Terms to Know Flashcards
Selvage
The two finished lengthwise edges of fabric, does not ravel.
Grain/Grainline
Direction that yarns run in a woven fabric, run parallel to the selvage.
Fibre
Basic unit that makes fabric (by becoming yarns).
Yarns
Fibres twisted together or laid side by side, make up fabrics.
Interfacing
Piece of fabric placed between the outer fabric and facing to prevent stretching, adds shape or adds crispness to a certain area.
Lining
An inner layer of fabric underneath a garment used to finish the inside of the garment; constructed separately and then joined at one or more major seams.
Raw Edge
The unfinished, cut edge of the fabric.
Notions
Small items that become a permanent part of the garment, such as thread and zippers.
Seam
The line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together.
Hem
The edge of the fabric that has been folded and sewn under in order to keep the raw edge of the fabric from unraveling and being seen.
Baste
Sewing, by hand or machine, with long stitches in order to temporarily hold together two pieces of fabric, so that they stay in place while you stitch them together.
Gather
Created by running a thread along the fabric, and then scrunching the fabric together along the thread.
Notch
A diamond or triangle-shaped symbol along the cutting line showing where the pattern pieces are joined together.
Back Stitch
The process of sewing backwards over the loose threads at the beginning of a stitch, in order to secure your stitch. This works by securing the threads down so they don’t come loose and unravel your stitch. This is done at the beginning and end of a stitch, and whenever the thread is broken.
Pressing
When an iron is lowered to the fabric, then raised up and lowered to a different spot.
