Basic Sewing Terms

In order to understand some basic rules of sewing, you need to know basic sewing terms. Understanding these terms will help you read patterns, follow instructions, and talk about what you’re doing with a better vocabulary.

Here are a few basic sewing terms and vocabulary words that will help you learn to sew.

Back Stitch: The process of sewing backwards over the loose threads at the beginning of a stitch, in order to secure your stitch. This works by securing the threads down so they don’t come loose and unravel your stitch. This is done at the beginning and end of a stitch, and whenever the thread is broken.

Check out this infographic to learn more about the basic sewing stitches. 

Seam: The line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together.

Seam Allowance: The space of fabric between the edge and seam. The seam allowance may be different depending on the type of fabric yo use.

Lining: An inner layer of fabric underneath a garment.

Hem: The edge of the fabric that has been folded and sewn under in order to keep the raw edge of the fabric from unraveling and being seen.

Darts: A wedge-shaped fold used to shape patterns in order to make a garment fit better.

Quilting: The process of stitching two layers of fabric together, with a layer of filling in between in a consistent pattern.