What is seam allowance

Seam allowance - What is it and when to use smaller or larger seam allowances:

Seam allowance is the distance from the edge of the fabric to the stitching line. I generally use
smaller seam allowances  for:
- curved areas because it is easier to manage. My learning from difficulty  in sewing sleeves got me have smaller seam allowances
larger seam allowances for:
- straight finishes and especially when gathering is required because of the number of stitches needed within seam allowance to gather fabric.

How to sew for a given seam allowance:

I'm here using a 1.5 cm seam allowance.  You can see on the plate that seam allowances are marked to the right and left of the sewing foot.

 

 You'll need to position your fabric such that the fabric cut corner (circled in red) meets the seam allowance line (circled in blue) at the required seam allowance.

 I've here positioned it for 1.5 cm.

Here it is - 1.5 cm seam allowance.














My machine doesn't have the needle in the center position so the seam allowance from the needle position to the guide on the machine is slightly larger than what the guide shows.
So I position my fabric slightly before the guide value I keep consistent seam allowance.

-Preethi.

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