Techniques

A strong hand stitch made by inserting the needle behind the previous stitch's end, producing a solid, continuous line similar to machine stitching.

A single-layer shirt cuff fastened with one or two buttons, named for its cylindrical shape when closed around the wrist.

Small tool that folds a strip of bias-cut fabric into even single- or double-fold tape as it is pressed, speeding up preparation of binding for edges and facings.

A neckline finished by binding the raw edge with a bias strip instead of a separate facing, giving a narrow, clean edge.

A zipper insertion with the teeth centered under an opening and two even rows of topstitching visible on either side, often used at center back.

X-shaped hand embroidery stitch formed by two crossing diagonal stitches, traditionally worked on even-weave fabric using a grid to build geometric or pictorial motifs.

A tapered fold of fabric stitched to a point that removes excess fullness and shapes flat fabric to a body curve, such as at the bust or waist.

Built-in or programmed machine stitch patterns, such as scallops or embroidery motifs, used to embellish a garment's surface or edges.

A hem turned up twice by the same amount so no raw edge is exposed, then stitched near the inner fold.

A casing constructed with an opening for a drawstring or cord to pass through and be pulled to adjust fit at a waist, hood, or hem.

A closure made by threading a cord or tape through a casing so the opening can be cinched and tied.

A row of straight stitching worked very close to a finished edge or seamline, used to keep facings flat and add a crisp, defined line.

A fabric tunnel formed by folding and stitching fabric to hold elastic, allowing the waist or edge to stretch and fit without a separate closure.

A waistband constructed with elastic sewn directly to the fabric or inserted into a casing, giving stretch and eliminating the need for a fastener.

A shaped piece of fabric sewn to an edge such as a neckline, armhole, or hem and turned to the inside to finish the raw edge cleanly.

Openwork hand embroidery stitch made of alternating angled loops branching from a central line, producing a feathery, vine-like border often used on smocked or heirloom garments.

Hand embroidery stitch resembling an open V anchored by a short tacking stitch, used singly or in rows to suggest foliage, texture, or decorative seam ornamentation.

Small raised hand embroidery stitch made by wrapping thread around the needle before reinserting it close to the exit point, used for dots, flower centres, and texture.

Decorative trim made of hanging threads, cords, or strands attached along one edge, applied to hems, shawls, or cushions for added texture and movement.

Applique method in which motifs are bonded to a background fabric with fusible web before the raw edges are secured by straight, zigzag, or satin machine stitching.

Heat-activated adhesive sheet or tape, without a fabric backing, that bonds two layers of fabric together under an iron, used for applique and no-sew hems.

Drawing fabric along one or more rows of stitching to reduce its width into soft, even fullness before attaching it to another piece.

Stitched horizontal tuck added to a child's garment hem or sleeve to shorten it temporarily, released later to lengthen the garment as the child grows.

A pocket concealed within a garment's side seam, formed from pocket bag pieces stitched into the seam allowance so no opening shows on the outside.

A series of uniform, single-direction folds pressed sharply to one side, used in skirts and trims for controlled fullness.

A seam formed by overlapping two folded or finished edges and stitching through both layers, leaving no bulk underneath; used on interfaced or leather pieces.

Detached chain hand embroidery stitch anchored with a small tacking stitch at the loop's end, commonly grouped in clusters to form petals or leaves.

A separate inner layer of fabric that finishes the inside of a garment, hiding seams and construction while adding comfort and reducing friction against the body.

A buttonhole formed by a dense zigzag stitch worked around a slit, either with a buttonhole foot or an automatic buttonhole function.

A hem finished by turning the raw edge up once or twice and securing it with a straight line of machine stitching visible on the right side.

A short, straight standing collar that encircles the neck without folding over, named for its resemblance to Chinese formal dress.

A hem folded up a small, consistent width, often three to six millimeters, and stitched close to the fold; common on linings and lightweight fabrics.

A seam stitched with a narrow, short zigzag stitch on a conventional machine to allow the stitching to stretch with knit fabric without popping.

A pocket made from a separate piece of fabric stitched directly onto the outside of a garment, with its top edge left open.

A flat collar with rounded, close-fitting corners that lies against the garment without standing up at the neckline.

A finish combining a line of straight stitching near the raw edge with pinking beyond it, adding fray resistance to lightly fraying fabrics.

A raw-edge finish made by trimming the seam allowance with pinking shears to create a zigzag edge that resists fraying without additional stitching.

The most basic seam, formed by stitching two fabric layers together along a seam allowance with right sides facing, then pressed open or to one side.

Blunt-tipped hand tool used to push out fully stitched corners, such as collar points or pocket flaps, without piercing the fabric or fraying the seam.

A protective layer of cloth placed between the iron and the garment fabric to prevent shine, scorching, or direct heat marks during pressing.