preshrinking - Laundering fabric before sewing.

raw edge - The edge of the fabric that is not stitched or finished.

seam - The result when two pieces of fabric are sewn together along a line.

seam allowance - The amount of extra fabric added to make a seam.

selvage - The woven outside edge of fabric.

snips - Small cutting tools like scissors, used for cutting threads only.

straight stitch - The standard stitch ( single forward stitch) of most sewing machines.

thread count - The actual number of threads used per inch in a woven fabric.

top stitch - A row of stitching, visible on the finished product for decorative purposes.

warp - The threads that run down the length of a woven fabric ( the lengthwise grain).

water resistant - A degree to which water is able to penetrate a fabric, not to be confused with water repellant.

zig zag - A sewing machine  stitch that moves back and forth as it forms the stitch.

zipper foot - A Sewing machine attachment for installing zippers.