Hello, fellow sewing enthusiasts! Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious beginner, understanding sewing terms is crucial to your crafting journey.
This comprehensive glossary will guide you through the labyrinth of sewing terminology, making it a breeze to understand patterns, follow tutorials, and communicate with other crafters. So, let's dive in, shall we?
Understanding Sewing Terms: A Glossary for the Modern Customer
A. Appliqué
Appliqué is a French term meaning 'applied'. In the sewing world, it refers to a technique where you sew a piece of fabric onto another to create a design. It's a fantastic way to personalise your projects, adding a touch of creativity and flair.
B. Backstitch
Backstitch is a term you'll come across often, especially when starting or ending your sewing. It involves sewing backwards over stitches to secure and prevent them from unravelling. It's a small step that makes a big difference in the longevity of your creations.
C. Cutting Line
The cutting line on a sewing pattern is the outermost line, indicating where to cut the fabric. Following this line accurately is crucial to ensure your pieces fit together perfectly.
D. Darning
Darning is a sewing technique used to repair holes or worn areas in fabric. It involves a series of parallel and cross stitches to cover the damaged area. It's a handy skill, especially if you're into sustainable living and love giving your clothes a second life.
E. Ease
Ease in sewing refers to the extra space in a garment that allows for movement. It's the difference between the actual body measurements and the measurements of the finished garment. Understanding ease is crucial for creating comfortable, well-fitting clothes.
F. Feed Dogs
Feed dogs are the tiny metal teeth on a sewing machine's needle plate. They move the fabric through the device as you sew, ensuring your stitches are even and consistent.
G. Grain
The grain of fabric refers to the direction of the weave. Understanding this term is essential as cutting and sewing with the grain ensures your finished garment hangs correctly.
H. Hem
A hem is a finished edge on a piece of fabric. It's created by folding the edge of the material and sewing it down. Hems add a professional finish to your projects, preventing the fabric from fraying.
I. Interfacing
Interfacing fabric adds rigidity to certain garment areas, such as collars, cuffs, and waistbands. It's available in various weights and can be sewn or fused to the fabric.
J. Juxtapose
In sewing, juxtapose refers to placing two contrasting fabrics or patterns side by side for a striking visual effect. It's a great way to experiment with colours and prints in your projects.
K. Knot
A knot in sewing is used to secure the end of a thread. It's one of the basics you'll learn early in your sewing journey.
L. Lining
The lining is a layer of fabric sewn into the inside of a garment. It provides a neat interior finish, hides seam allowances, and can add warmth to a garment.
M. Muslin
Muslin is a plain, lightweight cotton fabric. It's often used in sewing a test garment, or 'muslin', before sewing the final garment. This allows you to test the fit and make any necessary adjustments to the pattern.
N. Notions
Notion is a term used to describe all the small items used in sewing, such as buttons, zippers, thread, and elastic. Having a well-stocked notions box at your sewing station is always a good idea.
O. Overlock
Overlock, also known as serging, is a type of stitch that sews over the edge of one or two pieces of fabric. It's commonly used to finish seams, preventing them from fraying.
P. Piping
Piping is a trim made from a strip of fabric wrapped around a cord. It's sewn into seams to add a decorative edge to garments and home décor items.
Q. Quilting
Quilting is a sewing technique where two layers of fabric are stitched together with a layer of batting in between. It's used to create warm, padded items like quilts and jackets.
R. Ruching
Ruching is a technique that gathers fabric to create a ruffled effect. It's often used for decorative purposes on garments and home décor items.
S. Seam Allowance
Seam allowance is the area between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line. It's an important term to understand as it affects the size and fit of the finished garment.
T. Topstitch
Topstitching is a decorative stitch sewn on the right side of a garment. It's not only aesthetically pleasing but also adds strength to seams.
U. Understitch
Understitching is a technique used to prevent a facing or lining from rolling towards the outside. It involves stitching the seam allowance to the facing or lining close to the seam.
V. V-notch
A V-notch is a small, V-shaped cut made in the seam allowance of curved seams. It helps the seam lie flat and smooth once it's turned right side out.
W. Whipstitch
Whipstitch is a simple hand-sewing technique to sew two pieces of fabric together. It's often used for hemming or closing seams on handmade toys.
X. X-stitch
X-stitch, or cross-stitch, is a type of embroidery stitch that forms an 'X'. It's used to create detailed, pixel-like patterns on fabric.
Y. Yoke
A yoke is a fitted panel, usually at the shoulder or waist, that supports gathered sections of a garment. It's a design feature that can add interest to a garment.
Z. Zigzag Stitch
A zigzag stitch is a stitch that moves in a zigzag pattern. It's used for various purposes, such as finishing raw edges, sewing stretch fabrics, and decorative stitching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a seam allowance in sewing?
A seam allowance is the area between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line. It's an important term to understand as it affects the size and fit of the finished garment.
What does 'grain' mean in sewing?
The grain of fabric refers to the direction of the weave. It's important to understand this term as cutting and sewing with the grain ensures your finished garment hangs correctly.
You can save this as a bookmark for your future use. You never know when this glossary can come in handy. Do you have a sewing project in mind or need professional alterations? At Priscilla's Fashion, we're here to help! Don't hesitate to contact us or book a consultation down below.
Make the alteration you need, and post it to us. We can do it and send it back to you. Our postal/courier address is 35 Palmcrest Grove, Highland Park, Auckland 2010. Send us a message before you post it.
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