My thoughts and experiences
as a baby boomer
Creative Solutions
F
FABRIC DIAGONALS
Fabric that is printed on the diagonal. You will normally see this term used on patterns that mention NOT using this type of fabric as the pattern design will make it impossible to match the fabric print in the finished product.
FACE
The right side of the fabric.
FACE FABRIC
The main fabric that is used for the front of an item. Sometimes it is called decorator or self-fabric.
FACING
A fabric piece which is sewn into the cuffs, collar, front opening, or arms eye of a hem to give a finished effect.
FEED DOG
These are the teeth under the sewing machine plate that help move the fabric as it is being sewn.
FIBER
The basic unit, either man-made or natural, that is twisted into yarns and then used for the production of fabric.
FIBERFILL
Man-made fibers which are used as filler material for the production of pillows, mattresses, comforters, quilts, sleeping bags, and some outerwear.
FILLING
The yarns that run across from selvedge to selvedge in a woven fabric. Also known as the weft.
FINDINGS
Any items such as buttons, hooks, snaps or embellishments that are added to a garment during the manufacturing process.
FINGER PRESSING
The action of using your hands to open a seam and rubbing/pressing the seam open with your fingers. Commonly used on small areas of a garment.
FINISH (AN EDGE)
Turn under 1/4" of fabric and stitch, or serge the edge. Doing either of these finishes will stop the fabric from ravelling.
FINISHED FABRIC
A fabric that is ready to be manufactured into garments. It has gone through all the necessary finishing processes needed.
FINISHED WIDTH
The actual width of a fabric after the treatment is completed and all allowances have been utilised.
FLAT FELLED SEAM
Created by sewing the wrong sides of a fabric together, trimming one seam allowance very close to the seam, and then the other seam is turned under and stitched over the other seam allowance. This reduces bulk in a seam. Often used in the making of jeans.
FLOCKING
A type of raised decoration applied to a fabric where an adhesive is printed on the fabric and then finely chopped fibers are applied to the adhesive by air-brushing, electrostatic charge, or by simple dusting.
FOLD LINE
This is the fold of a fabric (off the bolt) that you lay a pattern piece up against in order to avoid a seam running down the centre of your garment.
FOOT
This is the part of the sewing machine that sits above the feed dogs and presses down on the fabric as it is moved through the machine. There are many variations on the standard foot, for example a 'zipper foot.'
FRENCH CURVE
A tool that is used to create or alter curves on a sewing pattern.
FRENCH SEAM
A seam which has been completely enclosed.
FUSIBLE
This relates to interfacing and webbing. It allows it to be ironed onto a garment (with or without stitching for added reinforcement) using the heat- activated "glue" that has been applied to one side.
Dictionary of Sewing Terms
Sewing Information
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