A wave tuck starts as a modified pin tuck. The “wave” happens when the tuck is pressed in opposite directions along the length of the fold, creating an…
A single line of stitching that simply helps stabilize the fabric to prevent stretching or distortion. It can also provide a seam line to follow when inserting one…
Entredeux is from French, meaning “between two.” In sewing it is a popular heirloom sewing technique used to join pieces of fabric and/or lace trims together.
A line of straight stitching sewn just beyond the seam line of two pieces that have been sewn together to create a seam along an edge. One of…
A fabric loom is set with rows of thread criss-crossing each other to form the fabric. Vertical (lengthwise) threads are attached to the loom itself. These are called…
A decorative trim similar to piping. In general, piping usually refers to garment sewing whereas welting refers to home decor.
The finishing touch along a raw edge of a projects, created by folding the fabric. Hems can be a variety of widths and can consist of one or…
To lock the beginning or end of a seam by sewing forward for a few stitches and then reversing to sew backwards directly over the same stitches. Modern…
A decorative treatment that covers just the top of a window. A valance can be made from draped fabric, a wooden or styrofoam box covered in fabric, or…
A sewing machine needle designed to work with most types of woven fabrics. The needle tip has a slight ballpoint.
The side of the fabric with no design. The side that will face the interior or back of your project. If you can see no difference between the…
A machine needle that has “blades” on either side of the shaft to make a wider hole for a decorative look. Often used in heirloom sewing.
WOF is an abbreviation for Width of Fabric. If given as a cutting direction, it means cut the pieces of fabric as long as the width of the…
That large round thing on the right side of your machine in your hand wheel. It manually raises and lowers the needle. Depending on your style of machine,…
A companion of “drape,” hand refers to the feel of the fabric against your skin. It can be soft, stiff, loose, heavy, smooth, etc. It’s important because different projects…
A wide stitch that crosses back and forth a zig zagging pattern. Can be used as a seam, as a finishing stitch or as a decorative stitch.
Intricate, repetitive stitch patterns created with a sewing machine. They are stitched in a straight line.
A special sewing foot used to move multiple layers of fabric under the needle. This foot itself contains a set of feed dogs that work in combination with…
An open part of a seam often at the bottom. For example, the slit on a skirt. Can also mean to rip into fabric with the edge of…
A decorative item such as ribbon lace or rick rack that is added onto a background panel. It is used as both a noun and a verb, as…
The length of each complete stitch on a sewing machine. Stitch length is measured in millimeters on most machines.
The distance across a stitch. A common variable stitch width is when using a zig zag. You can set the swing of the needle left and right to…
The standard sewing stitch made by most machines without a specialty foot. As the name implies, the needle moves in a straight line.
A stitch used to temporarily hold two pieces of fabric together. It is most often done by hand, but when additional security is needed, it can be done…
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…
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.…
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…
A stitch done on the right side of the fabric, usually to hold a fold in place or to stabilize an edge. If along the edge, it is…
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.
A Slip Stitch is a stitch created with a hand sewing needle rather than your sewing machine. It joins two folded edges (or a folded edge and a…
A light starch finish that gives fabric a little bit of rigidity without being too stiff. Can also refer to the more standard definition of “sizes” as in…
A straight edge tool with standard and metric measurements marked out. Sewing rulers are often clear and often include intersecting grid lines to make alignment easier and more…
A button with an extension on the back by which it is attached to the fabric. The shank is usually a metal be a loop. It creates a…
A special type of machine that combines both needles and knives. It finishes the edge of fabric at the same time as it cuts off the excess. A…
The edge of the fabric that comes finished from the manufacturer, along the length of your cut. It is often marked with information such as color code and other…
The amount of space between the edge of the fabric and the line of stitching. Most home décor projects have a ½” seam allowance. Most garment projects use…