Princess seams are long, shaped seams used in women’s fashion to create a smooth and comfortable fit. They can be found on the front or back of a garment and are often used in formal dresses. They highlight the figure and can be adjusted to fit different body types. Making a garment with princess seams requires a specific pattern.
Princess seams are long, shaped seams that can be found on the front or back of a garment. They are typically used specifically in women’s fashion as they are designed to make a garment fit smoothly and comfortably. Many form-fitting garments, such as formal dresses, are made with this type of seam, and as a general rule, seams are used instead of darts, although both can sometimes be found on the same garment.
When princess seams are used on the front of a garment, they pass over the bust line to create a smooth, even look. They typically trail down the front of the garment, gather the fabric to highlight a slim waist, and flare back out toward the hips. Seams at the back of a garment do essentially the same thing, beginning at the shoulders and curving before widening at the hips.
There are a number of applications for such seams. On thin and thin women, they can be used to highlight the figure and provide the illusion of curves. Women with classic hourglass figures often find that princess seams emphasize the slim waist in a way that many people find aesthetically pleasing. On full figured women, they can be adjusted to fit a broad chest and hips, creating an aesthetically pleasing garment. Many plus size manufacturers use these seams for this reason.
Wedding dresses and other formal dresses often use princess seams, as they tend to look elegant. Other clothes, such as women’s sportswear, can also be worn because they make the garment snug, which can be important with some exercise. Tight seams are also used on tailored shirts as they ensure a smooth and attractive fit. Shoppers unsure whether or not a garment has princess seams should look for two long, bow-shaped seams running down the front or back of the garment.
Making a garment with princess seams requires the use of a pattern that has been specifically designed for this type of construction. These patterns can be easily adjusted to fit various figures. A sewer that has an unusual shape may want to trace the pattern onto a large sheet of muslin and cut the muslin with very large seam allowances. You can then pin the muslin to your body, make adjustments where necessary, and then use the fabric as a custom pattern. This way, if everything goes wrong with the project, you’ll still have the original paper pattern to work with.
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