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An overlock stitch using two needle threads and two looper threads to form a durable seam that both sews and finishes an edge in one pass.

Fabric that stretches and recovers its shape in both the lengthwise and crosswise directions, common in swimwear, activewear, and dancewear.

A hybrid pattern created by combining pieces or design elements from two or more different existing patterns into one new design.

The gradual unraveling of a cut fabric edge as individual threads work themselves loose from the weave over time or handling.

Cut edges unraveling before a seam is even sewn is common on loosely woven fabrics like linen. Finish edges early with pinking shears, a zigzag stitch, or fray-check liquid.

Decorative stitching created by manually guiding fabric under a lowered or disengaged feed dog, allowing the stitcher to draw with thread in any direction.

A spring-loaded presser foot that hovers just above the fabric, letting the quilter move the fabric freely in any direction with the feed dogs lowered.

A machine whose bed narrows into a slim, removable arm, allowing tubular items such as sleeves, cuffs, and trouser legs to be sewn without flattening the fabric.

A doubled-back shirt cuff, folded over and fastened with cufflinks rather than a button, giving a dressier finish.

A curved plastic drafting template used to draw smooth, precise curved lines when drafting or adjusting armholes, necklines, and other patternmaking curves.

A long, diagonal dart running from the side seam near the hip up toward the bust point, shaping the garment with a single seam line.

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.

A self-enclosed seam made by stitching a narrow seam wrong sides together, trimming it, then encasing the raw edge inside a second seam sewn right sides together; used on sheer or unlined fabrics.

A short thread chain, several strands long, connecting a lining to a garment at the hem, allowing movement without the layers separating.

A soft knit fabric with looped, uncut loops on the reverse side and a smooth face, lighter than fleece and common in casual sweatshirts.

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

A decorative fastening of intricately knotted cord or braid, with a button-like knot and a loop, traditionally used on Chinese-style and Asian-inspired garments.

To rip out a section of stitching, or abandon a project entirely, from the rhyme 'rip it, rip it' echoing a frog's croak.

The portion of a bodice draft that shapes the front torso pattern, incorporating the bust dart, waist dart, neckline, and armhole curve calculated from front body measurements.

A stomach shape fuller than the standard pattern block assumes, commonly causing horizontal drag lines below the waist and a front hemline that rises above the back.

A pattern alteration that adds width and length to the front of a skirt or trouser pattern below the waist to accommodate a stomach fuller than the block assumes.

A measurement taken horizontally around the body at the fullest, most projecting point of the bust, one of the core measurements used to choose pattern size.

A pattern alteration that adds width and length to the bust area of a bodice, typically by slashing and spreading the pattern, to fit a bust larger than the block assumes.

A suit-jacket construction in which a floating canvas interlining is sewn, not glued, throughout the front, allowing the jacket to mold to the wearer's body over time.

A seat shape fuller than the standard pattern block assumes, commonly causing horizontal wrinkles below the waistband and drag lines pulling across the back of trousers or a skirt.

A pattern alteration that adds width and length to the back of a trouser or skirt pattern below the waist to accommodate a seat fuller than the block assumes.

A tall, wide standing neckline finish that flares slightly away from the neck, often used on outerwear for warmth and style.

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.

Interfacing coated with a heat-activated adhesive resin that bonds to fabric when pressed, offering a quick, even application without hand 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.

A fitting problem in which the armhole edge stands away from the body instead of following the arm and torso closely, often exposing underwear or skin.

An armhole standing away from the body in a visible gap, common on sleeveless garments, comes from an opening cut too large or left unstabilized. Stay-stitch the edge and take a small dart at the gap.

A fitting problem in which a neckline stands away from the body in loose folds rather than lying flat, usually caused by excess fabric or an overly wide curve.

A waistband standing away from the body at the back or sides, despite fitting at the hip, usually means the waist is smaller than the band was cut for. Take in the waistband seam or add a dart.

A skirt formed by gathering a rectangular or panelled length of fabric into a waistband, producing soft, even fullness below the waist.

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

A presser foot that gathers a single layer of fabric as it feeds, or gathers one layer while attaching it to a flat layer beneath, in one pass.

A sheer, lightweight crepe-weave fabric with a dull, crinkled surface from tightly twisted alternating S and Z yarns, similar to chiffon but with more texture.

A lightweight plain-weave cotton fabric woven from dyed and white yarns to form even checks, popular for shirts and summer dresses.

A triangular piece of fabric inserted into a seam or hem to add extra flare and fullness to a skirt, dress, or sleeve.