Useful Sewing Terms

A list of the most common sewing terms used in this blog.

• Backstitch - A hand-sewing stitch that reinforces seams by sewing backwards then forwards, creating a strong hold.

• Basting stitch - A long, temporary stitch used to hold layers of fabric together before sewing permanently.

• Bias - The diagonal direction of fabric which allows it to stretch and drape.

• Bias tape - A strip of fabric cut on the bias, used for binding edges or hems.

• Buttonhole - An opening in the fabric meant for a button to pass through, often reinforced with stitching.

• Casing - A channel sewn into the fabric to hold elastic or drawstring.

• Clipping - Cutting small notches in the seam allowance to help curves lie flat.

• Dart - A fold sewn into the fabric to create shape and fit at bust, waist, and hips.

• Ease - The technique of slightly gathering fabric to allow it to fit into another piece.

• Fabric Grain - The orientation of threads in the fabric, including the lengthwise (warp) and crosswise (weft) threads.

• Facing - A separate piece of fabric used to finish the edges of necklines, armholes, or hems.

• Featherstitch - A decorative stitch that resembles a feather, often used in embroidery.

• French seam - A clean, enclosed seam that hides raw edges, often used in delicate fabrics.

• Gathering - Creating soft folds in fabric by pulling on threads to create fullness.

• Gathering thread - A temporary thread used to ease fabric together to create gathers.

• Haberdashery - a store selling small sewing items like buttons, ribbons, zippers, and fabric. It can also refer to the items themselves.

• Hem - The finished edge of fabric where the raw edge is folded and sewn.

• Interfacing - A supportive fabric applied to the inside of a garment to add structure.

• Lapped seam - A seam where fabric pieces overlap and are sewn together, often used for thick fabrics.

• Lining - A layer of fabric inside a garment that provides a neat finish and added warmth.

• Notions - Sewing supplies such as buttons, zippers, threads, and other small items.

• Overlocking - A technique used to finish edges with a special sewing machine that trims and stitches simultaneously.

• Patch - A piece of fabric sewn onto a garment to cover holes or add

• Placket - An opening in a garment, usually for buttons, designed for ease of wearing.

• Pressing - Using an iron to set seams and shapes in fabric for a crisp look.

• Quilting - The stitching process used to join layers of fabric, often featuring decorative patterns.

• Ripstop - A type of fabric with a grid pattern that is resistant to tearing.

• Seam allowance - The area between the fabric edge and the stitch line, which provides extra fabric for assembly.

• Selvage - The finished edge of fabric that prevents fraying.

• Serging - Another term for overlocking, typically used for finishing edges to prevent fraying.

• Stabiliser - A material added to fabric to prevent stretching or distortion during sewing.

• Straight of grain - Referring to fabric cut with the threads running parallel to the selvage.

• Straight stitch - The most basic sewing stitch, created by stitching straight across the fabric.

• Tack - A temporary stitch used to hold pieces together before permanent stitching.

• Topstitching - Decorative stitching done on the right side of the fabric, often to reinforce seams or enhance appearance.

• Trim - Extra fabric, ribbons, or other decorative elements added to garments for embellishment.

• Understitch - A technique that involves sewing the facing to the seam allowance to keep it in place.

• Unpick - To remove stitches, typically done with a seam ripper.

• Warp and Weft - The two sets of threads woven together to create fabric, with warp being the lengthwise threads and weft being the crosswise threads.

• Zigzag stitch - A stitch that forms a zigzag pattern, often used for finishing edges and providing stretch.

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