Costuming

Question 1

basting stitch

Answer 1

a temporary stitch used to secure material until permanent machine stitching can be done, or to transfer markings to the right side of the fabric

Question 2

bias

Answer 2

cutting woven fabric on a 45 degree angle to the grain line; there is considerably more stretch

Question 3

bobbin

Answer 3

a spindle or cylinder, with or without flanges, on which thread is wound; used in sewing machines

Question 4

catch stitch

Answer 4

a stitch which, while holding securely, allows for some “give” to the sewn area. It is useful for hemming knits or garments cut on the bias and for holding facings and interfacings

Question 5

facing

Answer 5

a piece of fabric used to finish raw edges of a garment at open areas, such as at the neckline, armholes and front and back plackets

Question 6

grain

Answer 6

refers to the direction of the warp and weft threads used in weaving the fabric. Straight grain is in the direction of the warp threads, which run parallel to the selvages and cross grain runs in the direction of the weft threads, which run perpendicular to the selvage edges

Question 7

interfacing

Answer 7

fabric sewn or fused especially between the facing and the outside of a garment (as in a collar or cuff) for stiffening, reinforcing and shape retention

Question 8

knit fabric

Answer 8

made by one continuous thread, much like continuous yarn in hand knitting; knitted textiles are created by a single thread, or yarn, assisted by needles, to create interlocking loops

Question 9

nap

Answer 9

the fuzzy part of fabrics like velvet

Question 10

pattern

Answer 10

a template from which the parts of a garment are traced onto fabric before being cut out and assembled

Question 11

seam

Answer 11

the joint where two or more layers of fabric are held together with stitches

Question 12

selvage

Answer 12

the tightly woven edge of a fabric; prevents the side edges of the fabric from raveling or fraying; usually sturdier than the rest of the fabric

Question 13

slip stitch

Answer 13

used for hemming or invisible stitching on appliques; thread passes through only a few threads of the fabric

Question 14

stitch

Answer 14

a single turn or loop of thread; stitches are the fundamental element of sewing, whether by hand or machine

Question 15

woven fabric

Answer 15

any textile made from weaving; often created on a loom, and made of many threads woven on a warp and a weft

Question 16

Cutting Tables

Answer 16

large tables about 36” high for laying out and cutting patterns and fabric.

Question 17

Dress Forms

Answer 17

human forms in a variety of sizes for draping garments. They can be padded out to precisely match the actor.

Question 18

Irons and Steamers

Answer 18

for pressing seams and removing wrinkles

Question 19

Washers and Dryers

Answer 19

for cleaning and dyeing

Question 20

Dye Vat

Answer 20

for heating fabric while dyeing

Question 21

Pins

Answer 21

for pinning seams to be stitched; also for marking

Question 22

Shears

Answer 22

for cutting (like metal scissors)

Question 23

Marking Tools

Answer 23

Tailor’s chalk, Tracing wheels, Tracing paper

Question 24

Seam rippers

Answer 24

for picking out stiches that need to be restitched; specially shaped to cut thread without cutting the fabric

Question 25

Cotton

Answer 25

is one of the most common and least expensive. It comes in a huge variety of finishes, textures, weights, and blends. It dyes easily, wrinkles easily, and can have a crisp “hand.”

Question 26

Linen

Answer 26

is made from flax. It is very light and breathable. It is the worst wrinkling fabric. It comes in a variety of weights and finishes. It does not dye easily, but it is stronger than cotton.

Question 27

Silk

Answer 27

is one of the most luxurious fabrics. It dyes well and drapes beautifully. It is made from the cocoons of silk worms. A pure diet of mulberry leaves produces the finest silk. A mixed diet produces a nubbier fabric.

Question 28

Wool

Answer 28

usually from sheep, is processed into two types of yarns. Woolens are softer, weaker and fuzzier. Worsteds are tighter and more fine. Wools release wrinkles easily, dye well. Too much heat can cause shrinkage and change the texture.

Question 29

Synthetic Fibers

Answer 29

Acrylic, Rayon, Acetate, Polyester, and Nylon