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A dart originating at the waist edge of a bodice or skirt pattern and tapering toward the bust or hip, used to shape flat fabric to the body's curve.

The horizontal circumference taken around the narrowest part of the torso, typically above the navel, used to size skirts, trousers, and fitted bodices.

A fitted band of fabric, often interfaced, attached to the top edge of a skirt or trousers to finish the waist and anchor a closure.

The process of drafting a straight or shaped band attached to the top edge of a skirt or trouser pattern to finish and support the waistline.

Simple hand stitch worked over an edge in a spiral of diagonal loops, used to join two folded edges, secure trims, or finish raw edges quickly.

Short for 'work in progress,' a sewing project currently being made, often photographed and shared on social media before it is finished.

An animal protein fibre from sheep's fleece with natural crimp and elasticity, providing warmth and moisture-wicking; ranges from fine merino to coarse tweed wool.

A dress with a front closure formed by wrapping one side of the bodice over the other and tying at the waist, requiring no zipper or buttons.

A skirt made from a single overlapping panel of fabric that wraps around the body and fastens at the waist with ties, buttons, or a buckle.

The circumference of the wrist, used to size cuffs and determine the ease needed for a sleeve opening or long-sleeve hem to slide over the hand.

Snagged knits, popped threads on wovens, or skipped stitches on stretch fabric often trace to a sharp needle on knits or a ballpoint on wovens. Match needle type to fabric: ballpoint for knits, sharp for wovens.

The reverse, less finished side of a piece of fabric that is meant to face inward and stay hidden from view.