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A rotating mechanism beneath the needle plate that catches the upper thread's loop and carries it around the bobbin case to form a lockstitch.

A dart manipulation technique in which a pattern section is rotated about a pivot point to close one dart while opening another, then the resulting cutting lines are redrawn smooth.

A narrow tube of bias-cut fabric turned right side out, used for spaghetti straps, ties, frog closures, and thread loops.

A pattern alteration that adds length and width across the upper back of a bodice pattern to accommodate increased curvature of the upper spine.

A posture with increased forward curvature of the upper spine, causing the back of a garment to pull tight and ride up, with drag lines below the neckline.

Short for 'ready-to-wear,' mass-produced clothing manufactured in standard sizes and sold off the rack, as opposed to custom-made or handmade garments.

Strip of fabric gathered or pleated along one edge and stitched to a garment or home-sewing project to add fullness and decorative movement at hems, necklines, or edges.

An attachment with an adjustable blade and gear mechanism that folds fabric into controlled pleats or gathers as it feeds beneath the needle.

A simple, evenly spaced hand stitch made by weaving the needle in and out of the fabric in a straight line, used for basting, gathering, or light seaming.

Orange-brown marks from rusty pins or hardware left against damp fabric need an acidic treatment like lemon juice and salt, since detergent won't shift them. Rinse well and avoid chlorine bleach, which can set rust permanently.