Seam allowance
Also known as: SA, Seam margin
Material excess between seam and fabric edge – determines workability, strength and alteration room.
Description
The seam allowance (SA) is the distance between the sewing line and the fabric edge. Common values in confection: 6 mm (patchwork), 10 mm (standard sewing), 15 mm (alteration reserve in suits and shirts), 20–30 mm (trouser hem reserve).
Too little allowance reduces seam strength and lets material fray; too much creates bulk and shows through thin fabrics. In pattern making, the allowance is either included in the pattern (no trimming needed) or drawn separately. In industrial confection, overlock or flat-fell folders typically trim the allowance automatically as they sew.
Properties
| Typical widths | 6 / 10 / 15 / 25 mm |
|---|---|
| Usage | pattern construction, confection |
| Needle | needle Nm 60–90 by fabric |
| Function | reserve for alterations & fit |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Nahtzugabe Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nahtzugabe
