SEWING GLOSSARY
A growing collection of illustrated sewing terms, techniques and construction methods.
Designed to help beginners build a strong foundation and confidence at the sewing machine.
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FABRIC BASICS
SEWING BASICS
PATTERN BASICS
FINISHING BASICS
More Entires will follow on a regular basis - If you have a specific question or miss something - drop me a message!
Happy Sewing, Tobi x
BASIC SEAM
A basic seam is the foundation of most sewing projects. Many other seam types, such as French seams, flat-felled seams, and bound seams, begin with the same basic construction.
FRENCH SEAM
a French seam encloses the raw edges inside the seam itself - making it a wonderfully neat and clean finish - without an overlock or sewer!
BASTING
a temporary stitch that gives you control before the final seam!
PINNING
this is what keeps everything in place before you commit to actually stitching your seam
SEAM ALLOWANCE
The seam line determines the garment. The seam allowance makes it sewable
RAW EDGES
Every cut edge of a fabric needs a decision - leave it, finish it or enclose it …
WOVEN vs KNITTED Fabrics
Most fabrics fall into 2 categories - woven or knit - and they behave very differently….
SELVAGE
the finished edge of you Fabric tells you more than you might think …
RIGHT SIDE vs. WRONG SIDE
Some fabrics make this very obvious, others barely show it - but it matters when you start cutting - the right side vs. the wrong side of a fabric
FABRIC GRAIN
The direction you cut your fabric in, changes how your garment behaves…
A basic seam is the foundation of most sewing projects. Many other seam types, such as French seams, flat-felled seams, and bound seams, begin with the same basic construction.