1. Bias: The diagonal direction of the fabric at a 45-degree angle to the grainline. The fabric cut on the bias has more stretch and drape.
  2. Baste: Temporary stitching with long, loose stitches holds fabric pieces together before the final sewing. Basting helps test the fit and arrangement.
  3. Clip: Small cuts made into the seam allowance to help curves lay flat and reduce bulk.
  4. Cross-grain: The direction of the fabric perpendicular to the lengthwise grain. It runs from selvage to selvage.
  5. Ease: This is the small amount of extra room in a garment that allows the wearer to move comfortably.
  6. Edgestitch: A line of stitching sewn very close to the edge of the fabric, usually 1/8 inch or less.
  7. Grade Seam: Trimming each layer of seam allowance to different widths to reduce bulk. The widest layer is next to the garment, and the narrowest layer is next to the garment.
  8. Grainline: The direction parallel to the selvage. It’s the straight grain and ensures the fabric hangs correctly.
  9. Notch: Small cuts or marks made in the fabric edges to align pattern pieces during sewing.
  10. Raw Edge: The unfinished edge of the fabric that can fray.
  11. Staystitch: A line of stitching just inside the seam allowance to prevent stretching or distortion.
  12. Seam Allowance is the space between the stitching line and the fabric edge. It varies depending on the pattern but is usually 1/4 to 5/8 inch.
  13. Selvage: The tightly woven edge of the fabric that runs parallel to the lengthwise grain.
  14. Stitch Length is the distance between stitches. Longer stitches are used for basting, while shorter stitches are used for permanent seams.
  15. Topstitch: A line of stitching on the right side of the fabric, often used for decorative purposes or to secure seams.
  16. Understitch: A row of stitches placed near the edge of a facing or lining to prevent it from rolling outward to the outside of the garment.