The line created when two pieces of fabric are stitched together.
Liz Johnson.Editor.Sew4Home
Seam allowance
The amount of space between the edge of the fabric and the line of stitching. Most home decor projects have a ½” seam allowance.
Selvedge (selvege or selvage)
The edge of the fabric that comes finished from the manufacturer. It is often marked with information such as color code and other identifying data.
Serger
A special type of sewing machine that finishes the edge of fabric while it cuts off the excess. A serger often has more than one needle and is sometimes referred to as an overlocker.
Shank button
A button with an extension on the back by which it is attached to the fabric. The shank may be a loop and creates a space between the button and the fabric.
Shrink
Some fabrics become smaller when washed and dried. If a home decor item is going to be washed at any time (like a slipcover) the fabric should be laundered before it is cut out to make sure It’s done shrinking.
Sizing
A light starch finish that gives fabric a little bit of rigidity without being too stiff.
Slit
An open part of a seam often at the bottom. For example, the slit on a skirt.
Spool
A small cylinder thread is wound onto. Spools can be wooden, plastic, metal or cardboard.
Stash
The collection of fabric you hope to use some day.
Stitch in the ditch
Stitching close to a seam allowance or in a seam itself to hold it down.
Stitch length
The length of each complete stitch. Stitch length is measured in millimeters on most machines.
Stitch width
The distance across a stitch. A straight stitch is very narrow. A satin stitch can be wide.
Straight stitch
The standard sewing stitch made by most machines without a specialty foot.
Tack
A stitch used to temporarily hold two pieces of fabric together. Tacking can also refer to repeated stitches at the beginning of a seam for added strength.
Tension
The amount of resistance your sewing machine gives to the thread in your sewing needle and lower bobbin. Some sewing situations will call for you to adjust the upper thread tension on your machine. If this is specified, consult your machine manual.
Thimble
A little cap worn on your finger or thumb to protect it from the needle during hand sewing. Thimbles can be made of wood, metal or plastic.
Thread
A fine cord of spun out fiber used by a needle to create stitches. Thread may be made from cotton, polyester, silk, wool or other fibers and combinations.
Thread (verb)
The act of inserting thread through the eye of a needle. This term applies to sewing machine and hand needles.
Tie back (or tieback)
A device for holding curtains or drapes off to the side so that they are not hanging in front of the window. As its name implies, a tie back may be a strip of fabric that is tied, or it can be a strip of fabric with hooks or velcro, or even an open metal loop.
Top stitch
A stitch that is ¼” from the edge of a seam, sometimes done in a coordinating thread color for decoration or a matching thread color for stabilization.
Trim
A decorative item such as ribbon or lace that is added onto a home decor project.
Trim (verb)
To cut away excess fabric with scissors.