Fabrics & materials

Lightweight, fine-spun polyester thread wound on large cones for overlocker use, chosen for low bulk in seam finishing rather than seam strength.

Interfacing without adhesive, attached by stitching into the seam allowance, preferred for fabrics that cannot tolerate heat or that would be damaged by fusing.

Spun or filament fibre engineered specifically for stitching, selected by fibre content, weight and finish to suit the fabric and seam it will hold.

A fine, lustrous protein filament produced by silkworms, prized for drape, sheen and strength-to-weight ratio; woven into fabrics from chiffon to dupioni.

A fine, strong, slightly elastic natural filament thread with a subtle sheen, traditionally used for hand basting, tailoring and hand-finishing fine fabrics.

A separate lining, often a slippery fabric, cut and sewn to a garment's sleeve to allow the arm to slide in and out easily.

A two-part mechanical fastener with interlocking ball-and-socket discs that click together, used for quick, low-profile closures on garments and accessories.

Twill tape pre-fitted with evenly spaced snap fasteners, stitched to a garment opening in one pass, commonly used on baby clothing for quick closures.

A highly elastic synthetic fibre (polyurethane) that stretches many times its length and recovers, blended in small percentages into wovens and knits for stretch.

A temporary or permanent backing placed under fabric during machine embroidery or stitching to prevent puckering, stretching or distortion from the needle and thread tension.

A fabric's resistance to distortion or stretching out of shape during handling, cutting and sewing, often improved with interfacing or stay tape on loosely woven or stretch fabrics.

Applying moist heat to fabric to relax fibres, remove wrinkles, shrink fibres slightly, or set pleats and pressed seams without direct iron contact.

A sewing machine needle with a specially shaped eye and scarf designed to prevent skipped stitches in highly elastic fabrics such as spandex blends.

A measure of how far a knit or stretch-woven fabric extends compared to its resting length, used to check a fabric against a pattern's required stretch and recovery.

A general term for knit fabrics that mimic hand- or machine-knitted sweater texture, ranging from fine gauge to chunky, often loosely constructed and prone to runs.

A mid-weight cotton or cotton-blend knit with a brushed fleece back and smooth jersey face, the standard fabric for hoodies and sweatshirts.

A crisp, smooth plain-weave fabric with a fine ribbed texture and characteristic rustle, used in eveningwear and linings; frays and shows needle holes easily.

A sew-in interfacing, traditionally a wool and hair blend, used in structured jacket construction to shape and support the chest and lapel through pad stitching.

A branded regenerated cellulose fibre (lyocell) made from sustainably sourced wood pulp using a closed-loop process, noted for softness, drape and moisture management.

A looped-pile fabric, woven or knitted, with uncut loops on one or both sides that give high absorbency; used for towelling garments and robes.

Resist-dyeing technique in which fabric is bound, twisted, or folded and secured with string or rubber bands before dye is applied, leaving undyed patterned areas beneath the bindings.

A heavier-weight decorative thread used for visible topstitching, such as on jeans, giving a bolder line than standard construction thread.

A fine, run-resistant warp-knit fabric with lengthwise ribs on the face and crosswise ribs on the back, common in lingerie and linings.

A fine, lightweight net fabric with a hexagonal mesh, used for veils, tutus and skirt volume; does not fray, so edges can be left raw.

A flat, tightly woven twill-weave tape used to stabilise seams, reinforce waistbands, and bind edges without adding bulk.

A weave structure with diagonal ribs formed by offsetting the weft float by one warp thread each row, giving fabrics like denim and gabardine extra drape and durability.

A sewing machine needle with two shafts joined to a single shank, producing two parallel rows of stitching on top and a zigzag underneath, used for hems on knits.

A layer of fabric cut from the same pattern pieces as the fashion fabric and attached to its wrong side before construction, adding body, opacity or support without showing.

A general-purpose sewing machine needle with a slightly rounded point, suited to most woven fabrics and light to medium knits.

A soft, thick knit or woven pile fabric with a plush, velvet-like nap and stretch, often used for loungewear and dancewear.

A woven pile fabric with a dense, short, upright pile giving a soft hand and directional sheen; requires special handling to prevent shifting and crushing when sewn.

A cotton pile fabric woven with a short, dense cut pile similar to velvet but with a shorter nap and more matte finish, easier to sew than true velvet.

A non-woven or fabric-backed plastic sheet material with a glossy or matte coated surface, used for waterproof garments and accessories; sewn with a walking foot or Teflon presser foot.

A regenerated cellulose fibre made from wood pulp, offering silk-like drape and breathability but weak when wet and prone to shrinking.

Lightweight, sheer, plain-weave fabric, typically cotton or a cotton blend, with a soft drape used for blouses, curtains, and heirloom sewing.

A film or fabric-like stabiliser that dissolves in water, used to support delicate or openwork stitching such as lace or cutwork until the stitching is complete.

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.

Interfacing constructed with lengthwise and crosswise threads like conventional fabric, cut on grain to match the garment fabric and provide stable, non-stretch support.

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