Fabric Terminology

It can be extremely fun hitting up the fabric store picking up new fabric. Having an understanding of basic fabric terms will better equip you in being a smart sewer and shopper.

Selvage

The finished, firmly woven edge on fabric. Sometimes you will see tiny perforated holes or manufacturers writing along this edge. This edge will run along both sides of the lengthwise grain edges.

Lengthwise Grain (Warp)

Running parallel to the selvage edge. These yarns are the strongest and most stable.
Commonly this will run vertical on a body.

Crosswise Grain (Weft)

Yarns running from one selvage edge to the other selvage edge make up the crosswise grain on a fabric.
Most woven fabric will have a bit of movement along these yarns.

True Bias

Sitting at a 45 degree angle from the selvage edge, it is a line that intersects with the lengthwise and crosswise grains. True bias has alot of movement and give. It can easily conform to the contours of a body. Commonly seen in evening wear.

Happy Sewing!
Photographed and written by Sheila Wong Studios