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Crotch wrinkles
Diagonal wrinkles radiating from the crotch seam of trousers, indicating that the crotch curve, rise, or crotch length does not match the wearer's body shape.
intermediate · Fitting problems
Cuff
A band of fabric finishing the end of a sleeve or trouser leg, which may be fitted, folded, or fastened with a button or elastic.
beginner · Garment components
Cuff draft
The process of constructing a band or shaped pattern piece that finishes the opening of a sleeve at the wrist, sized to the wrist measurement plus ease for closure.
intermediate · Drafting sleeves & collars
Cuff placket
A finished opening at the sleeve hem, faced or bound with a separate strip, that allows the cuff to open wide enough to fit over the hand.
intermediate · Sleeves & cuffs
Culottes
Wide-legged trousers cut to resemble a skirt, with each leg constructed as a separate panel joined at a center seam.
intermediate · Trousers & shorts
Curling facings
A facing edge that rolls to the outside instead of staying tucked inside usually means it lacks understitching or the interfacing is too light. Understitch close to the seam and match interfacing weight to the fabric.
intermediate · Finishing problems
Curtain heading
Top finish of a curtain that determines how it hangs and gathers, such as pencil pleat, eyelet, or tab top, usually stiffened with heading tape or interfacing.
intermediate · Home & gifts
Curtain lining
Fabric layer sewn or attached to the back of curtain fabric to block light, protect against fading, and add body and drape to the finished curtain.
intermediate · Home & gifts
Cushion cover
Fabric covering pattern for a cushion pad, closed with a zipper, envelope overlap, or buttons, typically one of the first upholstery-style projects for a beginner.
beginner · Home & gifts
Cut-and-spread grading
A manual grading method in which a pattern is sliced along designated lines and spread apart or overlapped by fixed increments to create a larger or smaller size.
advanced · Ease & sizing
Cutting layout
The diagram included in pattern instructions showing exactly how to arrange all the pattern pieces on folded or open fabric before cutting.
beginner · Pattern terms
Cutting line
The outer line marked on a pattern piece indicating exactly where to cut the fabric, positioned beyond the seam line by the width of the seam allowance.
beginner · Pattern terms
Cutting mat
A self-healing, gridded mat that protects work surfaces and guides straight or angled cuts when used together with a rotary cutter.
beginner · Cutting tools
Cutting off-grain
Pattern pieces that hang crookedly or twist once sewn were likely cut without aligning the grainline to the fabric's lengthwise threads. Measure the grainline arrow from the selvedge at both ends before pinning down.
beginner · Cutting & pattern problems
Cutting table
A large, flat, sturdy work surface, often at standing height, sized for laying out fabric and patterns for cutting.
beginner · Dress forms & workspace
Cutting the wrong size line
Multi-size patterns nested together make it easy to accidentally follow a neighboring size's line partway around a piece. Trace or highlight the chosen size clearly before cutting, checking closely at every curve.
beginner · Cutting & pattern problems
Cylinder bed machine
An industrial machine with a narrow, tube-shaped bed that allows sewing on cuffs, cylindrical items, and other hard-to-reach curved seams.
advanced · Industrial machines