Specialty Stitch Applications
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certification in Fashion Design Alterations course at HealthCareCourses (An LSIB brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
A-line: refers to the silhouette of a garment that is narrower at the top… #
Related terms: shift dress, trapeze dress. In the context of Specialty Stitch Applications, A-line garments often require adjustments to the seam allowance to ensure a smooth, even hemline.
Appliqué #
a technique used to apply fabrics, laces, or other materials to a garment using adhesive or stitches, often used for decorative purposes. Related terms: embellishment, patchwork. In Specialty Stitch Applications, appliqué is used to add visual interest to garments, and requires careful consideration of the stitch type and thread color to ensure a seamless integration with the surrounding fabric.
Armhole #
the opening in a garment that allows the arm to pass through, typically curved or angled to fit the shoulder and arm. Related terms: sleeve, shoulder slope. In Specialty Stitch Applications, the armhole is a critical area that requires careful construction to ensure a comfortable, secure fit.
Backstitch #
a basic stitch used for sewing two edges together, characterized by a reverse motion of the needle. Related terms: running stitch, whipstitch. In Specialty Stitch Applications, the backstitch is often used for seaming and hemming, and requires a steady hand to maintain an even tension.
Basting #
a temporary stitch used to hold fabrics in place while sewing, typically removed after the garment is complete. Related terms: pinning, tacking. In Specialty Stitch Applications, basting is used to stabilize fabrics during construction, and requires a loose tension to avoid distorting the fabric.
Bias #
a direction in a fabric that is diagonal to the selvage and grain, often used for garments that require stretch or drape. Related terms: grainline, selvage. In Specialty Stitch Applications, bias fabrics require special handling to avoid distortion or stretching, and are often used for garments that require a fluid silhouette.
Binding #
a technique used to finish a raw edge of a garment by folding or covering it with a strip of fabric. Related terms: -facing, hemming. In Specialty Stitch Applications, binding is used to conceal raw edges and add a decorative touch to garments, and requires a precise fold to create a smooth edge.
Bodice #
the upper part of a garment that covers the torso, typically fitted or semi-fitted to the body. Related terms: waistline, skirt. In Specialty Stitch Applications, the bodice requires careful construction to ensure a comfortable, secure fit, and often involves the use of darts and seams to shape the garment to the body.
Buttonhole #
a small opening in a garment that allows a button to pass through, typically reinforced with stitches or interfacing. Related terms: button, fastening. In Specialty Stitch Applications, buttonholes require careful placement and construction to ensure a secure and functional closure, and often involve the use of specialized stitches and techniques.
Casing #
a tube or channel in a garment that allows a drawstring or elastic to pass through, typically sewn into the seam allowance. Related terms: drawstring, elastic. In Specialty Stitch Applications, casings are used to create a flexible and adjustable fit, and require careful construction to ensure a smooth and even channel.
Chainstitch #
a type of stitch used for sewing two edges together, characterized by a looping motion of the needle. Related terms: running stitch, backstitch. In Specialty Stitch Applications, the chainstitch is often used for seaming and hemming, and requires a steady hand to maintain an even tension.
Collar #
a piece of fabric that fits around the neck of a garment, typically attached to the bodice or shirt. Related terms: neckline, shirt. In Specialty Stitch Applications, collars require careful construction to ensure a comfortable, secure fit, and often involve the use of interfacing and stabilizers to maintain the shape and structure of the collar.
Cuff #
a piece of fabric that fits around the wrist of a garment, typically attached to the sleeve. Related terms: sleeve, wrist. In Specialty Stitch Applications, cuffs require careful construction to ensure a comfortable, secure fit, and often involve the use of buttons or other fasteners to create a functional and adjustable closure.
Dart #
a fold or tuck in a garment that allows for shaping and fitting to the body, typically sewn into the seam allowance. Related terms: seam, fitting. In Specialty Stitch Applications, darts are used to create a customized fit, and require careful placement and construction to ensure a smooth and even silhouette.
Embroidery #
a technique used to decorate a garment with thread or yarn, typically using a needle and hoop. Related terms: appliqué, beading. In Specialty Stitch Applications, embroidery is used to add visual interest and decorative elements to garments, and requires a steady hand and attention to detail.
Facing #
a piece of fabric that is attached to the inside of a garment to finish the raw edge or create a decorative element. Related terms: binding, interfacing. In Specialty Stitch Applications, facings are used to conceal raw edges and add a decorative touch to garments, and require a precise fit to ensure a smooth and even edge.
Gathering #
a technique used to reduce the width of a garment or fabric by sewing a running stitch and then pulling the thread to create a gathered effect. Related terms: ruffling, shirring. In Specialty Stitch Applications, gathering is used to create a flared or gathered effect, and requires a steady hand to maintain an even tension.
Hem #
the edge of a garment that is folded up and sewn in place to finish the raw edge and prevent fraying. Related terms: hemming, seam. In Specialty Stitch Applications, hems require careful construction to ensure a smooth and even edge, and often involve the use of interfacing and stabilizers to maintain the shape and structure of the hem.
Interfacing #
a layer of fabric or material that is attached to the inside of a garment to add stability and structure. Related terms: facing, stabilizer. In Specialty Stitch Applications, interfacing is used to add body and shape to garments, and requires careful selection of the type and weight of interfacing to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Lining #
a layer of fabric that is attached to the inside of a garment to conceal the raw edges and add a smooth finish. Related terms: facing, interfacing. In Specialty Stitch Applications, linings are used to conceal raw edges and add a decorative touch to garments, and require a precise fit to ensure a smooth and even edge.
Notion #
a small item used in sewing, such as a button, zipper, or thread. Related terms: fastener, trim. In Specialty Stitch Applications, notions are used to add a functional and decorative element to garments, and require careful selection to ensure a compatible and durable finish.
Overlock #
a type of stitch used to finish the raw edge of a garment by sewing a looping stitch over the edge. Related terms: serger, overlocking. In Specialty Stitch Applications, overlocking is used to conceal raw edges and add a professional finish to garments, and requires a steady hand to maintain an even tension.
Patch #
a small piece of fabric used to repair or decorate a garment, typically sewn or applied using adhesive. Related terms: appliqué, embellishment. In Specialty Stitch Applications, patches are used to add a decorative or functional element to garments, and require careful placement and construction to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Pintuck #
a small tuck or fold in a garment that is sewn in place to create a decorative element or add texture. Related terms: tuck, pleat. In Specialty Stitch Applications, pintucks are used to add a decorative or textured element to garments, and require careful placement and construction to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Pleat #
a fold or tuck in a garment that is sewn in place to create a decorative element or add volume. Related terms: tuck, gather. In Specialty Stitch Applications, pleats are used to add a decorative or textured element to garments, and require careful placement and construction to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Pocket #
a small bag or pouch that is attached to a garment to hold small items, typically sewn into the seam allowance. Related terms: bag, pouch. In Specialty Stitch Applications, pockets require careful construction to ensure a secure and functional closure, and often involve the use of interfacing and stabilizers to maintain the shape and structure of the pocket.
Quilting #
a technique used to join two or more layers of fabric together using stitches, typically used for bedding or home decor items. Related terms: patchwork, appliqué. In Specialty Stitch Applications, quilting is used to add a decorative or textured element to garments, and requires careful placement and construction to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Ruffle #
a decorative element that is gathered or pleated to create a frilly or gathered effect, typically used for garments or home decor items. Related terms: gather, pleat. In Specialty Stitch Applications, ruffles are used to add a decorative or textured element to garments, and require careful placement and construction to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Seam #
a joint where two edges of fabric are sewn together, typically using a sewing machine or hand stitching. Related terms: stitch, hem. In Specialty Stitch Applications, seams require careful construction to ensure a strong and durable joint, and often involve the use of interfacing and stabilizers to maintain the shape and structure of the seam.
Serging #
a technique used to finish the raw edge of a garment by sewing a looping stitch over the edge, typically using a serger machine. Related terms: overlock, overlocking. In Specialty Stitch Applications, serging is used to conceal raw edges and add a professional finish to garments, and requires a steady hand to maintain an even tension.
Shirring #
a technique used to gather or pleat a garment by sewing a running stitch and then pulling the thread to create a gathered effect. Related terms: gathering, pleating. In Specialty Stitch Applications, shirring is used to add a decorative or textured element to garments, and requires careful placement and construction to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Stabilizer #
a material used to add stability and structure to a garment, typically used for interfacing or support. Related terms: interfacing, facing. In Specialty Stitch Applications, stabilizers are used to add body and shape to garments, and require careful selection of the type and weight of stabilizer to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Tack #
a small stitch used to hold two edges of fabric together, typically used for temporarily holding a garment in place. Related terms: baste, pin. In Specialty Stitch Applications, tacks are used to hold garments in place during construction, and require a loose tension to avoid distorting the fabric.
Tailoring #
the process of creating a garment that is fitted to the body, typically using traditional techniques and methods. Related terms: couture, bespoke. In Specialty Stitch Applications, tailoring requires careful measurement and fitting to ensure a customized and flattering fit, and often involves the use of interfacing and stabilizers to maintain the shape and structure of the garment.
Topstitch #
a decorative stitch used to add a visible stitch to the outside of a garment, typically used for emphasis or decorative purposes. Related terms: embellishment, ornamentation. In Specialty Stitch Applications, topstitching is used to add a decorative or functional element to garments, and requires a steady hand to maintain an even tension.
Underlining #
a technique used to add a layer of fabric to the inside of a garment to add stability and structure. Related terms: interfacing, facing. In Specialty Stitch Applications, underlining is used to add body and shape to garments, and requires careful selection of the type and weight of underlining to ensure a smooth and even finish.
Waistline #
the line that defines the waist of a garment, typically marked by a seam or fold. Related terms: bodice, skirt. In Specialty Stitch Applications, the waistline requires careful construction to ensure a comfortable, secure fit, and often involves the use of darts and seams to shape the garment to the body.
Yoke #
a piece of fabric that fits across the shoulders of a garment, typically used for shirts or dresses. Related terms: shoulder, sleeve. In Specialty Stitch Applications, yokes require careful construction to ensure a comfortable, secure fit, and often involve the use of interfacing and stabilizers to maintain the shape and structure of the yoke.
Zigzag stitch #
a type of stitch used to finish the raw edge of a garment by sewing a zigzag pattern over the edge, typically used for knit or stretchy fabrics. Related terms: overlock, serger. In Specialty Stitch Applications, the zigzag stitch is used to conceal raw edges and add a professional finish to garments, and requires a steady hand to maintain an even tension.