Questions for those who can sew/make costumes

I thought I'd ask this here since I know at least a few people here make costumes and such. I have a Simplicty costume pattern I'm getting ready to make...my question is, is the seam allowance built into the pattern or do I have to add it while I'm cutting? (can you tell I don't use clothing patterns very often? ) 

Thanks in advance!

I make costumes and clothes all the time. To answer your question: yes, seam allowances are factored in. I think Simplicity even will tell you how much of a seam allowance. Most pattern makers do.

Which pattern are you doing? I'm a costumer, sometimes even altering patterns and designing my own stuff. I'm always curious as to what others are doing.

You're right not to assume; not all pattern makers add the seam allowance. Simplicity, though, always has a 5/8" seam allowance (or 1.59 cm).

Yeah, pretty much every main patternmaker (Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue, Burda, etc) does add them. Some of the smaller ones may not. For costumes, there are some period companies that don't. Folkwear is one of the good ones. Of all my patterns, most have seam allowances added in. If they don't, they do tell you either on the instructions sheets or the pattern paper.
 

SwampWitch said:

You're right not to assume; not all pattern makers add the seam allowance. Simplicity, though, always has a 5/8" seam allowance (or 1.59 cm).

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Thanks!

I thought it was probably included, but I've not done costumes in 15-20 years and only about half of my older patterns included them...if it was a quilting pattern, I'd be set!

It's Simplicity #2172...the neo-victorian steampunk outfit.  I'm making (with any luck)the bustier and the jacket without the sleeves - it's for an outdoors event in early July, and I think I'd die of heatstroke in the sleeves . I have a different skirt pattern that I like better than the one in this pattern, so I'll be adding that and, if I have time, a headdress. The overall look is hopefully going to be airship captain, although is the jacket turns out, I might make it again in black for a victorian gothic look.

You've already received an answer to your question.  I would like to add that I love to sew!! I used to design and sew my own clothing.  I've been seriously wanting to get back into it. Once I get moved and have more space where I can actually leave my sewing machine open (it's in a cabinet), I'll start on some smaller projects such as some blouses and pants.

Simplicity patterns are the best!! They are, for the most part, very easy to follow- also very easy to alter for your own costumes. I've made much use of the Matrix coat pattern for cosplay purposes.   I also love to sew-- I have an Etsy on which I sell fleece hats, and I am working on a patchwork bag that I'll be putting up for sale in a few days, if all goes as planned! Interfacing can be such a hassle...