A few stitches taken in reverse to secure a line of stitching.
What is Backstich
100
Marking with hand- or machine-basting.
What is Baste
100
Stitching on the right side through a seam (in the ditch"), to fasten something underneath.
What is Stichting-in-the-ditch
100
In actual fact, the raised, hairy or downy surface on fabrics such as flannel, etc. In patterns, however, "with nap" means any fabric surface that looks different when held up or down, such a s pile, knits, one-way designs.
What is Nap
100
Fabric sewn on the raw edge of a garment piece that is turned under and serves as a finish for the edge as well.
What is Facing
200
Runs diagonally to the straight grain of the fabric. This is the stretchiest part on the fabric.
What is Bias
200
Moving the fabric around with the machine needle in it and the press foot up.
What is Pivoting
200
On a pattern, the outermost dark line is the line upon which you cut.
What is Cutting Line
200
A fabric not woven or knitted from thread or yarn. Non-woven fabrics, include fake leather and suede, felt, various interfacings.
What is Non-woven fabric
200
Shrinking done before a fabric is used.
What is Pre-shrinking
300
Opening seam allowances with the thumbnail. Mostly used on fabrics that cannot be pressed.
What is Finger Pressing
300
a line of stitching along the edge of a facing or undercollar to keep it from rolling to the outside
What is Understitching
300
The allowance added to a body measurement to make a garment wearable. Also to attach a fabric edge to an edge that is slightly shorter. When ease-stitching, the longer edge is very slightly gathered.
What is Ease
300
Sewing stitch that is not meant to be seen on the right side of the fabric, usually accomplished by picking up one thread of the fabric at a time rather than going through the full fabric.
What is Blind-hem Stitch
300
Stitching done inside the seam allowance, before construction, to stabilize curved or slanted edges. Usually done on a single thickness, but also used to attach interfacing.
What is Stay-sitchting
400
Trimming each seam allowance to a different width to reduce bulk and avoid a ridge.
What is Grading
400
A V shaped, tapered adjustment to a pattern to allow for more fullness in the bust area or less fullness in other areas (waist, back).
What is Dart
400
To change or revise a pattern or garment to suit individual sizing or desires. This could be making an item larger or smaller, adding darts, lengthening a bodice, etc.
What is Alter
400
The part of a pattern or garment which runs from shoulder to waist.
What is Bodice
400
the outer fabric of a garment.
What is Fabric Fashion
500
A starch-like finish, added in the manufacture of some natural-fiber fabrics and rayon. It is water- and steam-soluble.
What is Sizing
500
Markings on patterns used for matching. They are no longer notches but the opposite-they stand out from the cut edge. Notches cut into the seam allowance may weaken the seam.
What is Notches
500
clip a curve for an outside curve (shaped like an upside down U) needs to be clipped very close to the seam line. An inside curve (shaped like a right side up U) can be cut with very small notches (V shape) out of the curve itself in order to have it lay flat and not make bunches when the project or garment is done.
What is Clip Curve
500
the degree of elasticity in a fabric or a thread.
What is Give
500
hand- or machine-stitching, either functional or decorative, that shows on the outside of a garment.