When it comes to understanding sewing terms, you really need
My
Sewing Dictionary.

And
My
Sewing Dictionary Software

 Together these two resources make learning to sew quicker and easier than you might imagine.

The ebook provides a beautifully illustrated dictionary complete with definitions, explanations, and photos of over 3,000 sewing and quilting terms.

The software installs right on your desktop for easy access any time you need to know what a sewing term means.  Just start typing and the terms auto fill and your definition and explainations appear lickity split easy beezy.

To learn more about My sewing Dictionary Click Here.

Using Your Sewing Dictionary As 

A Guide To Vintage Pattern Terminology

Your Sewing Dictionary can be invaluable in understanding vintage patterns and Vintage Terms.  To properly use vintage patterns you must understand the vintage terms which is why you need a good sewing dictionary.

If you are considering sewing with vintage patterns, then you will definitely want to learn the terminology. Vintage patterns come with vintage terminology, not all of which may be familiar. Here are some of the terms you might encounter.

1. Continuous Lap: A strip of fabric cut on the straight grain and used to face edges of an opening or slit in a garment.

 2. Jabot: A ruffle or cravat-like accent attached to the front of a dress or blouse.

 3. Lapped Seam: A seam in which one seam allowance edge is lapped over the seam allowance of its joining piece and stitched.

 4. Pin tuck: Very small tucks stitched just a pin's width from the fold to slightly shape a garment piece. In the late 1920's, a series of pin tucks were often applied across the naural waistline of a frock for shaping and detail.

 5. Plaits: An array of narrow (known today as "knife") pleats often applied at the hem of a dress, the ends of sleeves, or around the neck opening.

 6. Shirring: Three or more rows of gathers made by small running stitches in parallel lines. The rows are spaced as desired.

 7. Slide Fastener: The original term for zippers.

  8. True Bias: Fabric that is cut at a precise 45-degree angle to the fabric grain line.

 9. Toile: The French term for fabric pattern. Originally pertained to the muslin test garment.

 Today, with the help of the internet and the popularity of all things vintage, it's easier than every to acquire vintage patterns. Sewing with the real-deal pattern in its original form is a great experience and a fun way to re-create those wonderful designs from the past. I hope the above glossary of terms will help you easily navigate the world of vintage patterns.

To properly use vintage patterns you must understand the vintage terms which is why you need a good sewing dictionary.  Your sewing dictionary can help you understand vintage patterns and Vintage Terms.