Glossary
This glossary brings together the key sewing terms you’ll encounter throughout your course, all in one clear and friendly place. Whether you’re brand new to sewing or brushing up on your technical language, you can use it to quickly check definitions, understand techniques, and feel more confident as you work through each unit. Dip in whenever you need a reminder — it’s here to support you at every stage of your learning.
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Fibre
Basic unit of fabric, natural or synthetic.
Finger Press
Pressing seam allowances open with fingers.
Finishing
Techniques used to complete raw edges.
Flat Felled Seam
Strong enclosed seam used in jeans.
Flatlining
Adding a layer of fabric for structure.
Flax
Plant fibre used to make linen.
Fleece
Soft, warm synthetic fabric.
Fold Line
Line on a pattern indicating fabric should be folded.
Foot Pedal
Control that operates machine speed.
French Curve
Ruler used for shaping curves.
French Seam
Enclosed seam with raw edges hidden.
Fringe
Decorative edge made of loose threads.
Fray
When fabric threads unravel at the edge.
Fray Check
Liquid used to prevent fraying.
Free?Motion Sewing
Stitching with lowered feed dogs for drawing with thread.
Fusible Interfacing
Interfacing with adhesive activated by heat.
Fusible Web
Adhesive sheet used for applique.
Fussy Cutting
Cutting specific motifs from fabric.
Gaiter
Fabric covering for the lower leg or shoe.
Gathering
Drawing fabric together to create fullness.
Gathering Foot
Presser foot designed to gather fabric.
Gauge
Measurement tool for small distances like hems.
Gel Pen (Fabric)
Pen used for marking fabric; may be heat-erasable.
Gimp Thread
Thick thread used in decorative stitching.
Godet
Triangular fabric piece inserted for flare.
Grain
Direction of fabric threads.
Grainline
Pattern marking showing how to align with fabric grain.
Greige Goods
Undyed, unfinished fabric.
Grosgrain
Ribbed ribbon used for trims and waistbands.
Grommet
Metal ring used to reinforce holes.
Gusset
Inserted panel to add room or strength.
Haberdashery
Shop or section selling sewing notions.
Hand Wheel
Wheel that manually raises/lowers the needle.
Hand Stitch
Any stitch sewn by hand.
Hem
Finished bottom edge of a garment.
Hem Allowance
Extra fabric allowed for hemming.
Hem Gauge
Tool for measuring hem depth.
Hem Tape
Tape used to finish or stabilise hems.
Hemming Stitch
Hand stitch used to secure hems.
High Bust
Measurement above the full bust.
Hook and Eye
Fastening consisting of a hook and loop.
Hoop (Embroidery)
Frame to hold fabric taut for embroidery.
Horsehair Braid
Stiff braid used to shape hems.
Herringbone Stitch
Decorative cross-stitch used for hems.
Hong Kong Finish
Bias-bound seam finish.
Honeycomb Stitch
Decorative smocking stitch.
Herringbone Tape
Twill tape used for binding or stabilising.
Hand Basting
Temporary hand stitching to hold fabric.
Hand Overcasting
Hand stitch to prevent fraying.
Inlay
Extra fabric allowed for future alterations.
Interfacing
Material used to add structure to fabric.
Interlining
Layer added for warmth or structure.
Invisible Zip
Zip inserted so it is hidden in the seam.
Iron
Tool used to press fabric and seams.
Ironing Board
Padded board for pressing.
Iron Rest
Heat-safe area to place an iron.
Inseam
Seam on the inside of trousers.
Inseam Pocket
Pocket built into a seam.
Italian Hem
Deep hem used in high-quality tailoring.
Illusion Fabric
Sheer fabric used for overlays.
Industrial Machine
Heavy-duty sewing machine for professional use.
Inverted Pleat
Pleat formed by bringing folds to the inside.
Irish Linen
High-quality linen fabric.
Interlock Knit
Stable double-knit fabric.
Iron-On Patch
Patch with heat-activated adhesive.
Inside Leg
Measurement from crotch to hem.
Invisible Stitch
Hand stitch that is nearly invisible.
Jacquard
Fabric woven with complex patterns.
Jersey
Stretch knit fabric commonly used for T-shirts.
Jet Pocket
A tailored welt pocket with narrow welts.
Juki
Brand of industrial and domestic sewing machines.
Jumper Needle
Needle designed for sewing knit fabrics.
Jump Stitch
Small stitch between embroidery areas.
Jeans Foot
Presser foot designed for thick seams.
Join Seam
The seam where two pieces of fabric are joined.
Knit Fabric
Fabric made from interlocking loops.
Knit Stay Tape
Stabilising tape for knit seams.
Knife Pleat
Pleat folded in one direction.
Knot
Thread knot used to secure hand stitching.
Kilt Pin
Large pin used for kilts or heavy fabrics.
Keyhole Buttonhole
Buttonhole with a round end for shank buttons.
Kick Pleat
Pleat at the back of skirts for movement.
Kraft Paper
Paper used for drafting patterns.
Lace
Decorative openwork fabric.
Ladder Stitch
Invisible hand stitch used for closing openings.
Lame
Fabric with metallic fibres.
Lap Seam
Overlapping seam used in leather or denim.
Lapped Zip
Zip inserted with one side overlapping the other.
Laser Cutter
Machine that cuts fabric using a laser.
Lawn
Lightweight cotton fabric.
Layering
Arranging fabric pieces in order for sewing.
Lengthwise Grain
Grain running parallel to the selvage.
Lining
Inner layer of a garment for comfort and finish.
Linen
Natural fibre made from flax.
Lockstitch
Standard stitch formed by needle and bobbin thread.
Loop Turner
Tool for turning narrow tubes of fabric.
Loop
Fabric or thread loop used for closures.
Lycra
Brand name for elastane fibre.
Lyocell
Eco-friendly fibre made from wood pulp.
Laddering
When knit fabric unravels in a run.