Sewing terms can be tricky for beginners. Here are 13 that will help you through your first project!
Photo by Claudio Schwarz on Unsplash
bias:
refers to the 45-degree angle of the fabric. If you were to stretch any fabric while holding it at a 45-degree angle, you should be able to stretch it
bias tape:
a narrow strip of fabric cut at a 45-degree angle to the bias. It can be used to finish edges in garments, quilts, or any other handmade item
binding:
the finishing of a seam, usually a hem or trim of a garment
facing:
a piece of fabric used to finish a raw edge, usually a neckline or hem
grain:
the direction of the fabric whether with the threads (grainline), perpendicular (crossgrain), or at 45 degree angle (bias)
photo credit: Seamwork
hem:
the edge of a garment finished by folding over and sewing down
interfacing:
a type of fabric that is usually fused to the main fabric to stiffen it or for reinforcement
notions:
small tools or accessories used for sewing or knitting
placket:
an opening in a shirt, blouse, or pants and jeans usually closed with buttons
pleat:
a type of fold in fabric that is pressed and sewn down flat
right side/wrong side:
- right side – the side of fabric intended for the outside of the garment
- wrong side – the side of the fabric intended for the inside of a garment; usually looks faded compared to the right side
seam:
the place where two pieces of fabric come together, usually attached with stitches of thread
seam allowance:
the area from the edge of the fabric to where a stitch is to be made; this ranges from ⅛ of an inch to a couple of inches
selvage edge:
the commercially produced edge of the fabric
topstitch:
a line of stitches at the edge of the outside of a garment or finished object that can either be functional or decorative
photo credit: Threads Magazine
