15 Words to Learn When Beginning to Sew

Did you know that part of learning to sew means you have to learn a new language? Not really, but kind of. Sewing has a set of lingo terms you should know to be able to follow instructions and patterns correctly.

While there is a very long list of words used exclusively in the sewing world, this is your Girlfriend's Guide of 15 words to know when beginning to sew: 

1. Backing: A layer of fabric on the back of a quilt that covers the batting.
   
   
   
   
2. Backstitch: Used at the beginning and the end of a seam, a couple of extra stitches are sewn back and forth to anchor the seam. Also known as back tacking. Most machines have this icon on the machine to indicate this is the backstitch button.
   
   
   
   
3. Batting: The layer of material between your quilt top and your backing to give it weight and warmth.
   
   
   
   
4. Binding: A narrow strip of fabric attached along the edge of a project to give it a finished look.
   
   
   
   
5. Bobbin: A bobbin is a removable part that is wound with thread and makes the underside of a machine stitch.
   
   
   
   
6. Fat Quarter: An 18" x 22" piece of fabric that is frequently mentioned in sewing and quilting patterns.
   
   
   
   
7. Feed Dogs: The feed dogs are what ride underneath the presser foot. They almost look like metal teeth! As fabric goes through, the feed dogs come up and help pull the fabric along.
   
   
   
   
8. Notions: Small tools used in sewing, such as needles, thread, pins, marking pens, elastic, and seam rippers.
   
   
   
   
9. Presser Foot: The presser foot presses and holds the fabric down on the feed dogs to give stability while you sew, which is controlled by a lever on your machine.
   
   
   
   
10. Raw Edge: The edge of the fabric that has been cut. If left raw, the fabric may fray.
    
    
    
    
11. Right Side: The right side of the fabric is the side which is seen when the project is done. It's what we call the "pretty" side.
    
    
    
    
12. Seam Allowance: The fabric between the cut edge of the fabric and the line of stitching. Generally, a 1/4-1/2" seam allowance is used.
    
    
    
    
13. Seam Ripper: A small tool to unpick or tear the stitches of a sewn seam.
    
    
    
    
14. Selvage: The factory edges of a fabric that run lengthwise on both sides of the fabric. It usually has the name of the manufacturer and/or the name of the fabric collection.
    
    
    
    
15. Wrong Side: The wrong side is the back side of the fabric and is usually not as bright nor shows the pattern of the fabric.
    
    

Knowing these sewing terms will help you start off on the right foot to become a successful sewer! To learn more sewing basics for beginners, click here to read through our Learn to Sew series!