Sew ManyTerms

In order to get you better prepared to talk the talk of sewers, here are some common terms and their meanings to help you understand those sewing pattern instructions:

back-stitch - securing ends of machine stitching by reversing machine and restitching over the last few stitches typically at the ends of each seam.

basting - fairly long temporary stitches done by hand or machine

bias - A diagonal line across straight grain of fabric. True bias gives maximum stretch.

catch-stitch - crossed hand stitch used to hold raw edges in place and give some elastisity.

clip - a short snip in the seam allowance, generally around curved edges like necklines and arm holes.

dart - a stitched fold, tapered at one or both ends, made in a garment for fitting fabric to curved areas.

ease - to fit together unequal seam lengths, in order to shape curved seams, adjusting excess fabric so it neither buckles nor gathers.

edge stitching - row of stitches placed close to an edge or seam line.

gathering - one or more rows of stitches, either hand or machine, that are drawn up to form even fullness.

interfacing - fabric set in between garment and facing to give firmness, body, and shape.

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