My thoughts and experiences
as a baby boomer
Creative Solutions
Dictionary of Sewing Terms
Sewing Information
Q
R
RAVEL
Ravelling can be performed intentionally to give the edge of the fabric a frayed/fringed appearance. Sew a tight seam any distance from the raw edge and pull the outside threads away. Unintentional ravelling of raw edges can be avoided by finishing the raw edge with appropriate stitching to keep threads intact.
RAW (EDGE)
The raw edge is the edge of the fabric that is not finished or stitched.
REINFORCE (SEAM)
To effectively reinforce a seam you need to sew very close next to it, but not on top of the seam. You could also use bias tape to reinforce a seam. A typical area of a garment that needs to be reinforced is the crotch seam.
RIGHT SIDE
The right side of the fabric is the side with the pattern or design.
ROLLED HEM
To create this hem, firstly fold the raw edge under between 1/4" and 1/8", and then fold over that amount again. Top stitch to hold the hem. This hides the raw edge inside the roll.
ROTARY CUTTER
Rotary cutters are rounded razor blades attached to a handle (a little like pizza cutters!) They are used to cut layers of fabric into strips, but can also be useful for cutting curved lines and for cutting out garment patterns. For a decorative effect you can also buy pinked edge cutters.
RULER
A good sewing ruler is clear plastic, 1/4" or less increments, 2" wide and 18" long. They're useful for measuring the placement of buttonholes, rotary cutting and pattern amendments. In conjunction with a solid ruler, an essential part of your sewing kit is a good measuring tape.
RUNNING STITCH
A running stitch is often used for basting, by running the thread over and under the fabric. It can also be used as the basis for a more decorative stitch.
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