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Some images on this page and throughout this website are from my favorite archival and historical sewing books, and they are also in the public domain for viewing anytime and looking into the past via a needle and thread. They also show that the basics still apply in modern sewing.

• Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving by Grace Christie, 1912.
• Handbook of Embroidery by L. Higgin, 1880.
• Jacobean Embroidery by Ada Wentworth Fitzwilliam and A. F. Morris Hands, 1912.
• The Ladies' Work-Table Book by Anonymous, 1844.

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Sewing Terms
By Renee Shelton
© 2010

Here are some common sewing terms defined.

Top Stitching: This means that a stitch via the sewing machine will be used for decorative means, but not in all cases. Sometimes I use a contrasting thread to help hold down a fabric, hem or ruffle. This way I can use a decorative thread functionally.

Napped Fabrics: This is a general term that means the fabric all goes in one direction. You need to know if a fabric is napped before cutting your pattern pieces. Usually, you can tell by looking at it. For example: close your eyes and run your hands over the top of the velvet; you will notice it feels different in different directions. If you notice that the fabric feels smooth and glossy when running your hand in one direction and coarse or textured in the opposite direction, you know you have a napped fabric. Other napped fabrics include courduroy and velveteen. This is similar to a directional fabric, which is handled in the same way when laying out your fabric and pattern for cutting. Look at your fabric and see if the flowers, for example, are all up in one direction. If so, that fabric is directional and the pattern pieces must all be in the same direction. Usually, pattern directions will have special layouts for napped fabrics to for you to follow.

Beeswax can be used for preventing fly away threads when finishing up a hand stiched button, etc.
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