Sewing terms comprise such a large lexis of words that can be a challenge to the new sewing enthusiast. To further add to the challenge new sewing tools, techniques and technologies, over time, continue to add and expand on any sewing glossary while archaic terms eventually fall into disuse but often remain in the lexicon of sewing vocabulary. Sewing terms, sewing tools, fabrics, trims and patterns make up such a large part of the first impression of sewing that it helps to have some familiarity with those terms.

Sewing Dictionaries, Glossaries, Terms

Common Terms Dictionary – available as a PDF file from BeSewStylish.com and within the pages of Quick Stuff to Sew, a spring 2008 publication from the Editors of Threads.

Glossary: from Baby Lock’s Totally Stitchin’ available at Totallystitchin.net

Sewing Basics: Glossary from Simplicity.com

The DIY Super-Duper Needle Arts Glossary from DIYNetwork.com

The Sewing Dictionary & Glossary from Needlepointers.com

Common Pattern Sewing Terms

Adjustment Line: double line indicating where pattern can be shortened or lengthened before cutting.

Button/Buttonhole Placement: solid lines indicate length of buttonhole for button size and placement.

Cutting Line: heavy, solid line along outer edge of pattern; May also designate a cut-off line for a certain view; look for a scissors graphic.

Dart: broken line and dots forming a "V" shape, usually at the hipline, bust line or elbow
Grain line: heavy, solid line with arrows at each end.

Detail Positions: broken lines indicating placement of pockets, tucks or other details

Dot/Squares/Triangles: both large and small; found along seam lines or darts used for matching

Fold Brackets: long brackets with arrows at each end designating where to place the pattern on the fold of the material.

Fold line: solid line marking where garment is to be folded during construction.

Gathering Lines: two solid or broken lines, or small dots at each end marking an area to be gathered.

Hemline: hem allowance is printed on the cutting line.

Notches: protruding diamond shapes along cutting line; used for matching seams; at times numbered in order in which seams are joined.

Seam line: long, broken line usually 5/8" (1.5cm) inside cutting line.

Zipper Placement: parallel rows of triangles along seam line where zipper is to be inserted.

Sew happy, sew well.

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