About Me

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MS Gulf Coast, United States
I am a Christian wife, mother and grandmother. I love to sew and create new and innovative items to share with my customers. The most popular area of my store is my Walnut Grove section which features clothing reminiscent of "Little House on the Prairie". Please take a moment to visit my store and see my latest creations. www.pattisoriginals.etsy.com

Friday, January 14, 2011

Sewing Terms

There are many special terms used in creating the perfect outfit, whether you are the seamstress or the customer. Using the correct vocabulary makes communication a lot easier.

First a few pointers for taking measurements:
o Bust-Around chest at the fullest part under the armpits
o Waist-Narrowest part around the center of the torso
o Hips-Fullest part around the seat
o Tea Length-Dress or skirt falling to mid-calf

Now some general terms for sewing:
o Selvage: firmly woven narrow border along lengthwise edges of fabric. When purchasing fabric the selvage ends are the 2 ends that do not ravel.



o Bias: Runs diagonally to the straight grain of the fabric. This is the stretchiest part on the fabric.

o Lengthwise grain: strong, stable threads that run parallel to selvage

o Crosswise grain: threads that run from selvage to selvage

o Grain: direction in which fabric threads run. Patterns will tell you to place on the straight grain, this is why it is important that fabric be straightened before you start.

o Grainline: arrow marking on pattern tissue that indicates straight grain

o Nap-Nap is the “fuzzy” part of a fabric that is usually directional in nature. Cordoroy and velvet are good examples of fabric which has a nap or a pile. If smoothed with the hand nap is typically shiny in one direction and not shiny in the other. When cutting out a pattern, care should be taken to keep fabric pieces going in the same direction nap-wise.

o Press cloth: plain piece of muslin or cotton fabric used to protect fabric from direct contact with hot iron

Hope these definitions are helpful to you!

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