Making a series of small cuts after you’ve sewn a curved seam so that when turned right side out the fabric will lay flat without puckering. You don’t…
A piece of cotton cord wrapped in fabric that is sewn into a seam to create an accent. Often used in slipcovers.
A button which can be covered in a coordinating fabric. A back piece secures the fabric over the top.
A fabric woven perpendicular to the selvage, giving it a slight amount of stretch.
A mat designed to be used with a rotary cutter. They are often made of self-healing material and have grids printed on them.
What you yell when you’ve sewn your sleeve to your project. Also, a repair made to a fabric hole by repeated stitches going back and forth.
The way fabric hangs on an item. Most often used to describe garments.
A formal window covering which hangs from a rod.
A stitch made very close to a folded edge, generally 1/8″ or less.
Adding decoration to an item. Includes embroidery, appliqué, decorative stitching, beading, sequins, needlework, etc.
A fabric made with any combination of fibers: cotton/polyester, wool/polyester, silk/cotton, wool/cotton, etc.
The “teeth” under the needle which pull the fabric forward in synchronization with the stitch.
Pressing open a seam with your finger where it may not be appropriate to use an iron.
Turning under an edge and sewing or serging it so it doesn’t ravel.
A seam that is flattened by having one seam allowance trimmed close to the seam and the other seam allowance sewn over the top of it. Often used…
Some patterns will have pieces that are placed onto a folded piece of fabric in order to get a piece double the size of the pattern. The fold…
The foot-shaped piece the sewing machine presses down against the fabric to allow it to be moved by the feed dogs. Sewing machines use many kinds of presser…
Having the ability to be permanently attached by ironing. Fusible items use a heat-activated glue.
Pulling fabric into miniature pleats either to compress it in size or for a decorative effect. To create a gather two parallel basting stitches are sewn on the…
The direction on the fabric that’s parallel to the selvage.
A layer of material that goes between curtain fabric and the lining. In home decor It’s used in panel curtains.
Material that goes on the back of shades or curtains. Linings can allow more or less light through as desired. For instance blackout lining is desirable for bedroom…
Generally, any decorative stitch made by a sewing machine. Includes running stitches and embroidery designs sewn in a hoop.
A basic cotton fabric often off-white in color and inexpensive.
The sharp item which the machine uses to push the thread through the fabric to form a stitch. There are many different types of needles for different types…
Any item used for sewing other than the fabric or machine.
A stitch done on the edge of fabric to keep it from raveling.
A stitch made by a serger that finishes the fabric edge. Sergers are sometimes called overlockers outside the U.S.
The nap or raised surface or of a fabric. Fabrics with a nap include velvet, terrycloth and corduroy.
Many different kinds of pins are used in sewing. Home decor sewing requires basic versions like straight pins and safety pins.
Narrow, raised rows of fabric, created for a decorative look. Can be created by stitching with a pintuck foot.
A length of cord covered in fabric. Often used around the edge of pillows and seat cushions.
A fold in fabric created for functional or decorative fullness. The fold is sewn at one end of the fabric and allowed to gradually relax such as in…
Washing and drying a piece of fabric before using it in a sewing project. Preshrinking is important if the finished item is ever to be washed.
Using an iron to smooth out a section of fabric.
See foot.
The edge of fabric that has not been stitched or finished.
Sewing a piece of fabric to the back of another piece of fabric and then cutting a decorative hole in the top fabric to reveal the fabric underneath.…
The side of the fabric with the design. In cases where both sides of the fabric are identical then either side can be chosen for the right side.
A fabric shade that forms neat rows of folds when drawn up.
It looks a little bit like a pizza cutter. The blade is round and razor sharp. Used with a cutting board, it allows you to cut fabric more…
A straight edge with standard and metric measurements marked out. Sewing rulers are often clear. A popular size is 2″ wide by 18″ long.