Glossary

The diagonal, 45-degree direction across a woven fabric, where it has the most natural stretch and drape.

The extra room built into a garment beyond the body's actual measurements, needed for movement and a chosen fit.

Trimming layered seam allowances to different, staggered widths to reduce bulk so a seam presses flat instead of leaving a visible ridge.

The direction of the lengthwise threads in woven fabric, used to align pattern pieces for correct drape.

A test version of a garment sewn in cheap fabric to check fit and construction before cutting into the real fashion fabric.

A small triangular or straight cut into the seam allowance, used to mark matching points between pattern pieces.

The 'right side' is the face of the fabric meant to show on the finished garment; the 'wrong side' is the reverse, usually hidden inside.

The extra fabric between the cut edge and the intended stitching line, needed to actually sew a seam without the fabric falling apart.

The self-finished, non-fraying edge running along both lengthwise sides of woven fabric.

A line of stitching sewn on the right side of the fabric, close to a seam or finished edge, done for durability, a flat finish, or a visible decorative line.

A support fabric cut to the same pattern pieces as the fashion fabric and basted to its wrong side, treated afterward as a single combined layer.