Sewing Terms 101

I get it. Sewing vocabulary seems like a foreign language. These handy info-graphics are a great place to begin building your vocabulary.

Don't worry, I'll share more on the sewing machine soon! There is so much to it, it deserves an entire post.

Clipping

Make snips in the seam allowance, up to the stitching. Do not cut through the stitch. This allows the fabric to open around curves or to lay flat.

Ease

The difference between the wearer’s measurements and the amount of fabric in the garment. If the garment was made with a 36″ bust, but the wearer has a 32” bust, it would have 4″ of positive ease.

Crossgrain

The line of fabric perpendicular to the selvage edge of the fabric. It is parallel to the cut edge of the fabric.

Grain line

The imaginary line running lengthwise on the fabric, always parallel to the selvage edge. The grain line is marked on pattern pieces with a straight line, usually with arrows at either end, and marked as “grain line” or “straight grain.”

Facing

Creates an enclosed edge by mirroring the edge it is sewn to. Typically used for necklines, edges with closures, or armholes.

Interfacing

A layer of fabric used to stabilize the fashion fabric in a garment.

Right side

The side of the fabric designed to be on the outside of the garment.

Wrong side

The side of the fabric intended to be on the inside of the garment. Some fabrics are obvious as to which is the wrong or right side, but both sides can look the same on other fabrics.

Yardage

Length of fabric. Patterns will indicate the yardage needed for each specific size.

Basting

Basting stitches are temporary, long running stitches used to hold fabric together. They are made by machine or hand.

Edge stitch

A line of stitching extremely close to a seam or garment edge.

Stay stitch

A line of machine stitches on or near the seamline, stitched on a single layer of fabric. Used to stabilize a cut edge.

Topstitch

A row of stitches seen on the outside of a garment. They may be decorative and can add strength to an item.

Under stitch

Stitches attaching the facing to the seam allowance on the inside of the garment. It is sewn as close to the seam as possible.

Stitch length

The length of one stitch. Fewer stitches per inch means each stitch is longer.

Gathering

Running a thread along fabric and scrunching the fabric along the thread to make the fabric shorter.

Special thanks to takelessons.com for the perfect info-graphics!