Sewingpedia › Techniques
Techniques
Showing 14
Cargo pocket
A large patch pocket, often with box pleats and a flap closure, applied to the outside of trousers or jackets for extra capacity.
intermediate · Pockets
Catch stitch
A hand stitch worked with small, criss-crossed stitches between two fabric layers, used to secure hems and facings while allowing flexibility.
intermediate · Hand sewing
Catch-stitched hem
A hem secured with a catch stitch worked loosely between the hem edge and the garment, allowing some give and a flat finish from the right side.
intermediate · Hems
Centered zipper
A zipper insertion with the teeth centered under an opening and two even rows of topstitching visible on either side, often used at center back.
beginner · Closures
Circular hem
A hem on a flared or circular-cut garment, eased and often narrowed to accommodate the curved raw edge without puckering.
intermediate · Hems
Clear elastic stabilizing
Stitching a strip of transparent stretch elastic into a knit seam, such as a shoulder seam, to prevent stretching out while retaining flexibility.
intermediate · Knits & stretch
Collar stand
A narrow band that attaches the collar to the neckline, allowing the collar to sit upright before folding over on a shirt.
intermediate · Collars & necklines
Contour dart
A dart that curves inward at the middle and points at both ends, shaping fabric closely to the body at the waist without a horizontal seam.
advanced · Shaping (darts, gathers, pleats, tucks)
Contour waistband
A shaped, curved waistband cut to follow the body's natural waist curve rather than a straight strip, giving a closer fit without a separate casing.
advanced · Waistbands & elastic
Convertible collar
A collar designed to be worn open, exposing a notch-like opening at the top button, or closed at the neck like a mandarin collar.
intermediate · Collars & necklines
Couching
A technique in which a decorative thread or cord is laid on the fabric surface and secured in place with small stitches worked over it.
advanced · Topstitching & decorative
Coverstitch
A stitch made on a coverstitch machine that forms parallel rows of stitching on top and interlocked loops beneath, used for stretchy, professional-looking knit hems and seams.
intermediate · Knits & stretch
Cross stitch
X-shaped hand embroidery stitch formed by two crossing diagonal stitches, traditionally worked on even-weave fabric using a grid to build geometric or pictorial motifs.
beginner · Embellishment & surface design
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