Sewing and fashion glossary
Short, plain definitions of the terms you hear at a tailor or boutique.
A
- Aari Work
- Aari work is a type of hooked-needle embroidery that creates chain-stitch designs with thread, beads and sequins.
- Anarkali
- An Anarkali is a long dress with a fitted bodice and a full, flared skirt that falls from the bust or waist.
- Armhole
- The armhole is the opening in a garment where the sleeve is attached, also called the armscye.
B
- Ball Gown
- A ball gown is a formal gown with a fitted bodice and a very full skirt.
- Basting
- Basting is long temporary stitching used to hold fabric in place before final sewing or during a fitting.
- Bias
- The bias is the diagonal direction of a woven fabric, at 45 degrees to the threads, where the fabric stretches the most.
- Boning
- Boning is thin flexible strips, made of plastic or steel, sewn into a garment to hold its shape and give support.
- Brocade
- Brocade is a heavy woven fabric with raised patterns, often in metallic thread, used for festive and bridal wear.
C
- Can-Can
- A can-can is a stiff layered underskirt, usually made of net, that gives a skirt its volume.
- Corset
- A corset is a structured, boned bodice that shapes and supports the torso, now worn as a fashion top or dress.
- Cut Dana
- Cut dana is a small, faceted glass or metal bead used in embroidery to add sparkle.
D
E
- Ease
- Ease is the extra room built into a garment beyond your body measurements so you can move and breathe.
F
- Facing
- A facing is a shaped piece of fabric stitched inside an edge, such as a neckline, to finish and support it.
G
- Georgette
- Georgette is a light, slightly crinkled, sheer fabric that drapes softly and is used for sarees, blouses and dresses.
- Grain Line
- The grain line is the direction of the lengthwise threads in a fabric, parallel to the selvedge.
- Gusset
- A gusset is a small piece of fabric inserted at a seam, such as under the arm, to give extra room and ease of movement.
H
- Hem
- A hem is the folded and stitched finished edge at the bottom of a garment or sleeve.
I
- Interfacing
- Interfacing is a layer of fabric, often fusible, placed inside a garment to add stiffness and structure.
L
M
- Made to Measure
- Made to measure means a garment is cut and stitched to your own body measurements, rather than a standard size.
- Mermaid Gown
- A mermaid gown is fitted through the body and hips, then flares out dramatically from around the knee.
N
- Net Fabric
- Net is a sheer, open-weave fabric made like a mesh, used for sleeves, overlays, sarees and blouses.
O
- Organza
- Organza is a crisp, sheer, lightweight fabric that holds a shape, used for sleeves, overlays and skirts.
P
- Petticoat
- A petticoat is an underskirt worn beneath a saree to hold the pleats and give the drape a smooth line.
- Placket
- A placket is a finished opening in a garment, usually with a fastening such as hooks, buttons or a zip.
- Pleat
- A pleat is a fold in fabric that is pressed or stitched in place to add shape or controlled fullness.
- Princess Cut
- A princess cut is a style of shaping that uses long curved seams from the shoulder or armhole down to the hem, instead of darts.
R
- Raw Silk
- Raw silk is a textured silk fabric with a slightly rough surface, used for blouses, suits and lehengas.
S
- Satin
- Satin is a smooth, glossy fabric with a shiny face, used for evening dresses, gowns and blouses.
- Seam Allowance
- Seam allowance is the extra fabric between the stitching line and the cut edge of a garment.
- Selvedge
- The selvedge is the finished edge along the length of a woven fabric that stops it from fraying.
- Sequin Work
- Sequin work is decoration made by stitching small shiny discs, called sequins, onto fabric in patterns.
- Sleeve Cap
- The sleeve cap is the curved top of a sleeve that fits into the armhole.
T
- Trial Fitting
- A trial fitting is a session where you try on a partly finished garment so adjustments can be made before it is completed.
- Tulle
- Tulle is a fine, lightweight net with small hexagonal holes, used for gown skirts, veils and underskirts.
V
- Velvet
- Velvet is a soft, dense fabric with a short pile on one side, used for winter and festive wear.
Z
- Zardozi
- Zardozi is a traditional embroidery that uses metallic thread, wire, beads and stones to create rich, raised designs.