Sewing Terminology
Basic sewing supplies
What exactly constitutes the bare necessities for sewing is subject to debate.
Basting
The shape of this denim back pocket is basted before the pocket is topstitched to the garment
Block
A block is a basic shape on which other patterns are based.
Coverlock
A coverlock is a type of sewing machine that is dedicated to do a coverlock
Cutting
Cutting is the act of cutting out the different pattern pieces out of your fabric.
Darts
Darts are crucial in pattern design as they turn a flat, two-dimensional piece
Double welt pockets
Video
Ease
Ease is the amount of fabric that is added to a garment
Edgestitching
Edgestitching is a specific type of topstitching.
Fabric grain
The grain of a fabric is determined by the alignment of the yarns in a woven
Good sides together
When I refer to good sides together that can refer to either cutting or sewing:
Hemming
Hemming, or a hem, is a type of finish that is done on the bottom of a garment.
High Point Shoulder (HPS)
The high point shoulder or HPS point is used as the base for several
Jersey
Jersey is a type of knit fabric. Jersey has a flat and a piled side, and is
Knit binding
Knit binding is a general term for a type of finish (typically) found on
Knit fabric
A piece of grey (French Terry) jersey, a knit fabric
On the fold
When you have a pattern piece that is symmetric, the instructions might tell you that it is to be cut on the fold.
Pinning
Sewing pins are part of the basic sewing supplies
Rayon
I use rayon for my underwear
Seam allowance
The inside of the leg on a pair of jeans. The SA is the dark narrow stretch of fabric next to the seam. It has been zig-zagged to keep it from fraying
Serger
The finished backside of a serged seam
Slipstitch
A slipstitch is a hand-sewing technique that allows you to join layers
Topstitching
I used plenty of topstitching in a contrasting red thread on these jeans for my godson Akki
Trimming
Seam allowance being trimmed
Twin needle
A twin needle from Schmetz
Zig-zag stitch
A zig-zag stitch is used to prevent the SA of the denim from fraying