CourseHorse’s Incomplete Sewing Alphabet

Armscye: The opening of a garment’s bodice where one would attach a sleeve. Don't be deceived: Though it's pronounced "arm's eye," it's really an arm hole, so be wary of it closing.

Baste: If you're not near a kitchen, don't fear. This version of basting means "to join fabric together with temporary, removable stitches." Grab fabric, a needle, and some thread, and get to basting.

Couching: A technique in which yarn is laid over a fabric’s surface and sewn into place as a base. Don't mistake it for the art of relaxing on a couch—we're talking sewing here.

Darning: A technique and stitch in which thread is woven along the grain of a fabric to repair holes or worn-out areas of fabric. Who knew darning would be such a good thing?

Embroidery: An ancient form of decorative needlework in which a picture or pattern is created from one material and attached to the surface of another material. There's so much room for creativity here.

Finger press: To flatten a seam using the heat from your own fingers. Think of them as little finger irons. Or miniature finger steamers.

Gore: A narrow-at-the-top and wider-at-the-base segment of a skirt. Does not involve blood or violent imagery of any kind. Safe for children.

Haberdashery: A CourseHorse favorite, a haberdashery is a store that sells buttons, thread, needles, and other goods for sewing. The person selling the goods is a haberdasher. You’re welcome.

Invisible zippers: Zippers that, when sewn in, disappear into a seam. Not quite as cool as invisibility cloaks, but almost.

Jewel neckline: A style where the garment fits close to the base of the neck like a necklace. Similar to the dual meaning of a spork or a liger.

Lapel: The folded union of a jacket or shirt with the same garment’s collar. Most common on snazzy formalwear, almost always worth complimenting.

Mini iron: Like a finger press, except actually an iron. Notions: Sewing accessories and tools sold by a haberdasher at a haberdashery!

Ombre: Graduated shades of color ranging from light to dark. Can be seen demonstrated by the hair color of many a celebrity, or the frosting of many a wedding cake.

Pocket: A bag-like pouch (roughly the size of Polly Pocket’s house) attached to an article of clothing, and intended to hold small items close to the body.

Quilt: Both the act and product of stitching small pieces of fabric together to form a wall hanging or blanket. Closely related to comfy, cozy, and homey.

Raw edge: The unfinished, just-cut edge of a piece of fabric. The most punk rock edge around.

Stitch-in-the-ditch: A stitch inside the groove of an existing seam. Our favorite stitch, primarily because of the name.

Thread: Mini yarn! Or, a long, thin strand of woven fibers that's used in sewing.

Underlay: If there are two layers of fabric, this is the one that’s on the bottom. Pop quiz: What’s the one on the top called?

Whiskers: Frayed threads that intensify on raw edges over time. Also known as cat moustaches (!)

Yarn: Giant thread! Or, thick thread that's been spun together, most often used in knitting.

Zipper: A slide fastener used to bind two edges of fabric together, and one of the greatest inventions of all time.