Haberdashery Glossary – Common tools and when to use them

Now we know you know what elastic is, but here are some tips on when to use this stretchy material in sewing to add flexibility and comfort to garments. It is available in a variety of widths and thicknesses, from narrow bands to wide ribbons.

• Gathering fabric to create ruffles or shirring
• Creating casings for waistbands and cuffs
• Making straps for dresses, tops, and swimsuits
• Adding stretch to pockets and other areas of a garment

See our range of elastic here

Interfacing / Fusible Interlining

Interfacing, also known as fusible interlining, is an extra layer of fabric that is ironed or stitched to the wrong side of a main fabric to add structure, support, or stability. It is commonly used in collars, cuffs, facings, waistbands, and other areas of a garment that need to hold their shape or resist wear and tear.

See our range of Interfacing here

Pleated and Gathered Trims

Pleated trim is made by folding fabric into pleats and then stitching the pleats in place. The pleats can be made in a variety of ways, such as accordion pleats, knife pleats, and box pleats. Pleated trim can be used to add a touch of elegance to collars, cuffs, and other trim details.

Gathered trim is made by gathering fabric together with stitches and then pulling the stitches to create a gathered effect. Gathered trim can be used to add volume and texture to garments and other projects. It is often used on skirts, sleeves, and necklines.

Which to use?

Both pleated and gathered trim can be made from a variety of fabrics, including cotton, wool, silk, and synthetic fabrics. They can be used to add a touch of creativity and personalisation to a variety of projects.

See our range of Pleated and Gathered trims here

Our Haberdashery Glossary continued . .

Pins

Ever wondered what pins to use when? Here's a low down on different types of pins and when it is best to use them.

• Glass head pins: These are the most common type of sewing pin and are a good all-purpose choice. They have glass heads which allow you to see them easily and they are strong enough to pierce most fabrics.

• Ballpoint pins: These pins have a rounded tip instead of a sharp point, making them ideal for delicate fabrics such as knits and silks. The rounded tip prevents the pins from snagging the fabric.

• Silk pins: These pins are very fine and have extra-long shafts, making them perfect for delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon. They are also good for pinning seams when you don't want to see the pins through the fabric.

And more . .

• Quilting pins: These pins are short and fine, making them perfect for quilting. They are strong enough to pierce multiple layers of fabric and they have small heads that won't snag the fabric.

• Upholstery pins: These pins are long and thick, making them perfect for heavy-duty fabrics such as upholstery and leather. They are strong enough to pierce multiple layers of fabric and they have large heads that won't snag the fabric.

• Flower pins: These pins have decorative heads, making them perfect for embellishment. They are not as strong as other types of pins, so they are not ideal for heavy-duty fabrics.