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Writer's pictureGellis Jerome-Milandou

Sewing Terminology: Letter A


sewing terminology
Sewsewing terms


A-Line Dress A style of dress that fits closely at the top and widens gradually from the underarm down to the hem.


A-Line Silhouette A fitted silhouette around the waist that flares outward toward the hem.


A-Line Skirt A skirt that hugs the body at the waist and gradually flares out at the bottom.


Abattoir A facility where animals are processed for various purposes, such as food production and clothing materials.


Abstract Art Art that does not represent specific objects; it is purely nonrepresentational.


Acetate Fabric A fabric known for its crisp feel and high shine, made from cellulose fiber derived from wood pulp. Pure acetate lacks durability, so it’s often blended with other materials like silk, wool, cotton, or synthetics such as rayon, nylon, or polyester to enhance strength. Available in various widths, colors, and weights, acetate is commonly used as a lining fabric.


Accent in Composition The part of a design or artwork that immediately draws attention due to its strong contrast with the rest of the piece.


Accordion Pleats Pleats that start small at the top and become wider at the bottom.


Achromatic Hues Colors without chroma that are not mixed with other colors. Black, white, and gray are examples of achromatic hues.


Across Back Shoulder The measurement across the back, from one shoulder point to the other, on a body or dress form.


Across Front Shoulder The measurement from the right to the left front shoulder point on a body or dress form.


Additive Color System The system used to mix colors by combining different wavelengths of light.


Adhesive Style Tape Tape with a sticky backing, used to mark design lines on a dress form.


Adirondack/Lumberjack Jacket A rugged, wool jacket featuring front patch pockets, a collar, long sleeves, and cuffs.


Adjacent Hues Colors that are positioned next to each other on the color wheel, such as yellow and orange.


Adjustable Ring Thimble A metal thimble with a flat top, adjustable to fit any finger size, ideal for use with thick needles.


Adjustable Tab A feature on the sides of pants, skirts, or jackets that allows for size adjustments and adds decorative detail.


After-Image A visual effect where, after focusing on a color for a few seconds and then looking away, a complementary hue appears faintly. This phenomenon is also known as successive contrast.


Alençon Lace A delicate lace with a corded edge.


All-in-One Facing A one-piece facing that finishes both the neckline and armhole on sleeveless and collarless garments.


All-Over Print Fabric printed with a motif that is repeated over the entire surface without a specific orientation.


All-Purpose ThreadThread suitable for general sewing, available in 100% cotton or polyester, and works well with linen, cotton, silk, wool, and other fibers.


All-Purpose Zipper

A commonly used zipper for skirts, pants, and dresses, available in various lengths, colors, and materials, including nylon, metal, and plastic.


Allergen Barrier FabricA breathable polyester microfiber fabric that serves as a moisture and allergen barrier, typically used as lining or interlining in activewear.


Alternating Pins A draping technique where pins are placed in alternating directions to hold muslin guidelines securely on a dress form.


Analogous HuesColors close to each other on the color wheel that share at least one primary hue, like red and violet.


Aniline Skins Animal skins that have not been coated with finishes, preserving their natural look.


Ankle Joint The joint that connects the foot to the leg.


Annotate Adding notes to pattern pieces to indicate garment part names, grainlines, size, cut quantity, and any additional instructions.


Anorak A type of outerwear pullover jacket with a hood and drawstring waist, designed for rugged use.


Apex The fullest area of the bust.


Appliqué A decorative fabric piece attached to a garment, either by hand-stitching, embroidery, or machine stitching.


Appliqué Needle A hand-sewing needle with a round eye and sharp point, primarily used for appliqué work, available in limited sizes.


Arm Length The distance from the center back to the wrist or from the shoulder to the wrist.


Armhole The opening in a garment where the arm passes through or where a sleeve is attached.


Armhole Dart A bust dart that originates from the armhole and ends near the fullest part of the bust.


Armhole Dart Bodice A bodice with a dart extending from the armhole toward the bust apex.


Armhole Depth The vertical measurement from the shoulder-armhole junction down to the side seam.


Armhole Ridge The area on a dress form where the shoulder seam meets the natural armhole.


Armplate A metal plate on a dress form that covers the arm socket.


Armscye The circumference of the armhole opening.


Ascot Tie A wide necktie that loops over itself with ends cut on a diagonal, secured with a pin.


ASTM Originally called the American Section of the International Association of Testing and Materials, this organization now sets standards for garment sizing and measurements.


Asymmetric Design An informal balance in a garment with each side presenting a different outline or silhouette.


Asymmetrical Neckline A neckline that is uneven on either side of the garment's center front or fastens off-center.


Asymmetry in Design A design where shapes, colors, or lines are unequal on either side of a central line or point.


Athletic Mesh A nylon or polyester knit with an open mesh pattern, often used for sportswear or garment linings.


Atmospheric Color Quality A characteristic of certain colors that gives them a sense of depth, similar to the sky.


Awl A tool used to puncture small holes in fabric or paper.


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