Do you cut the notches out of the fabric?

Question

I am confused about notches.

Please explain about them, don't give me a link.

Answer 1

Which kind of notch do you mean?

Sometimes a notch is just a marking on a pattern. Some people cut them into the pattern, but I cut them to the outside. On the fabric, too. Cut precisely because you need to match the notch to a corresponding notch on the adjoining pattern piece. It will be a diamond or a double diamond. Single means it's the  front of the garment, double means the back. Here is a picture of a pocket with a double diamond notch towards the back, and a single diamond notch towards the front.

http://www.jandofabrics.com/newsletters/...

Sometimes a notch is a little cut that you make in the seam allowance of a finished item, to loosen up the seam and allow the fabric to curve.

http://www.baypathleos.com/images/man_ta...

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Answer 2

Pattern companies put the notches on to make putting together the pieces easier. Cut them as if they are part of the cutting line. There are different types or size "notches". When you put two pieces of the pattern together to sew the notches should be matched . if not there is a problem. You may not have the right pattern pieces, or they my not be right sides together. I find them very valuable for sleeves. Many times it has kept me from sewing a sleeve in backwards.

  I have been sewing for many many years and still cut the notches. It just a small thing to save me some frustration.

Answer 3

When you use a pattern, you cut the notches. I don't mean cut them off, I mean cut them as if they are part of the pattern. Notches are used to help line up the pattern pieces. It makes sewing the pieces together much easier.