Which technique removes small V-shaped wedges from the seam allowance to reduce bulk?

Which technique removes small V-shaped wedges from the seam allowance to reduce bulk?

• A. Notching
• B. Iron
• C. Pattern Envelope
• D. Thread

Answer: (A)

Notching is the technique used to relieve bulk in seam allowances. When you sew curved edges, the fabric tends to bunch up where the seam allowance folds, so small V-shaped cuts are made in the seam allowance to remove extra fabric. Cutting these wedges close to the stitching line (without cutting into the stitches) lets the seam curved portions lay flatter as you press. Notches are positioned along inner curves where bulk builds up, and you avoid cutting too deep or through the stitches. This is different from simply pressing with an iron, which can help shape but doesn’t reduce the fabric bulk itself. The other options don’t provide this relief strategy, so notching is the right answer.

Notching is the technique used to relieve bulk in seam allowances. When you sew curved edges, the fabric tends to bunch up where the seam allowance folds, so small V-shaped cuts are made in the seam allowance to remove extra fabric. Cutting these wedges close to the stitching line (without cutting into the stitches) lets the seam curved portions lay flatter as you press. Notches are positioned along inner curves where bulk builds up, and you avoid cutting too deep or through the stitches. This is different from simply pressing with an iron, which can help shape but doesn’t reduce the fabric bulk itself. The other options don’t provide this relief strategy, so notching is the right answer.