Sewing Terms #1
Fabric that is cut into 5 inch squares.
5 inch squares.
Fabric that is cut into 10 inch squares.
10 inch squares.
A tool used to cut through fabric. Has a round top.
Rotary cutter
Rips seams out of fabric.
Seam ripper
Scissors that are used to cut fabric specifically.
Shears
Used to create certain shapes and patterns.
Template
The design of your quilt.
Pattern
Using an iron to press seams open or to one side.
Pressing
Strips of fabric that surround the entire quilt.
Border
Strips of fabric that divide the pattern long ways and short waves.
Sashing
The finished outer edges of the quilt.
Binding
Used to hold fabric in place. Many different types and shapes.
Pins
Fabric cut into half triangles.
Half square triangles
One narrow strip of fabric that runs down the length of the fabric edges. Cut this off when you want to use the fabric.
Salvage
The bottom edge of a garment often folded up towards the inside of the garment.
Hem
Directional grain of the fabric.
Bias
The line where you sew together two pieces of fabric.
Seam
The face of the fabric is the side you see on the outside of the garment. The backside of the fabric and the inside of the garment.
Right side/Wrong Side
The raw, raveling, and unfinished edge of the fabric.
Raw edge
The layer of fabric that is on the inside of the garment to hide construction of the seams and details. Adds warmth and makes it more comfortable to wear, put on, or use.
Lining
Permanently fused to the wrong side of the fabric to add strength and structure to the garment.
Fusible interfacing
Stitch consisting of a line of small even stitches that run in and out through the cloth without overlapping.
Running stitch
A stitch sewn one stitch length backwards on the front and two stitch lengths forward on the reverse side.
Back stitch
An additional layer of fabric that is used to stabilize, add structure, crispiness, and strength. It lays between the lining/facing and outer fabric of a garment.
Interfacing
Top: Where the top of the thread travels through the tension discs at the top of the sewing machine.
Bottom: In the bobbin case.
Thread tension