Fashion and Sewing Terminology

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ASTM International

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Globally recognized as a leader in the development of standards in many industries, including fashion.

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Bias (facings)

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A narrow strip of lightweight fabric cut on the bias to conform to the curve it will finish.

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Blind (tucks)

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Tucks sewn so close together that the rows of stitching do not show on the outside.

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Bound Seams

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Made to finish and edge of a garment by enclosing the raw edge of another piece of fabric.

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Box (pleat)

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Fabric folded to create a wide, flat area at the top.

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Casings (waistband)

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May be an extension of the skirt or a separate piece that encloses the elastic.

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Catch (hem)

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A hem with a bit of elasticity, strengthened by crisscrossing threads.

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Centered (zipper)

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Zipper centered between two pieces of fabric, all parts showing.

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Chainstitch

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Stitch that interloops needle thread(s) with a bottom looper thread on the seam's underside.

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Classes of Seams

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Categorized by structure: SS, LS, BS, FS, EF, OS.