100+Terminology

1. Seam: The line where two pieces of fabric are joined together by stitching.

2. Dart: A folded and stitched tapered section of fabric used to add shape and contour to a
garment, typically found around the bust, waist, or hips.

3. Hem: The finished edge of a garment or fabric, typically folded over and stitched to prevent
fraying.

4. Gusset: A triangular or diamond-shaped piece of fabric inserted into a garment to add ease
of movement or reinforce a seam, often found in underarm or crotch areas.

5. Pleat: A fold or tuck in fabric that provides fullness and shaping to a garment.

6. Notch: A small cut or indentation made in the edge of a pattern piece to indicate matching
points or seam allowances.

7. Grainline: The direction of the threads in a fabric. The lengthwise grain runs parallel to the
selvedge, while the crosswise grain runs perpendicular to the selvedge.

8. Selvedge: The self-finished edge of a fabric, often narrower and denser than the rest of the
fabric, preventing it from unraveling.

9. Staystitching: A row of stitches sewn within the seam allowance to stabilize and prevent
stretching of curved or bias-cut fabric edges.

10. Topstitching: Decorative stitching done on the outside of a garment, often done along seams
or edges to add detail and reinforcement.

11. Interfacing: A layer of fabric placed between the garment fabric and facing to add structure
and support to areas such as collars, cuffs, and buttonholes.

12. Facing: A fabric piece used to finish the raw edges of a garment, such as a neckline or
armhole, providing a clean and professional appearance.

13. Seam allowance: The area between the cut edge of the fabric and the stitching line. It allows
room for sewing and provides strength to the seams.

14. Basting: Temporary long stitches used to hold fabric pieces together before permanent
stitching.

15. Under stitching: A line of stitching done on the facing to prevent it from rolling to the outside
of the garment.

16. French seam: A seam finishing technique where raw fabric edges are enclosed within the
seam for a clean finish on the inside of the garment.

17. Tacking: Temporary stitches used to hold fabric layers or specific points in place during
construction.

18. Bias: The diagonal direction across the grain of the fabric, often used to create stretch or
drape in a garment.

19. Lining: A separate layer of fabric used to cover the inside of a garment, providing a neat
finish and additional comfort.
20. Casing: A fabric tunnel created to enclose elastic, drawstrings, or other adjustable elements
in a garment.

21. Buttonhole: A slit or opening in the fabric created to accommodate a button, allowing the
garment to fasten securely.

22. Seam ripper: A tool used to remove stitches and open seams.

23. Pinking shears: Scissors with serrated blades used to create a zigzag edge on fabric to
prevent fraying.

24. Pressing: The act of using heat and pressure to flatten fabric, seams, and other garment
elements for a crisp and professional appearance.

25. Tension: The amount of resistance or tightness in the sewing machine thread while stitching.

26. Zigzag stitch: A stitch pattern that creates a zigzag shape, often used to finish fabric edges,
prevent fraying, or provide stretch.

27. Serger/Overlocker: A specialized sewing machine that trims, encloses, and finishes fabric
edges with an overcast stitch.

28. Seam finish: Techniques used to prevent fraying and neaten raw

29. Grading: The process of proportionally increasing or decreasing the size of a pattern to
accommodate different sizes.

30. Ease: The slight amount of extra room added to a garment to allow for comfortable
movement.

31. Tucks: Narrow folds of fabric stitched in place to add decorative detail or create shape.

32. Pockets: Fabric pouches attached to a garment for holding small items.

33. Cuff: A folded or turned-up fabric band at the end of a sleeve or pant leg.

34. Collar: A fabric band that frames the neckline of a garment.

35. Lapel: The folded, notched or turned-back front section of a garment, typically found on
jackets, coats, and blazers.

36. Placket: An opening in a garment, usually at the neckline or cuff, created to allow for easy
dressing or access.

37. Bias tape: Strips of fabric cut on the bias (diagonal direction) used to finish raw edges or add
decorative trim.

38. Ruffle: A strip of gathered or pleated fabric used for decorative purposes, often found on
sleeves, hems, or necklines.

39. Facing: A fabric piece used to finish the raw edges of a garment, providing a clean and
professional appearance.

40. Interlining: A layer of fabric placed between the main fabric and lining for added warmth,
structure, or insulation.
41. Welt pocket: A type of pocket with a narrow strip of fabric, or welt, surrounding the opening
for a neat and finished look.

42. Gathers: Evenly spaced folds of fabric created by drawing up the fabric along a thread or
seam to add fullness.

43. Bias cut: Cutting fabric at a 45-degree angle to the straight grain, allowing the fabric to drape
and contour to the body.

44. Casing: A fabric tunnel created to enclose elastic, drawstrings, or other adjustable elements
in a garment.

45. Underlining: A layer of fabric sewn to the wrong side of the main fabric to provide additional
support, structure, or opacity.

46. Vent: An opening or slit in a garment, often found at the back of a skirt, jacket, or coat to
allow for ease of movement.

47. Notions: Small items used in sewing, such as buttons, zippers, snaps, hooks, and thread.

48. Grain: The direction of the threads in a fabric, including lengthwise grain, crosswise grain,
and bias.

49. Pattern: A template or guide used for cutting fabric pieces to create a garment.

50. Seam ripper: A small tool used to remove stitches and open seams. Dart intake: The amount
of fabric taken in by a dart to create shaping in a garment.

51. Tacking stitch: Temporary hand stitches used to hold fabric layers or specific points together
during construction.

52. Interlock stitch: A type of stitch produced by a serger/overlocker that interlocks the needle
thread and the looper thread for a secure and stretchable seam.

53. Facing understitching: Stitching done on the facing close to the seam line to help the facing
stay in place and prevent it from rolling to the outside of the garment.

54. French seam: A seam finish where the raw edges of fabric are enclosed within the seam
itself, resulting in a clean and neat finish on both sides.

55. Cording: Thin, flexible cords used to create decorative effects or reinforce specific areas of a
garment.

56. Bound buttonhole: A type of buttonhole that has fabric edges bound with bias tape for
added strength and a polished look.

57. Piping: A narrow strip of fabric inserted into a seam or along the edge of a garment for
decorative purposes.

58. Ruching: A technique where fabric is gathered or pleated to create a textured or gathered
effect.

59. Godet: Triangular or diamond-shaped fabric inserts used to add volume or flare to a
garment.
60. Placket opening: An opening in a garment, typically found in shirts or blouses, that allows for
easy wearing and removal.

61. Shank button: A button with a loop or stem on the back, allowing space between the button
and the fabric when sewn, creating a slight lift.

62. Grainline marking: Indications on a pattern piece that show the direction of the grain to
ensure proper placement and alignment during cutting.

63. Tension disc: A part of a sewing machine that controls the tension applied to the upper
thread.

64. Blind hem: A hemming technique where the stitches are nearly invisible on the garment's
right side.

65. Batting: A soft, thick material used for adding insulation or volume to garments, often used in
quilting or padding.

66. Collar stand: The part of a collar that extends up from the neckline and supports the collar.

67. Mock flat-fell seam: A decorative seam finish that simulates the appearance of a flat-felled
seam without the extra fabric layers.

68. Pinking: Cutting fabric edges with pinking shears to create a zigzag pattern, which helps
prevent fraying.

69. Facing interface: A layer of interfacing fused or sewn onto the facing to provide structure and
stability.

70. Dart intake: The amount of fabric taken in by a dart to create shaping in a garment

71. Tailoring: The art of creating garments with meticulous attention to fit and detail, often
involving hand sewing techniques and precision.

72. Welt seam: A seam finish where two fabric edges are joined with a strip of fabric, creating a
raised and finished appearance.

73. Appliqué: The process of attaching a piece of fabric or decorative motif onto a larger fabric
surface.

74. Boning: Rigid or semi-rigid strips or casings inserted into garments to provide structure,
support, and shape, often used in corsets or bodices.

75. Lapped zipper: A zipper installation technique where one fabric edge is folded over the other,
creating a lapped effect with the zipper hidden beneath.

76. Gathering stitch: Long, loose stitches used to create controlled gathers in fabric.

77. Quilting: The process of stitching through layers of fabric and batting to create a padded or
textured effect.

78. Set-in sleeve: A sleeve style where the sleeve is attached to the garment with a seam,
allowing for a more tailored and fitted look.

79. Tunic: A loose-fitting garment that falls somewhere between a top and a dress in length.
80. Yoke: A separate fabric piece that joins the front and back of a garment, often found in shirts
or dresses, adding structure or design detail.

81. Tacking thread: Temporary hand stitches used to hold fabric or trims in place before
permanent stitching.

82. Seam finish: Techniques used to prevent fraying and neaten raw edges of seams, such as
zigzag stitching, serging, or binding.

83. Bias binding: Strips of fabric cut on the bias and used to enclose raw edges or create
decorative finishes.

84. Ruffling: The process of gathering fabric to create a ruffle or frill.

85. Hong Kong finish: A seam finish where fabric edges are enclosed within bias binding for a
clean and durable edge.

86. Inseam: The seam that runs along the inside of a garment, typically found in pants or skirts.

87. Trousers: Pants that are typically tailored and worn on the lower body.

88. Grommet: A metal or plastic eyelet used for reinforcement or as an opening for lacing or
threading.

89. Tunic: A loose-fitting garment that falls somewhere between a top and a dress in length.

90. Whipstitch: A simple hand stitch used for joining fabric edges or finishing raw edges.

91. Tailoring: The art of creating garments with meticulous attention to fit and detail, often
involving hand sewing techniques and precision.

92. Welt seam: A seam finish where two fabric edges are joined with a strip of fabric, creating a
raised and finished appearance.

93. Appliqué: The process of attaching a piece of fabric or decorative motif onto a larger fabric
surface.

94. Boning: Rigid or semi-rigid strips or casings inserted into garments to provide structure,
support, and shape, often used in corsets or bodices.

95. Lapped zipper: A zipper installation technique where one fabric edge is folded over the other,
creating a lapped effect with the zipper hidden beneath.

96. Gathering stitch: Long, loose stitches used to create controlled gathers in fabric.

97. Quilting: The process of stitching through layers of fabric and batting to create a padded or
textured effect.

98. Set-in sleeve: A sleeve style where the sleeve is attached to the garment with a seam,
allowing for a more tailored and fitted look.

99. Tunic: A loose-fitting garment that falls somewhere between a top and a dress in length.

100. Yoke: A separate fabric piece that joins the front and back of a garment, often found
in shirts or dresses, adding structure or design detail.
101. Tacking thread: Temporary hand stitches used to hold fabric or trims in place before
permanent stitching.

102. Seam finish: Techniques used to prevent fraying and neaten raw edges of seams,
such as zigzag stitching, serging, or binding.

103. Bias binding: Strips of fabric cut on the bias and used to enclose raw edges or create
decorative finishes.

104. Ruffling: The process of gathering fabric to create a ruffle or frill.

105. Hong Kong finish: A seam finish where fabric edges are enclosed within bias binding
for a clean and durable edge.

106. Inseam: The seam that runs along the inside of a garment, typically found in pants or
skirts.

107. Trousers: Pants that are typically tailored and worn on the lower body.

108. Grommet: A metal or plastic eyelet used for reinforcement or as an opening for
lacing or threading.

109. Tunic: A loose-fitting garment that falls somewhere between a top and a dress in
length.

110. Whipstitch: A simple hand stitch used for joining fabric edges or finishing raw edges.