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A pattern-design method that arranges garment pieces to use an entire fabric width with no offcuts discarded, a technique with historical roots in traditional garment shapes like the kimono and sari.

A raw-edge finish made by stitching a zigzag stitch along the edge of each seam allowance to prevent fraying on a standard sewing machine.

A stitch that swings side to side as it forms, used for finishing raw edges, sewing stretch fabrics, and decorative topstitching.

A mechanical fastener of two rows of teeth or coils drawn together by a sliding pull, used to close openings in garments and bags.

A garment closure of interlocking teeth drawn together by a sliding tab; Gideon Sundback patented a reliable version in 1913, and fashion designers popularized it on clothing in the 1930s.

Small flat or boxed bag closed with a zipper across the top opening, commonly used to store cosmetics, notions, or small accessories.

Rippling fabric along a zipper opening comes from stretching the fabric while sewing or using a zipper the wrong length for the opening. Stabilize the seam with interfacing tape and match zip length to the opening.

A narrow presser foot with a single side toe that allows the needle to stitch close alongside a zipper's teeth or other raised trim.

An exaggerated men's suit with broad padded shoulders and high-waisted, tapered trousers, popular among Black and Mexican American communities in the 1930s-40s and controversial for its wartime fabric use.