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A tapered fold of fabric stitched to a point that removes excess fullness and shapes flat fabric to a body curve, such as at the bust or waist.

The standard set of lines and symbols used to draw a dart on a pattern, showing its legs, apex, and fold line so it can be transferred accurately to fabric.

Built-in or programmed machine stitch patterns, such as scallops or embroidery motifs, used to embellish a garment's surface or edges.

A sturdy cotton twill fabric, traditionally indigo-dyed on the warp with an undyed weft, used for jeans and workwear; presses and topstitches well.

Wrinkles that run at an angle across a garment, generally pointing toward the area of tightness or insufficient fabric that is causing the strain.

A printed circular marking on a pattern piece indicating a pivot point, dart tip, or matching point that gets transferred onto the cut fabric.

A hem turned up twice by the same amount so no raw edge is exposed, then stitched near the inner fold.

Long fabric tube, filled with stuffing, sand, or rice, placed along the bottom of a door or window to block cold air, a classic scrap-fabric project.

Diagonal or radiating wrinkles that form on a garment when fabric is pulled taut toward a point of tightness or strain, indicating where a pattern needs adjustment.

The way a fabric falls and moves under its own weight, ranging from stiff and structured to soft, fluid, and clingy.

Plain cotton fabric used in the draping process to pin and shape a pattern directly on a dress form before the design is transferred to paper.

Bag pattern gathered closed at the top by a cord or ribbon threaded through a casing, used for storage pouches, shoe bags, and gift bags.

A casing constructed with an opening for a drawstring or cord to pass through and be pulled to adjust fit at a waist, hood, or hem.

A closure made by threading a cord or tape through a casing so the opening can be cinched and tied.

A three-dimensional body-shaped mannequin, adjustable or fixed to specific measurements, used for draping, fitting, and evaluating a garment's fit off the wearer's body.

A person, historically almost always a woman, who makes women's clothing to custom order or to a client's individual measurements.

Long-bladed scissors with an offset, bent handle that lets the lower blade rest flat on the cutting table for accurate cutting through fabric layers.

Waxed, colored transfer paper placed between a pattern and fabric so a tracing wheel presses temporary marking lines onto the fabric surface.

A garment-cleaning process using chemical solvents instead of water, required for fabrics that distort, shrink or bleed dye when laundered, such as wool suiting and structured silks.

Loose trousers with a bib front and adjustable shoulder straps, traditionally made from sturdy cotton twill or denim for manual labor.

Routine removal of lint and dust from a sewing machine's bobbin case and feed dogs to prevent overheating, jamming, and premature wear.

Color transferring onto another fabric during washing, or running when the garment gets wet, comes from unfixed or excess dye in the fibers, common in dark or hand-dyed fabrics. Wash separately in cold water with a color-catcher sheet.