Sewing Terms for Beginners – 13 Words Every Sewer Should Know

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 where the threads run parallel to the selvedge edge, (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; these include measuring tapes, scissors, pins, thread, zippers, and more!

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

princess seams:

a variation of darts that are easily manipulated vertical seams for the perfect fit

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