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A surge from around 2010 of small, independently run sewing pattern companies selling PDF and print patterns directly to consumers online, diversifying styles and sizing beyond major pattern companies.

A heavy-duty, single-purpose machine built for continuous high-speed production sewing, typically mounted in a table with a separate motor and few domestic conveniences.

An extra layer of fabric sewn in between the outer fabric and the lining of a garment, usually added for warmth or extra structure.

A double-knit fabric structure with two sets of needles that produces identical, smooth faces on both sides, more stable and less curling than single jersey.

A pleat formed by two folds turned toward each other on the front, the mirror of a box pleat, hiding extra fabric behind the fold.

A zip whose teeth are concealed behind a folded tape, sewn with a special foot so only a thin seam-like line shows on the finished garment.

A zipper with coils rolled to the back so the teeth are hidden within the seam when closed, inserted with a special foot so no stitching shows on the right side.

American manufacturer who patented an improved sewing machine in 1851 and pioneered installment purchasing, making the Singer Manufacturing Company the dominant sewing machine brand of the 19th century.

Japanese designer known for technical innovation, notably the Pleats Please line launched in 1993, which heat-set permanent pleats into finished polyester garments rather than pleating fabric before cutting.