How to Walk the Seamline to Ensure Pattern Accuracy

Walking all the seamlines is an essential step in patternwork. Whether you've drafted a pattern from scratch, made fit adjustments to a commercial pattern, or are using a purchased pattern as is, it's a good idea to take the time to walk the seamline. The point of this process is to check all seamlines that are to be sewn together are the correct length. If they are to be sewn one-to-one, they should be the same length. If there is intentional ease in one side—as in a sleeve cap or princess side panel—you can determine how much ease is built in. In both cases, you'll be able to find and correct inaccuracies that occur in the pattern.