What term describes straight cuts made in the seam allowance, but not through the stitching?

The term that describes straight cuts made in the seam allowance, but not through the stitching, is known as clipping. Clipping is a technique used primarily in garment construction to help reduce bulk and allow curved seams to lay flatter. By making these small cuts into the seam allowance, the fabric is allowed to stretch and conform to the shape of the seam, especially in rounded areas or curves. This is crucial for achieving a smooth, professional finish in the final garment.

In contrast, trimming refers to cutting away excess fabric along the seam line, which reduces bulk, particularly in straight seams. Notching, on the other hand, involves making cuts into the seam allowance at strategic points, often on curves, to aid in fabric maneuvering; however, notching typically refers to a different method than clipping, which specifically involves straight cuts. Scalloping is a decorative edge treatment and does not pertain to seam allowance techniques. Understanding these distinctions can greatly enhance a sewer's technique in finishing seams appropriately for different fabric types and garment shapes.