Sewing can seem like a foreign language, but don’t worry, you found a great teacher! Understanding these essential terms will help you navigate sewing with confidence.

Terms and Explanations:

Tension

What is tension in sewing?

• In sewing, tension refers to how taut the thread is on a sewing machine. It ensures even stitches on both sides of the fabric, adjusted using a number system or auto-tension setting

Stitch Length

• The length of each stitch, adjustable on all machines with options ranging from short to long, controlled via dial, knob, or button

Stitch Width

What is stitch width in sewing?

• The width of each stitch, adjustable for certain stitch types like zigzag, controlled similarly to stitch length

Selvage

What is selvage in sewing?

• A finished edge along the fabric's length that prevents it from unraveling, typically identified by a different appearance

Grain / Grainline

What is a grainline in sewing?

• The fibers of the fabric running parallel (lengthwise grain) or perpendicular (cross-grain) to the selvage, with bias at a 45-degree angle
• Grainlines on sewing patterns indicate how to align a pattern piece with a fabric’s grain

Bias

What is bias in sewing?

• The cross-grain at a 45-degree angle provides some fabric stretch (it won’t turn canvas into spandex, but it’ll give you room to budge) and is used for techniques like bias binding

Right Side (of Fabric)

What is the right side of fabric?

• The fabric's presentation side, usually brighter or printed, intended to face outward

Wrong Side (of Fabric)

What is the wrong side of fabric?

• The hidden side of fabric, typically less vibrant and meant to face inward when worn

Note: Not all fabrics have a clear right or wrong side; the difference may not exist or be too subtle to notice. In those cases, it’s your choice to decide right from wrong!

Fabric Shears

What are fabric shears used for in sewing?

• Specialized scissors for cutting fabric; keep them sharp and fabric-friendly by avoiding cutting other materials

Seam Ripper

What is a seam ripper used for in sewing?

• A tool for removing stitches and correcting mistakes without damaging fabric

Bobbin

• A small spool of thread, loaded manually in the lower part of a sewing machine

Presser Foot

• A sewing machine attachment that holds fabric flat while sewing, with various types for different sewing tasks

Seam Allowance

What is seam allowance in sewing?

• The space between the seamline and fabric edge providing enough surface area to sew on

Raw Edge

What is a raw edge in sewing?

• The cut edge of fabric

Finish (a Raw Edge)

• Techniques to prevent raw edges from fraying, such as serging or using edge finishes

The start of your sewing journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. At First Stop Cosplay, we're dedicated to empowering those new to sewing with the knowledge they need to create amazing garments using our easy sewing patterns for beginners. Understanding these fundamental sewing terms sets a strong foundation for mastering the art of cosplay creation.

That’s it for today’s Sewing 101 class! Great job pinning down the basics!

Want to Learn More?

Beyond this guide to beginner sewing terms, we also offer a wealth of free educational content in our FSCO Sewing Academy, covering every detail of cosplay crafting. We’re committed to continuously expanding our resources and supporting our community along their cosplay journey, so let us know if there’s a specific topic you’re curious about that we have yet to cover!

Our Discord community connects you with our team and fellow cosplayers, ready to assist with any questions or challenges you may encounter.

Interested in knowing what else makes First Stop Cosplay unique? Read this.

Follow us on social media for updates, tutorials, and inspiration.

Let's create something amazing together!

Written by Karina M.

All trademarks, trade names, or logos mentioned or used are the property of their respective owners.