Sewing Terms Starting with Letter S

If you want to learn sew you need to know and understand a lot sewing definitions and terms. Here is a dictionary of sewing terms and terminology.
All terms and definitions are explained by professional tailor. To all terms, in addition to the description, is attached photo image.

S

Scissors
Scissors

For sewing you need a few scissors. Scissors with long blades are suitable for cutting fabric. Short small scissors used for general use and in carrying out minor works. Smallest scissors are used for trimming and clipping seems threads ends.

Seam allowance
Seam Allowance

Seam allowance of most garments is about 1 - 1.5 cm.

Seam Guides
Seam Guides

Seam guides are lines that are marked on metal surface of needle plate. They facilitate a selection of desired seam allowance.

Selvage
Selvage

Selvage is 1.5 cm wide strip along both vertical edges of fabric. These strips should not be used for cutting clothing items. They are used for winding fabrics into rolls at the factory.

Serger
Serger

Serger (USA) or an overlock is special sewing machine that makes an overcast seams. Serger is designed to prevent shedding edge of fabric.

Sewing machine
Sewing machine

Before buying your first sewing machine you need to answer a few questions. How often do you intend to use a sewing machine, and for what purpose? And second important question - how much money you want to spend on buying a sewing machine?

Sewing machine oil
Sewing Machine Oil

Every model sewing machines need oiling and cleaning some mechanisms. For better oiling results you can use a medical syringe. Using a long thin needle you can penetrate into hard to reach places. In addition, you can control the oil flow and oil will not stain the working surface of the machine.

Sewing tools
Sewing Tools

When tailoring are needed not only a sewing machine but also a variety of tools and accessories (scissors, sewing tabs, buttons, adhesive tapes etc.).

Shank Button
Shank Button

Shank button has a hollow protrusion with hole through which is passed thread.

Shirring
Shirring

Shirring is a great technique for decoration a skirts, shirts, hems and even entire bodices! In this tutorial you learn how to sew with an elastic thread.

Seam Ripper
Seam Ripper

A seam ripper is used for ripping old seams of garments, for cutting hinge of holes etc.

Shoulder Pads
Shoulder Pads

Shoulders pads help hide some disadvantages of female figures. Learn how to cover foam shoulder pads with fabric.

Sloper
Sloper

Sloper is a common model of straight (pencil) skirt. Pattern of sloper skirt can be used as basic pattern for drafting other skirts models.

Spaghetti Straps Dress
Spaghetti Straps Dress

Narrow spaghetti straps are needed not only for the dressed. Spaghetti straps keep shoulders bare in many women's garments (lingerie, camisole etc.). These strips you can use for making nice bows, cords and other decorative elements of the crafts. Here you find steps how to make chiffon spaghetti straps.

Spool
Spool

Spool is named a plastic or wooden cylinder or cone that holds sewing thread.

Stitch length
Stitch Length

Stitch length of home sewing machine is adjusted from 0 to 11-12 stitches per inch. Industrial sewing machine stitches can to exceed 12 per inch.

Stitch Width
Stitch Width

Stitch width is a measurement of size of zig zag stitch.

Straight stitch
Straight Stitch

Straight stitch is used for sewing both parts of fabric together.

Terms starting with Letter:

A    B    C    D    E    F    G    H    I    J    K    L    M    N    O    P    R    T    W    Z

See also:

Sewing Terms and Definitions with Pictures
Sewing Terms and Definitions with Pictures

My sewing patterns pdf
Patterns and Tutorials PDF

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