Techniques

A narrow strip of fabric cut on the bias and folded around a raw edge to finish, bind, or trim it, curving smoothly around corners and curves.

Inserting rigid or semi-rigid strips into channels sewn through a bodice or corset to hold its shape and support the fit.

A reinforced slit stitched to hold a button, sized to the button's diameter plus its thickness.

A folded, stitched wedge of fabric used to shape flat cloth around the body's curves.

Two different starting points for building a pattern - sculpting fabric directly on a form versus drafting with rulers and math on paper.

A durable, fully enclosed seam sewn on the outside of the garment, with two visible rows of topstitching.

A self-enclosed seam that hides raw edges, ideal for sheer or lightweight fabrics.

Drawing a length of fabric up along one or two rows of stitching to fit a shorter edge, creating soft, even fullness.

Folding fabric back on itself in a controlled, repeated pattern to reduce a wider edge to a narrower one while keeping crisp, defined folds.

Setting a zipper into a seam so it opens and closes smoothly with the teeth or coil hidden or deliberately exposed, depending on the method.