Garment Construction TermsUpdated 2 months ago

When delving into the world of garment construction, it's essential to

familiarize yourself with the terminology used in sewing patterns and

instructions. Below, we have compiled a list of commonly used terms to help

you navigate the process of creating beautiful garments: Clip: Small snips

made in curved or angled areas of pattern pieces to add ease and ensure a

smooth and even finished garment.Cutting Line: Solid lines printed on

patterns that indicate where to cut out the pattern pieces from the

fabric.Darts: Triangular wedge-shaped areas that are folded and sewn into

garments to provide shape and better fit, often found at the bust, waist, and

hips.Dots: Marks placed on pattern pieces at seam intersections, dart points,

collars, and other important areas to indicate where garment pieces should

align.Cut On Fold Symbol: An open-ended rectangle with a double-edged

arrow that specifies when a pattern piece needs to be placed on the fabric's

fold before cutting.Ease: The space allotted in a pattern to ensure a

comfortable fit and accommodate the body's specific measurements and

movement.Grade/Layer: The process of increasing or decreasing the sample

size of a pattern to create a complete size range.Hem: The finished bottom

edge of a garment that is folded and sewn to prevent fraying and provide a

clean finish.Iron: The act of using an iron to press fabric and finished garment

pieces, helping to create crisp seams and ensure the garment lays

correctly.Layout: A printed portion in pattern instructions that guides the

placement of pattern pieces on fabric for cutting.Marking/Tracing: The process

of transferring important lines and guidelines from muslin or pattern pieces

onto pattern paper using marking tools or tracing aids.Notch: Triangle-shaped

cuts or marks placed on pattern pieces to assist in aligning different pieces

during sewing.Pivot: A sewing technique used when sewing corners, where the

needle is lowered into the fabric, and the fabric is rotated to achieve the

desired position.Pre-shrink: The process of laundering fabric before sewing if

the fabric is prone to shrinkage, to prevent any unwanted changes in size after

construction.Press: The action of lifting and lowering an iron onto fabric and

pattern pieces to remove wrinkles and set seams for a professional

finish.Seam Allowance: The width of fabric between the seam line and the

fabric's edge, allowing for fraying and wearing ease.Seam: A series of stitches

that hold two or more pieces of fabric together to create a finished seam.Tack:

A type of stitch used for reinforcement at points of stress, such as pockets or

zippers, to provide additional strength and stability.Trim: The process of

cutting down the sewn seam allowance to reduce bulk and achieve a neater

finish.Yoke: An additional fabric element added for fit and design purposes,

often placed across the shoulders or at the waistline of a garment. By

familiarizing yourself with these common garment construction terms, you'll

be better equipped to follow sewing patterns, understand sewing instructions,

and communicate effectively within the sewing community. Remember to

consult the specific pattern instructions for any additional terminology or

techniques unique to your project. Happy

sewing!https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/moods-ultimate-list-of-sewing-

terms-to-know/

Categories:

Patterns, Sewing