My thoughts and experiences
as a baby boomer
Creative Solutions
S
SALVAGE
The woven outside edge of fabric which is unable to fray. This can have color matching dots or manufacturer information printed on it. Also referred to as selvedge.
SATIN STITCH
This zig-zag stitch is applied with a shortened stitch length so that the stitches look horizontal to each other.
SEAM
A method of stitching two pieces of fabric together.
SEAM ALLOWANCE
The amount of extra fabric added to allow for a seam. This is the area between the cut edge and the seam stitching.
SELVEDGE
The woven outside edge of fabric which is unable to fray. This can have color matching dots or manufacturer information printed on it. (Some references note the spelling as selvage or selvege.)
SEPARATING ZIPPER
This is a type of zipper that separates entirely. These are often found on jackets and sweaters. There is a metal or plastic tab at the bottom of the zipper for bringing both sides together and starting the zip.
SERGER
Also called an overlocker. This is a form of sewing machine that cuts off excess fabric and finishes the seam allowance in one motion. Most manufactured knit fabric garments have been edged with a serger.
SHANK BUTTON
A shank button is one that has space left between it and the fabric. They have a raised area on the back of the button which is used to sew it onto the fabric. A heavyweight jacket would require a deeper shanked button than a lighterweight jacket for instance. You can turn a normal button into a shanked button by wrapping thread under the button to create a shank.
SHRINK
Shrinkage occurs with some fabrics when they are washed and/or dried. This results in the fabric or garment becoming smaller. See "Pre-Shrinking" for ways to deal with this problem when constructing a garment.
SIZING
A light starch finish that provides crispness to a fabric without feeling stiff.
SLIT
Slits are often seen on skirts or back seams. They are an open part of the seam, usually at the bottom.
SLOPER
A sloper is a trial pattern of muslin or gingham pattern which has been altered to fit the individual person. It has to be very snug fitting, leaving just enough room to breathe but little room to move. It does not have style or design features, it is just a "record" of what fits you.
SNIPS
Snips are very small cutting tools, very much like scissors, but are only used for cutting threads.
SPOOL
Basically, a spool holds thread. They can be made of plastic, wood, cardboard tubing, etc.
STASH
A collection of fabric.
STAY-STITCH
This stitching is applied about 1/8" inside the permanent line of stitching on a curved edge in order to keep it from distorting. Refer to the pattern to establish the direction of the stitching.
STITCH IN THE DITCH
This is a type of under-stitching. To perform successfully, press the seam allowances to one side and top stitch as close as possible to the seam. This will hold the seam allowance down and keep the piece of fabric folded under.
STITCH LENGTH
The length of the stitch depends on the work you are doing, but in general 11-12 stitches are applied per inch. If you are gathering or basting then there is usually 6 stitches applied per inch. You will rarely ever need to have more than 12 stitches applied per inch.
STRAIGHT STITCH
This is stitching made up of single forward stitches. Most sewing machines use this as the standard.
Dictionary of Sewing Terms
Sewing Information
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