Facings are a common type of pattern piece used in garment construction, but the term can be confusing to new sewists. Perhaps you've seen this term recently and wondered, 'Facing what?'
Facings, put simply, are pattern pieces designed to cover the raw edges of a garment, providing a polished look with added structural integrity. They are primarily used to support the edges of openings, improve fit, and enhance the overall aesthetics of your project. In this blog post, we'll go over four commonly used types of shaped facings: collar facings, armhole facings, lapel facings, and yoke facings.
Collar Facings
Collar facings finish the raw edges of collars & necklines, providing a clean look while helping maintain shape. They are usually shaped similarly to the collar or neckline itself and are attached to a collar band or directly to the neckline. Collar facings are often made from the same fabric as the garment's outer fashion fabric to create a seamless look. Depending on the style of the collar, interfacing is used to add additional structure to the neckline. The facing piece not only supports the neckline's shape but also prevents it from sagging or warping from washing and wear. A well-constructed collar facing can elevate your finished project, helping it to look professionally tailored.
Armhole Facings
Armhole facings are crucial for sleeveless garments or those with certain sleeve styles where part of the arm opening is visible. These facings finish the raw edges of the armhole, providing a neat appearance and added comfort when worn. Like collar facings, armhole facings can be cut from the same fabric as the outer garment for a seamless look or from a contrasting fabric to add a design element. In addition to aesthetics, armhole facings help reinforce the structure of the armhole, preventing stretching and distortion over time. A well-fitted armhole facing allows for more comfortable movement when wearing a sleeveless garment.
Lapel Facings
Lapel facings are integral to jackets, blazers, and coats, where they finish the edges of the center front lapel. This facing can be utilized on its own or used in addition to lining fabric to transition the edge of the garment from its outer fashion fabric to its lining fabric. Lapel facings ensure that the lapel maintains its crispness and silhouette. Interfacing can be attached to the facing for added durability and to prevent sagging. A well-finished lapel can lend a tailored look to your finished outerwear.
Yoke Facings
Yoke facings are sewn to the back or front yoke of a garment, most commonly shirts, blouses, or dresses. The yoke facing provides additional support, thus helping to ensure a proper fit, especially across the shoulders, upper back, or upper chest. A yoke can enhance the aesthetic design of a garment, making it both a decorative and functional part of the clothing. By finishing the edge of the yoke properly, you ensure that the shoulder pieces lie smoothly against the body, improving the comfort of the fit and adding a polished touch to your project. This facing type is made from the same fabric as the rest of the shirt or dress, but occasionally may be cut from lining fabric.
Shaped facings are frequently included in our sewing patterns, as they are a crucial component in creating a tailored garment. Identifying and understanding the purpose of shaped facings, such as collar, armhole, lapel, and yoke facings, will help you sew garments that not only look great but also maintain their integrity over time. It will extend the lifespan of your clothing, making your hard work more durable and safer to machine wash.
You can find some of our most popular sewing patterns that use shaped facings below- Happy sewing! -M
