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.