The length of a head gore can be determined by

• A. Measuring from the center of the head to the tangent line
• B. Measuring from the edge of the head to the center line
• C. Subtracting head diameter from overall length
• D. Using standard chart

Answer: (A)

The length of a head gore comes from circular geometry. A head is essentially a circle, so the panel (the gore) that wraps around must extend from the center toward the edge in a way that follows the head’s curve. Measuring from the center of the head to a tangent line—the line that just touches the circumference where the gore ends—gives the correct radial distance for that panel. This radial distance defines how far the gore reaches before the curve tightens around the head, ensuring a smooth fit.

Measuring from the edge of the head to the center line would not capture the actual curved distance along the pattern’s radius. Subtracting head diameter from overall length also doesn’t reflect how the gore sits against the circular surface. While a standard chart can provide guidance, the fundamental measurement is the distance from the center to the tangent line.