- Article published at:
- Article author: Audrey Wiryawan
- Article comments count: 0
The tool used to put thread through a needle is called a needle threader. It helps thread pass through the needle eye more easily.
Learn More
All Blogs
Article comments count:
0
Sewing Terms That Often Confuse Beginners
When beginners start learning to sew, the confusing part is not only the sewing machine. Many sewing terms in patterns, tutorials, and instructions can also feel unfamiliar.
Words like seam allowance, dart, overlock, bias binding, facing, lining, and interfacing often appear during sewing projects. Understanding these terms helps beginners follow instructions more easily.
Seam Allowance
Seam allowance is the distance between the fabric edge and the stitching line.
It affects the final size of the garment. If the seam allowance is not consistent, the finished piece can become too small, too loose, or uneven.
Right Side and Wrong Side
The right side is the outer side of the fabric that will be visible when the garment is worn.
The wrong side is the inner side. This term is important when cutting fabric, marking patterns, sewing zippers, adding lining, or placing trims.
Grainline
Grainline refers to the direction of the fabric threads.
Patterns are usually placed according to the grainline so the garment hangs properly. If the grainline is wrong, the garment may twist or pull strangely.
Dart
A dart is a stitched fold used to shape fabric around the body.
Darts are often used at the bust, waist, back, or skirt area. They help clothing fit the body better.
Overlock Finish
An overlock finish is used to neaten raw fabric edges.
It helps prevent fraying and makes the inside of the garment look cleaner. This finish is common on shirts, blouses, skirts, trousers, and dresses.
Bias Binding
Bias binding is a strip of fabric used to cover raw edges.
It is often used on necklines, armholes, aprons, outerwear, or unlined garments. It helps make the inside finish look cleaner.
Facing
Facing is a shaped fabric piece used to finish openings such as necklines or armholes.
It helps the garment edge look clean from the outside and gives more stability to the opening.
Lining
Lining is fabric used inside a garment.
It covers seam allowances, improves comfort, and makes the inside of the garment look cleaner. It is often used in blazers, dresses, skirts, kebaya, and outerwear.
Interfacing
Interfacing is a supporting material added to fabric to give structure.
It is commonly used on collars, cuffs, waistbands, and shirt plackets. It helps certain parts of the garment stay firmer and neater.
Conclusion
Sewing terms that often confuse beginners usually come from pattern making, fabric cutting, sewing, and finishing.
Important terms to learn include seam allowance, right side, wrong side, grainline, dart, overlock, bias binding, facing, lining, and interfacing.
Understanding these basics makes sewing tutorials easier to follow and helps create neater garments.
Looking for sewing supplies for beginners?
Istana Kancing provides threads, needles, scissors, measuring tapes, tailor’s chalk, tracing wheels, sewing carbon paper, interfacing, lining, bias tape, buttons, zippers, lace, ribbons, beads, sequins, and garment accessories for beginners, tailors, fashion brands, garment makers, and wholesale orders.
- Article published at:
- Article author: Audrey Wiryawan
- Article comments count: 0
Good tailor’s chalk should be visible, not too thick, easy to remove, and suitable for both dark and light fabrics.
Learn More
- Article published at:
- Article author: Audrey Wiryawan
- Article comments count: 0
Fabric marking mistakes such as thick lines, missing marks, or shifting fabric can make sewing results less accurate.
Learn More