There can be a lot of terms used when sewing. Some of them might be easier to guess at what is being refereed to then others, and the following list of alphabetized terms should make it easy to figure out what is being referred to, and help you determine what how to move forward with your sewing project.
If you notice a term that hasn’t been added to this list yet, please use the form on the landing page by clicking the stitched logo at the top of the site.
Applique – applying fabric, trims, or other to another piece of fabric. Typically this fabric, trim or other is stitched on to another piece of fabric. This technique might be done as a design feature, to highlight a certain component with an item, or other.
Bias – 45 degrees to the lengthwise grainline. A woven fabric might be cut on the bias to provide some mechanical give (stretch), or to increase the drape of a piece of fabric.
Binding – Typically a strip of fabric cut on the bias (45 degrees to the lengthwise grainline), folded with raw edges into the centre. Binding might be used to finish a seam allowance or edge.
Bound Seam Allowance/Edge – Binding is used to finish a raw seam allowance edge or a raw edge of an item being made. This seam or edge finishing creates a clean finish.
Buttons – Buttons come in multiple types, 2 hole, 4 hole, shank and other. Buttons can be used for a closure method, or for design details.
Nap – Fabrics like velvet, corduroy, and others with a pile that typically feels different when running your hand along it in one direction then the other has a nap. Prior to cutting out this fabric, identify what way you would like the nap (or pile to run in), mark it on your fabric with chalk (or other) and double-check the direction of all of your pattern pieces before cutting out.