Terms & glossary

Originally a term for custom tailoring made entirely to one individual customer's specifications, now used more loosely for any made-to-order garment.

An early, not-yet-finalized version of a sewing pattern sent out to testers for feedback before the pattern's official public release.

The measurement taken around the fullest part of the upper arm, used to check and adjust the fit of a sleeve pattern.

A whitework embroidery technique featuring patterns of small cut-out holes stitched around their edges, often sold ready-made as a fabric or trim.