What are notches primarily used for in sewing?

Notches are primarily used in sewing to match up pattern pieces accurately. They serve as critical alignment markers, ensuring that different components of a garment come together correctly during the sewing process. By placing notches on pattern pieces, sewists can easily identify where seams should align, allowing for a more precise fit and a professional-looking finish.

This function is particularly important at key areas such as armholes, necklines, and side seams, where precise matching is essential. Using notches correctly can help prevent mistakes, such as misalignment of seams or mismatched patterns, which could lead to an unappealing outcome in the final garment.

While the other options reflect different aspects of sewing, they do not pertain directly to the specific function of notches. For example, fabric type is indicated through different methods, sewing allowance is often marked with additional lines or measurements, and embellishments are applied for decorative purposes rather than alignment. Thus, knowing the primary use of notches enhances a sewist's ability to construct garments accurately and effectively.