Trimming, Grading, Clipping
& Notching Seams
Trimming, Grading and
Clipping Seams
Trimming
To cut off part of the seam allowance to
reduce bulk.
Trim away 3/8 inch of fabric along the
full length of the seam.
Grading
Means to trim each layer of the seam
allowance to a different width.
Trimming the seam reduces bulk more
smoothly.
Clipping
Means to cut slits into the seam
allowance.
Needed on all seams with an inside
curve.
Usually done at ½ inch intervals at a
90°angle.
REASONS
If seam lines tend to pucker or look
bulky.
Want seams on a finished garment to
appear smooth.
Notching
Means to cut wedges into the seam
allowance.
Is done on seams with an outside
curve.
Removes excess fabric that otherwise
cause the seam to be bulky when
turned.
Trimming
-cut off part of the seam allowance to
reduce bulk.
Method of Trimming
-trim away ⅜ of an inch of fabric along
the full length of the seam.
-this will leave a ¼ inch seam
allowance.
Grading
-cutting layers of a seam allowance to
varying (different) widths.
Method of Grading
-trim each seam allowance to a
different width
-garment seam allowance is left widest
-facing seam allowance is trimmed
narrowest
-layers in between, trimmed more than
the garment, but less than the facing
Clipping
-to cut slits into the seam allowance.
-needed on all seams with an inside
(inward) curve.
Purpose of clipping
-seam will turn over smoothly.
-curved seams not clipped, will
pucker when turned.
Method of Clipping
-use points of shears - cut into seam
allowance at right angles to seam line
-cuts should be ½” apart, cutting almost
to the seam line.
-inside corners clip diagonally from
seam edge to stitching

Notching
-cut wedges into the seam allowance.
-needed on all seams with an outside
(outward) curve.
Purpose of Notching
-remove excess fabric – if not removed
will cause the seam to be bulky when
turned.
Method of Notching
-v-shaped cuts (wedges) that are cut at
½” apart to the seam line.

Trimming Corners
-corners are trimmed diagonally across
the corner.


Method of Trimming
-trim excess fabric from the sides of a
point at an angle.
