Anatomy of a Machine
This small spool holds the bottom thread and sits inside the machine.
What is a bobbin?
This little tool with a small hook and a sharp edge is every sewist’s best friend for removing unwanted stitches.
What is a seam ripper?
This fuzzy, matte material doesn't have threads and never frays when you cut it, making it incredibly easy for beginners to use.
What is felt?
The most fundamental machine stitch, it consists of a single row of continuous, forward stitches.
What is a straight stitch?
The pretty, patterned, or smooth side of the fabric that is meant to face outward on your finished project.
What is the right side of the fabric?
This lever or button tells your machine to sew backward, securing your stitches at the beginning and end of a seam.
What is the reverse lever (or backstitch button)?
Unlike rigid wooden or plastic rulers, this flexible tool is used to measure bodies, curves, and long stretches of fabric.
What is a flexible measuring tape?
This is a small sample square of fabric used to test your machine's tension and stitches before working on your actual project.
What is a swatch?
This is the distance between the raw edge of the fabric and the line of stitching you are sewing.
What is the seam allowance?
The edge of a fabric project that has been folded under and stitched down to make it look neat and prevent unraveling.
What is a hem?
These metal, tooth-like ridges under the presser foot move the fabric forward while you sew.
What are the feed dogs?
These heavy-duty shears have a bent handle that keeps fabric flat on the table while you cut.
What are fabric shears (or dressmaker's shears)?
This plain-woven, cream-colored cotton fabric is lightweight and often used to practice stitches and test patterns.
What is calico?
This back-and-forth stitch is used to wrap over raw edges to stop them from fraying, or to sew stretchy materials.
What is a zigzag stitch?
When thread loops or bunches up in a messy tangle under your fabric while machine sewing.
What is bird's nesting?
This is the foot attachment that holds your fabric flat against the machine while the needle moves up and down.
What is the presser foot?
You place these sharp objects into your fabric to hold two pieces together securely before you start sewing.
What are pins?
This heavy, durable fabric features distinct diagonal lines woven into it, making it excellent for sturdy projects.
What is drill fabric?
This basic hand-sewing stitch goes up and down through the fabric in a straight line, leaving small spaces between each stitch.
What is a running stitch?
The faded, rougher, or back side of the fabric where you usually mark your lines or hide your knots.
What is the wrong side of the fabric?
This wheel on the right side of the machine raises and lowers the needle manually. It should always be turned toward you.
This small spool holds the bottom thread and sits inside the machine.
This small, protective cap fits over your fingertip to keep you from accidentally poking yourself during hand sewing.
What is a thimble?
This is the general term for the thin, spun strands of fiber you thread through your needle to hold your pieces together.
What is thread?
To prevent a hand-sewing thread from pulling completely through the fabric on your very first stitch, you must tie this at the end of the thread.
What is a knot?
This is the action of using a hot iron to flatten your seams flat and smooth immediately after sewing them.
What is pressing?