How to Sew | sewing dictionary

There are so many weird and wonderful terms in sewing. Like selvedge (my favourite sewing word of all time). Doesn't it sound like a foreign language? Or maybe some random cheese that you wouldn't find particularly appetising.

Well, to move us on in our how to sew series I've put together a handy reference guide to some of the most common terms you might come across. Bookmark it / pin it and it'll be a handy reference guide for  your future projects.

I'll be improving this post as time goes on. Adding new words and pictures. Maybe even a video or two. So do check back. And if you think I'm missing anything do let me know. I'll make sure it goes on the list.

Sewing Dictionary

baste / basting stitch: 

a really loose stitch made by hand that lets you attach something temporarily before going over it with your machine. You then cut it away your basting stitches (if you're being all professional) or can leave them in (if you're lazy like me). A good way to temporarily attach zippers and sleeves.

bias:

if you want a really flowy bit of clothing you'll want to cut on the bias, which means cutting your fabric at a 45 degree angle to the selvedge. Personally, I'm not a fan, as it eats up way too much fabric.

bias binding:

basically fabric ribbon that's available in all sorts of colours and patterns. A handy way of finishing hems to get a nice, neat edge. You can also make your own with a handy (and cheap) little contraption.

grain:

the direction the threads run in fabric. You have lengthwise grain running parallel to your selvedge, and cutting grain running perpendicular to your selvedge.

overlocker:

a very handy machine that finishes the edges of fabric so that it doesn't fray. If you're not lucky enough to have one (I don't) use the zig zag stitch.

seam allowance:

refers to the length of fabric from the stitches to the edge of the fabric. Usually it's between 1/4" to 1/2" and your instructions or pattern should tell you how much. In other words, it means stitching 1/4" or 1/2" from the edge of the fabric when joining two parts together. Your sewing machine will probably have little markings on the silver plate on either side of the sewing foot which will tell you where to place the edge of your fabric to get the correct seam allowance.

selvedge:

the woven border along two sides of your fabric. This is the edge that won't fray or unravel.

sewing foot:

also know as the presser foot. This is section of your sewing machine that helps guides the needle and holds down the fabric. The most common is the zig zag foot, but sewing feet can be changed out to give you different options (like invisible hem, zipper, button hole).

straight stitch:

the most useful stitch in the world, and probably the one you'll use 80% of the time. Can be changed on your machine by adjusting the stitch length and tension.

zig zag stitch:

the second most useful stitch in the world. Great for stopping fabric from fraying if you don't have an overlocker.