Sewing Terms and Techniques

Front

Pattern

Back

A pattern is the template that sewers and designers use to make a garment.

Front

Fit & Fitted Garments

Back

Refers to how tight or loose the garment is on the person who is wearing it.

Front

Seams

Back

The lines of stitches that join two pieces of fabric together.

Front

Ruching & Shirring

Back

Ruching is a gathered overlay of fabric strips that are pleated, fluted, or gathered together to create a ripple-like effect.

Front

Neckline

Back

The edge of a garment at or below the neck, used with reference to its height or shape.

Front

Bodice

Back

The area above the waist.

Front

Skirts

Back

A garment fastened around the waist and hanging down around the legs

Front

Pants

Back

An outer garment covering each leg separately and usually extending from the waist to the ankle

Front

Draping

Back

Wrapped or hung on the body

Front

Tailored

Back

Made first by cutting garment pieces and then sewing them together to fit the shape of the body