Resources

Backstitch is a short reversal in the direction of stitching used at the beginning and end of each line of stitching to keep the threads from unraveling.

Bar tacks are a small row of high-density stitches found on the edges of pockets or belt loops. These small stitches are often used in high-stress points like pocket openings, bottom of a fly or around buttonholes to reinforce the areas that are prone to tearing or coming apart over time.

Baste stitch is very wide, loose stitch used to keep fabric in place until the permanent stitching is sewn. Baste stitching is often employed for trying on clothes for size adjustments and for keeping things like pockets in place while sewing more permanent stitches. Often the baste stitches are removed once the permanent stitches are in place.

Batting is a fluffy sheet of fibers usually made of cotton, wool, or polyester that goes inside things like quilts and jackets to add warmth and thickness. There is a wide variety of thicknesses (called “loft”) fibers, and dimensions.

Belt loops, sometimes called belt carriers are a construction detail that helps you keep a detachable belt for pants or a dress in place.

The bias in fabric simply means diagonal to the direction of the threads. To cut on the bias means to orient the pattern piece so you cut at a 45 degree angle to the edge of the fabric. Bias cut fabric is characteristic for having more stretch and drape than fabric cut on the grainline or crossgrain

Bias tape is something that is often used in sewing for binding necklines and armholes or finishing raw edges. As its name suggests, bias tape is a long strip of fabric that’s been cut on the bias of fabric (diagonally across the grain of the fabric). Because it is cut on the bias, it’s stretchier and more flexible, which makes it really easy to sew around curves and irregularly shaped edges. Plus, it allows to enclose all raw edges for a neat and clean finish.

The bobbin contains the thread that is switched on the underside while sewing. Different machines use different types of bobbins. If the machine starts sewing roughly, on some machines you can simply clean the area around the bobbin and re-oil.

Box pleats are made up of two knife pleats facing away from each other or, in other words, they are formed when two folds of fabric are folded away from each other giving a wide vertical pleat. They are often used as stand-alone pleats on the back of a shirt or as a series of pleats on skirts or dresses.