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Short for 'unfinished object,' a sewing project that has been started but set aside or abandoned before it was ever completed.

Stitching worked close to a seam that secures a facing or lining to its seam allowance so it rolls neatly to the inside and stays hidden.

A row of stitching through the facing and seam allowances, close to the seam, that keeps the facing from rolling to the outside of the garment.

A hemline that dips or rises around the garment instead of sitting level usually comes from not letting the garment hang before marking, so bias areas drop further. Let it hang, then mark and true the hem.

Stitches that vary in size along a seam usually come from inconsistent feeding, a dull needle snagging the weave, or pulling fabric by hand instead of letting the feed dogs work. Let the machine feed naturally.

A general-purpose sewing machine needle with a slightly rounded point, suited to most woven fabrics and light to medium knits.

Removing incorrect stitches without tearing the fabric means cutting only every third or fourth stitch on one side with a seam ripper, then pulling the intact thread free from the other side. Work slowly on delicate weaves.