Learn to Sew: Sewing Terms You Should Know If You Are In The Process of Learning How To Sew

Seam: A seam is the stitch line where two or more pieces of fabric are joined together. In dressmaking, there are a variety of different seam finishes that are used for specific fabrics and styles. Seams can be broken down into two main groups: Conspicuous and inconspicuous seams. Inconspicuous seams are those that do not have any visual stitching or reinforcing on the face side of the garment. The seam line is the only thing visible in an inconspicuous seam- Best examples  are plain, french seams and bound seams. Conspicuous seams are those that have stitching visible on the right side of the garment. Some examples include top-stitched seams, flat fell, and lapped. 

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Seam Allowance: Seam allowance represents the excess fabric necessary to sew a seam together. In other words, it is the distance from the actual stitch line to the edge of the fabric. Seam allowance is left on the inside of the garment and is usually clean-finished using a variety of different methods. The width of seam allowance varies depending on the garment's style, finishing method and fabric. On most seams, anywhere from 5/8" to 1/2" is the most appropriate seam allowance  to use. 1/4" seam allowance is found on lightweight fabrics along the raw edges that will be finished with double folded binding or serging. 1/4" seam allowance is also common on seams of light to medium weight knits. ​

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​Bodice: The bodice is the upper front and back portion of a garment starting at the waist up. Think of the bodice as the upper torso area. This term is used widely in the sewing/clothing manufacturing  industry to facilitate communication without having to list all the upper elements of a garment individually. When referring to the bodice of a garment, you are including all its components such as darts, waistline, neckline and armholes. ​

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