Fashion Design Glossary

A decorative technique in which fabric pieces are sewn or attached onto a larger piece of fabric to form a design or pattern.

A designer's workshop or studio, particularly in haute couture, where garments are designed and constructed by skilled artisans.

Custom-made clothing tailored to an individual client's measurements and specifications. Originates from Savile Row tailoring in London.

The diagonal direction across woven fabric, at a 45-degree angle to the warp and weft. Fabric cut on the bias has greater stretch and drape.

The upper portion of a dress or garment, from the shoulders or neckline to the waist, fitted to the torso.

A full roll of fabric as it comes from the manufacturer, typically wound around a flat cardboard core.

A particular combination of colors in which a fabric pattern or garment design is produced.

A fashion designer who creates haute couture garments. Couturier refers to a male designer, couturiere to a female designer.

A tapered, stitched fold of fabric used to shape a flat piece of cloth to the curves of the body.

The way fabric hangs and falls, determined by its weight, weave, and fiber content. Also refers to the design technique of shaping fabric on a form.

The difference between body measurements and garment measurements, added for comfort, movement, or design effect.

A piece of fabric used to finish raw edges of a garment, typically at necklines, armholes, and front openings, folded to the inside to create a clean edge.

The basic raw material from which yarns and fabrics are made. Natural fibers include cotton, silk, wool, and linen; synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, and acrylic.

The final processes applied to a garment or fabric, including pressing, hemming, buttonhole making, and quality inspection.

The direction of threads in a woven fabric. Lengthwise grain (warp) runs parallel to the selvage; crosswise grain (weft) runs perpendicular.

High fashion; custom-fitted, hand-constructed garments produced by officially designated fashion houses in Paris under strict Chambre Syndicale regulations.

A support fabric applied to garment pieces to add body, structure, and stability, available in fusible and sew-in forms.

An inner layer of fabric that covers the inside construction of a garment, improving comfort, drape, and appearance.

A full-scale layout of all pattern pieces arranged on paper or digitally to maximize fabric usage and minimize waste during cutting.

A plain-woven cotton fabric used to create test garments (toiles) for fitting and design evaluation before final production.

A small cut or mark on a pattern piece or fabric edge used for alignment during garment assembly.

A fold of fabric doubled over and secured in place, used to control fullness and create structured movement in garments.

The area between the stitching line and the raw cut edge of fabric, typically ranging from 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch depending on the garment type.

A basic, fitted pattern template made to a standard set of body measurements, without seam allowances or style details, from which all other patterns are derived.

The set of lengthwise threads held taut on a loom through which the weft threads are interlaced. Warp threads run parallel to the selvage.