Below is a list of common sewing terms that you’re likely to encounter as you learn to sew. I hope it helps.

Common Sewing Terms

Backstitch: A few stitches sewn backward to reinforce the beginning or end of a seam and prevent unraveling.

Baste: Temporary long stitches (done by hand or machine) used to hold fabric pieces together before final sewing. Also called “tacking.”

Bias: The diagonal direction of fabric (45° angle to the grain). Fabric cut on the bias has stretch and drape.

Dart: A triangular fold sewn into fabric to add shape to a garment, especially around bust, waist, or hips.

Grain: The direction of threads in woven fabric. Lengthwise grain runs parallel to the selvage; crosswise grain runs perpendicular.

Hem: The finished edge of a garment, typically folded under and sewn to prevent fraying and give a neat appearance.

Notch: Small marks or cuts used as guides to align fabric pieces when sewing.

Right Side / Wrong Side: The right side is the “pretty” or printed side of fabric; the wrong side is the back or unfinished side.

Seam Allowance: The area between the edge of the fabric and the stitching line—typically 1.5cm (⅝”) in garment sewing.

Selvage: The tightly woven edge of the fabric that runs along the lengthwise grain and doesn’t fray.

Topstitch: A visible stitch on the top of a garment, often decorative or used to reinforce seams.

Tension: The tightness of thread in stitching. Correct tension ensures even stitches without puckering or looping.

Understitching: A line of stitching on the facing or lining of a garment to keep it from rolling to the outside.

Sewing Machine Terms

Bobbin: A small spool that holds the lower thread in a sewing machine.

Feed Dogs: The metal teeth under the needle plate that help move the fabric through the machine while sewing.

Foot Pedal: A pedal that controls the sewing machine speed with your foot.

Free Arm: A removable section of the sewing machine base that allows you to sew cylindrical items like sleeves or trouser legs.

Hand Wheel: The round wheel on the side of the machine used to manually raise or lower the needle.

Needle Plate / Throat Plate: The metal plate beneath the needle that has guide lines to help sew straight seams.

Presser Foot: The attachment that holds fabric flat while sewing. Different types are used for different techniques (zipper, buttonhole, etc.).

Reverse Lever / Backstitch Button: A function that allows the machine to sew in reverse to secure stitches.

Stitch Length / Width Dial: Controls how long or wide your stitches are.

Tension Dial: Adjusts the tightness of the upper thread. Too tight or too loose can affect stitch quality.

Thread Guide: Guides that help position the thread correctly when threading the machine.

Zigzag Stitch: A versatile stitch used for stretch fabrics, seam finishing, and decorative stitching.