Garments & patterns

Reusable fabric diaper, typically layered with absorbent inner fabric and a waterproof outer layer, closed with snaps or hook-and-loop tape.

A close-fitting activewear piece made from firm stretch fabric engineered to apply graduated pressure to muscles during exercise or recovery.

The practice of drafting or tracing a sewing pattern directly from an existing ready-to-wear garment, used to reproduce or reverse-engineer its fit and construction.

A close-fitting, boned undergarment or outer garment that shapes and supports the torso, traditionally laced or hooked to control the waist and bust.

Small lined pouch, typically zippered, sized and shaped to hold makeup or toiletries, often made with a wipeable or laminated fabric lining.

Practice of constructing and wearing costumes that recreate characters from anime, comics, games, and film, often combining sewing, foam work, and prop-making.

Lightweight costume armour built from heat-formed EVA foam sheets, shaped, sealed, and painted to mimic metal or hard plating, then attached to a fabric base or harness.

Process of drafting or adapting patterns for fantasy, sci-fi, or stylised character costumes, often exaggerating proportions or silhouettes beyond conventional garment fit.

A neckline formed from bias-cut fabric that drapes into soft, loose folds below the collarbone rather than lying flat.

A fitted or loose upper-body garment cut to end above the natural waistline, exposing part of the midriff.

A band of fabric finishing the end of a sleeve or trouser leg, which may be fitted, folded, or fastened with a button or elastic.

Wide-legged trousers cut to resemble a skirt, with each leg constructed as a separate panel joined at a center seam.

Top finish of a curtain that determines how it hangs and gathers, such as pencil pleat, eyelet, or tab top, usually stiffened with heading tape or interfacing.

Fabric layer sewn or attached to the back of curtain fabric to block light, protect against fading, and add body and drape to the finished curtain.

Fabric covering pattern for a cushion pad, closed with a zipper, envelope overlap, or buttons, typically one of the first upholstery-style projects for a beginner.

A hip-length jacket made of denim, typically featuring a button front, chest pockets with flaps, and a fitted waistband, derived from workwear.

A sleeve cut as an extension of the garment's bodice, with a deep armhole that tapers to a narrow wrist, producing a draped, batwing-like shape.

Long fabric tube, filled with stuffing, sand, or rice, placed along the bottom of a door or window to block cold air, a classic scrap-fabric project.

Bag pattern gathered closed at the top by a cord or ribbon threaded through a casing, used for storage pouches, shoe bags, and gift bags.

A collared, button-front shirt intended for formal or business wear, typically featuring a fitted body, cuffs, and a placket front.

A hooded, loose-fitting coat closed with rope-and-toggle fastenings looped through leather or fabric tabs, originally worn by naval crews.

Loose trousers with a bib front and adjustable shoulder straps, traditionally made from sturdy cotton twill or denim for manual labor.

A long, lightweight coat cut loosely for ease of movement, traditionally worn over clothing to protect it from dust and weather.

Large envelope-style fabric cover for a duvet, closed with buttons, ties, or a zipper along one edge, sized to fit standard bedding dimensions.

The difference between a garment's finished measurements and the body measurements it is intended to fit, allowing for movement, comfort, or a specific silhouette.

A dress with a seam positioned just below the bust, from which the skirt falls loosely, historically associated with early 19th-century fashion.

A decorative shoulder strap or tab, often buttoned at one end, originally used on military uniforms and later adopted on trench coats and shirts.

A dress fitted through the bodice and waist that flares dramatically outward at the hip, often using a circle or gored skirt.

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

A neckline supported by a strap or band that fastens behind the neck, leaving the shoulders and upper back bare.

The finished edge of a garment, typically at the bottom, where the raw fabric edge is folded and stitched to prevent fraying.

A pullover knit shirt with a short button placket at the neckline and no collar, originating from boating and rowing wear.

Costume-making practice that researches original garments, patterns, and construction methods from a specific historical period to recreate them as accurately as materials allow.

A sewing pattern produced by a small, independent design company rather than a major commercial publisher, typically sold as a PDF or printed copy-shop format.

Trousers made from denim, traditionally featuring a five-pocket layout, riveted stress points, and a button or zip fly, originally developed as durable workwear.

Trousers cut with a relaxed leg that tapers to an elasticated or ribbed cuff at the ankle, typically paired with an elasticated waistband.

A sleeve cut in one continuous piece with the bodice, without a separate armhole seam, producing a loose, straight silhouette derived from Japanese dress.

Durable, often historically inspired costume made for live action role-play, prioritising freedom of movement, washability, and comfort over screen-accurate detail or fragile materials.

A sleeve that is voluminous and gathered from the shoulder to the elbow, then fitted closely from elbow to wrist, resembling a mutton leg in profile.

Close-fitting, ankle-length trousers made from stretch knit fabric, cut without a fly or structured waistband and typically finished with an elasticated waist.