Today, I thought it might be a good idea to go over some basic sewing terms. There are a lot of sewing terms out there, and this is just a short list of the ones that I use most.
Be sure to check out our popular How To Make Pillows page for over 25 pillow ideas, tips & techniques.
Sewing Terms
1. Backstitch
Used at the beginning and the end of a seam, a couple of extra stitches are sewn back and forth to anchor the seam. (Can also be known as back tacking.)
2. Baste or basting
Temporary, long stitches done by hand or machine to hold fabric in place for final stitching.
3. Bias Edge
True bias is a cut made on an angle 45 degrees to the selvage. This is the stretchiest part on the fabric.
4. Clip
Cut little notches in the seam allowance to allow it to go around corners better. Used most often when sewing cording onto a pillow.
5. Cording
A narrow strip of fabric wrapped and sewn around a cord. Used as a decorative element added to pillows, valances and other soft furnishings. (Also known as piping or welt.)
6. Finger Press
Using your fingers and pressure to open up a seam.
7. Right Side/Wrong Side
The right side of the fabric is usually the pretty side which is seen when the project is done. The wrong side is the back side of the right side, and is usually not as bright.
8. Seam Allowance
The fabric between the cut edge of the fabric and the line of stitching. For most of my projects I use a 1/2″ seam allowance. If I am inserting a zipper I use a 3/4″ seam allowance.
9. Selvage
The factory edges of a fabric that run lengthwise on both sides of the fabric.
10. Serge Stitch
An edge or seam sewn on a serger. Great for keeping the edges of a fabric from fraying.
So, that is my list of basic sewing terms. Of the many I didn’t talk about here, which ones would you add?
Great info for us novice seamstresses… especially since most tutorials don’t define these terms. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Angela, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This is a great and informative post for any new seamstress. I shared it on my pinterest sewing board.
Thanks for sharing on Pinterest Kimberlee! Glad the info was helpful.
Great post! I’m very new to sewing, so I’ll pin this to have it on hand next time I’m trying to read some of the sewing tutorials I find!
Thanks!
Sam
(found you from Someday Crafts)
Thanks Sam, I’m glad it was helpful.
This is so great! I just got my first ever sewing machine and this is so helpful. I’m looking forward to the tutorials.
Thanks Elena! Much luck with your sewing endeavors!
Jann, this is such a great list of definitions! Thanks so much for sharing this week at Monday Funday! Have an amazing week!
Take care,
Trish
Thanks Trish! I like really detailed tutorials with pictures, so that is what I tried to do with this post.
Also, thanks again for hosting the Monday Funday party!
Super explanations thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Thanks so much for linking up on Tutorial Thursdays Linky Party. Voting has started, please take a moment to cast your vote on your favourite link of this week 🙂 I look forward to seeing what you share with us this week.
x
Natalie
I have started and stopped sewing so many times now. I know basic stuff but haven’t gotten very far. I will though
Nice and to the point! Thanks for sharing at my Pin Me Party!
Thanks Diana! Thanks again for hosting!
It’s so useful for us. Many thanks for sharing
Thanks Marsha!