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A neckline cut in a symmetrical V shape from the shoulders to a point at the center front, without a collar.

The industry practice of labeling ready-to-wear garments with smaller size numbers than their actual measurements would traditionally indicate, to flatter shoppers.

A soft, thick knit or woven pile fabric with a plush, velvet-like nap and stretch, often used for loungewear and dancewear.

A woven pile fabric with a dense, short, upright pile giving a soft hand and directional sheen; requires special handling to prevent shifting and crushing when sewn.

A cotton pile fabric woven with a short, dense cut pile similar to velvet but with a shorter nap and more matte finish, easier to sew than true velvet.

A slit left open at the hem of a jacket, coat, or skirt to allow ease of movement, finished with an overlapping or underlapping facing.

An early bobbin-holding mechanism that moves back and forth in a straight line to interlock the upper thread loop with a long bobbin's thread.

A non-woven or fabric-backed plastic sheet material with a glossy or matte coated surface, used for waterproof garments and accessories; sewn with a walking foot or Teflon presser foot.

A regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp, offering silk-like drape and breathability but weak when wet and prone to shrinking.

A repair technique that highlights rather than hides the fix, using contrast thread, sashiko stitching, or colorful patches over a hole or worn area. It turns damage into a deliberate design feature.

Topstitching that wanders off an even line instead of running parallel to the edge usually comes from sewing too fast without a guide. Use the presser foot edge as a guide and slow down on curves.

A prestige American pattern line launched in 1899 from Vogue magazine, later known for licensing designer patterns from couturiers such as Dior, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent from the 1950s onward.

Lightweight, sheer, plain-weave fabric, typically cotton or a cotton blend, with a soft drape used for blouses, curtains, and heirloom sewing.