Sewing Terms

Cutting and Measuring Equipment Seam Ripper: A small tool used to remove stitches that are sewn. Tape Measure: a measuring device used to gauge the size and dimensions of people, fabric, and patterns.

Cutting and Measuring Equipment Seam Gauge: a measuring device used to gauge measurements of things like hems or seam allowances.

Cutting and Measuring Terms Pinning: holds together two pieces of fabric using pins. Make sure you use enough pins to keep the fabric from slipping.

Cutting and Measuring Terms Selvage: the finished lengthwise edge of the fabric. It will not ravel.

Cutting and Measuring Terms Raw Edge: the unfinished edge that will ravel.

Sewing Terms Seam Allowance: this is the fabric between the stitching line and the cut edge of the fabric. Most seam allowances for clothing are 5/8 inch wide. Seam: A seam is made by sewing two pieces of fabric together.

Sewing Terms Tension: The tension refers to how the needle thread and the bobbin thread interlock to form a stitch. The stitches should look the same on both sides of the fabric. Most of the time the machine needs to be threaded again if the stitches do not look the same on both the front and back of the fabric.

Sewing Terms Zigzag Stitch: A row of stitches in a diagonal pattern that looks like a continuous row of W’s. This stitch is used to prevent the raw edge from raveling.

Sewing Terms Backstitching: this means to sew a stitch over another stitch to strengthen the seam. Stitch forward about 3-5 stitches, go in reverse the same number of stitches and then forward again. This is done at the beginning and ending of seams.

Sewing Terms Bobbin: A small spool used to hold the lower thread in a sewing machine.