Seam allowance

[derekleffew]

I know the "standard" seam allowance is 5/8", but in costume class we were told to use a full 1". Now I'm not sure if this was for expandability, or to somehow compensate for our lack of sewing skills. I felt the 1" never worked very well, as it proved too bulky. What does everyone else use?

[soundman]

5/8" when sewing then surge it so it ends up being a bit closer to 1/2" On some seams we would have to trim the seam (inside curve I think was one of them) or it would end up too bilky to look nice in the end.

[Footer]

1" Always. 2" to 3" for a rental stock. 1" works because odds are that piece is going to go into stock and will need to be altered later for whatever you are doing. Last place I worked I believe they did 2" because of the show package thing.

[Dally]

At OU we did 1/2". Saves on fabric, and dealing with extra bulk. Rental stuff sometimes differed, but would be orignlaly a 1/2" and grow larger as it was taken in.

[DaveySimps]

We use 1" as a rule, but there are always exceptions to the rule as needed. Most of our stuff goes into stock to be reused / rented down the road.

~Dave

[gafftaper]

I was told 1" in the costume class I took... although with my skills

[cryptozoology]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

I know the "standard" seam allowance is 5/8", but in costume class we were told to use a full 1". Now I'm not sure if this was for expandability, or to somehow compensate for our lack of sewing skills. I felt the 1" never worked very well, as it proved too bulky. What does everyone else use?

In all the costume shops I have worked in, we either use 1/2" or 1", depending on the project. Usually because the two allow the most possibility for taking in or letting out seams as needed.

[Grog12]

0" namely because I married a Costumer so I wouldn't have to do this kinda thing. She on the other hand uses...Well apparently it depends on what she's building...now that theres a costume section I imagine she may start showing up on this board.

[bobgaggle]

I'm taking basic costume construction right now and the book we're using by rebecca cunningham says 1/2" seam allowance

[Grog12]

Originally Posted by bobgaggle

I'm taking basic costume construction right now and the book we're using by rebecca cunningham says 1/2" seam allowance

Which is probably a good middle ground.

According to my CD wife one of the major factors is whether you're building it for stock or not. Stock costumes require a larger seam allowance as you never know who's going to wear it ine future.