Common Sewing Terms for Beginners
This beginner-friendly glossary explains common sewing terms in plain English so you can understand patterns, follow tutorials more confidently, and build your sewing skills faster.
Sewing Construction Terms
Seam
The line of stitching that holds two pieces of fabric together.
Seam Allowance
The space between the stitching line and the raw edge of the fabric.
Seam Finish
How the raw edges of a seam are treated to prevent fraying and make the inside of a project look neat.
Hem
The finished bottom edge of a garment or piece of fabric.
Backstitch
Sewing a few stitches backward and then forward at the start or end of a seam to lock the stitches in place so they do not unravel.
Topstitch
A visible line of stitching on the outside of a project that adds strength, structure, or decoration. Often sewn with a slightly longer stitch length for a clean, polished look.
Basting
Temporary stitches used to hold fabric in place, done by hand or by machine using a long stitch length.
Fabric and Fabric Direction Terms
Selvage
The finished edge of fabric that runs lengthwise and does not fray.
Grainline
The direction of threads in the fabric that affects how a garment hangs and stretches.
Lengthwise Grain
Threads running parallel to the selvage, usually with the least stretch.
Crosswise Grain
Threads running perpendicular to the selvage, usually with a bit more give.
Bias
Fabric cut at a 45° angle to the grain, where woven fabric has the most stretch and drape.
Raw Edge / Cut Edge
The cut edge of fabric (not the selvage) that can fray on woven fabrics.
Pattern and Fit Terms
Notches
Small marks on pattern pieces used to help align pieces correctly. The term can also refer to small V-shaped wedges cut into outward curves.
Clip
Small cuts made into the seam allowance, without cutting through the stitching, to help fabric spread and lie flat, especially on inward curves.
Ease
The difference between body measurements and finished garment measurements that allows a garment to fit comfortably rather than skin-tight.
Muslin
A lightweight, plain-woven cotton fabric often used for testing patterns. The term can also refer to a test garment (sometimes called a toile) made to check fit before sewing the final version.
Right Side / Wrong Side
The front of the fabric that shows on the outside versus the back that faces inward. Fabrics are usually sewn with right sides together.
Garment Structure Terms
Interfacing
A material applied to the inside of fabric to provide structure, support, or stiffness.
Lining
Fabric sewn on the inside of a garment or bag that hides raw edges and gives a clean, finished look.
Facing
A piece of fabric sewn to the edge of a garment opening, such as a neckline or armhole, then turned inward for a clean finish.
Gathering
A technique that draws fabric together to create fullness or fit a longer edge into a shorter one.
Understitch
A line of stitching that secures seam allowances to a facing or lining so the inside fabric rolls neatly to the inside.
Staystitch
A line of stitching sewn just inside the seam allowance to prevent curved or bias-cut edges from stretching out.
Notions
Small sewing supplies used to complete a project, such as zippers, buttons, elastic, and interfacing.