CRAFTER’S TERMINOLOGY

Crafting is a popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are countless techniques and materials to explore. It is a wonderful and rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful and unique items with your own hands. However, it can be intimidating for beginners to navigate the many different terms and techniques that are involved in crafting. One aspect of crafting that can be overwhelming for newcomers is the terminology.

In this page, we’ll take a look at some common crafting terminology that will help you get started on your crafting journey.

Part 1: Sewing 

1. Backstitch – A sewing technique where you sew backwards at the beginning and end of a seam to secure it in place.

2. Bias – A diagonal line across woven fabric, often used for binding or creating a decorative edge.

3. Bobbin – A small spool that holds thread for the lower part of the sewing machine.

4. Buttonhole – An opening in fabric for a button to pass through.

5. Darts – A triangular fold in fabric used to create shape or a fitted garment.

6. Seam allowance – The extra fabric on either side of a seam that allows for finishing and adjustments.

7. Shirring – A decorative sewing technique where you gather fabric to create texture.

8. Stitch length – The length of a stitch, typically measured in millimeters.

9. Topstitch – A visible stitch on the outside of a garment used for decoration or to reinforce seams.

10. Understitching – A technique where you sew a facing or lining to the seam allowance to prevent it from rolling to the outside.

Part 2: Knitting 

1. Cast on – The process of adding stitches to a knitting needle to start a project.

2. Gauge – The number of stitches and rows per inch in a knitted fabric.

3. K2tog – A decrease in knitting where you knit two stitches together as one.

4. Purl – A basic knitting stitch where the working yarn is held in front of the work and the needle is inserted from back to front.

5. Ribbing – A knit stitch pattern often used for cuffs, hems, and necklines.

6. Row – A horizontal line of knitting.

7. Stitch marker – A small tool used to mark a specific stitch or row.

8. Tension – The amount of pressure you use when holding the yarn while knitting.

9. Yarn over – A technique where you create a new stitch by wrapping the yarn around the needle.

10. WIP – Work in progress, referring to an unfinished knitting project.

Part 3: Crochet 

1. Ch – Chain, a basic crochet stitch that forms the foundation for many projects.

2. Cluster – A group of stitches worked together in a specific pattern.

3. DC – Double crochet, a basic stitch where you yarn over, insert the hook, and pull up a loop.

4. Gauge swatch – A small sample of crochet worked to measure the number of stitches and rows per inch.

5. Granny square – A popular crochet motif consisting of multiple rounds of stitches worked in a square shape.

6. Magic ring – A technique used to start a project without a visible starting chain.

7. SC – Single crochet, a basic stitch where you insert the hook, pull up a loop, and then pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.

8. Slip stitch – A stitch used to join rounds or stitches.

9. Stitch diagram – A visual representation of a crochet pattern.

10. Yarn weight – A classification system used to describe the thickness of different types of yarn.

Part 4: Paper Crafting 

• Acid-free – Refers to paper or adhesive products that do not contain acids, which can cause paper to deteriorate over time.

• Brayer – A tool used for applying ink or paint to paper or other surfaces.

• Die-cut – A shape or design cut out of paper using a die and a die-cutting machine.

• Embossing – A technique where paper is pressed with a design to create a raised pattern or texture.

• Fibers – The strands or threads that make up paper.

• Grain – The direction in which the fibers of paper or cardstock run.

• Lamination – The process of bonding two or more layers of material together with adhesive.

• Matting – The process of layering paper or cardstock to create a border or frame around an image.

• Score – A crease made in paper or cardstock to make it easier to fold.

• Vellum – A translucent paper often used for layering and adding a subtle texture to projects.

Part 5: Jewelry Making 

1. Bail – A loop or hook attached to a pendant or bead to allow it to be strung onto a chain or cord.

2. Bead cap – A decorative piece that sits on either end of a bead to add a finishing touch.

3. Crimp bead – A small metal bead used to secure the ends of a beading wire or cord.

4. Filigree – A delicate design or pattern made from twisted metal wire.

5. Headpin – A thin metal rod with a flat end used to create dangles or pendants.

6. Jump ring – A small metal ring used to attach charms or pendants to chains or cords.

7. Lobster clasp – A type of clasp commonly used in jewelry making that has a spring-loaded mechanism to open and close.

8. Seed bead – A small, cylindrical-shaped bead often used for beading and embroidery.

9. Toggle clasp – A type of clasp that consists of a bar and a ring, used to fasten a necklace or bracelet.

10. Wire gauge – A measurement used to determine the thickness of wire, often indicated by a number or letter.

Part 6: General Crafting 

1. Adhesive – A substance used to glue materials together, such as glue sticks, liquid glue, or double-sided tape.

2. Craft knife – A tool with a sharp blade used for cutting paper, cardboard, and other materials.

3. Decoupage – A technique where you adhere layers of paper or other materials to an object to create a decorative effect.

4. Heat gun – A tool used for applying heat to materials, such as embossing powder, to melt and set them.

5. Mod Podge – A popular brand of all-in-one glue, sealer, and finish used in a variety of crafting projects.

6. Palette knife – A tool with a flat, flexible blade used for spreading paint or other materials.

7. Resin – A two-part substance used to create a glossy, hard finish on jewelry, crafts, and other other projects.

8. Sewing machine – A machine used to stitch fabrics together.

9. Stencil – A thin, flexible sheet with a design cut out, used for tracing and painting patterns onto surfaces.

10. Washi tape – A decorative tape made from Japanese paper, often used for embellishing paper crafts.

Part 7: Knitting and Crochet 

1. Casting on – The process of starting a new knitting or crochet project by creating a row of stitches on the needle or hook.

2. Chain stitch – A basic stitch used in crochet, created by looping yarn around the hook and pulling it through the previous loop.

3. Double crochet – A basic stitch in crochet that creates a taller stitch than the single crochet.

4. Gauge – The number of stitches and rows per inch in a knitted or crocheted piece, often determined by the size of the needles or hook and the type of yarn used.

5. Knit stitch – A basic stitch in knitting, created by looping yarn over the needle and pulling it through the previous stitch.

6. Purl stitch – A basic stitch in knitting, created by looping yarn in front of the needle and pulling it through the previous stitch.

7. Row – A horizontal line of stitches in knitting or crochet.

8. Stitch marker – A small device used to mark a specific stitch in a knitting or crochet project.

9. Yarn over – A technique used to create an extra stitch in knitting or crochet, often abbreviated as “yo”.

10. WIP – Stands for “work in progress,” referring to a knitting or crochet project that is not yet completed.

Part 8: Scrapbooking 

1. Acid-free – Refers to paper or adhesive products that do not contain acids, which can cause paper to deteriorate over time.

2. Die-cut – A shape or design cut out of paper using a die and a die-cutting machine.

3. Embellishment – Decorative elements added to a scrapbook page, such as stickers, buttons, and ribbon.

4. Journaling – The process of adding written commentary or captions to a scrapbook page.

5. Layout – The overall design and arrangement of elements on a scrapbook page.

6. Page protector – A clear plastic sleeve used to protect and preserve a completed scrapbook page.

7. Punch – A tool used to create decorative shapes in paper.

8. Sticker – A pre-cut adhesive design used to decorate a scrapbook page.

9. Theme – The overall subject or concept of a scrapbook page or album.

Part 11: Candle Making 

1. Candle wick – The piece of cotton or other material that is used to create the flame in a candle.

2. Container candle – A candle that is poured into a container and burns inside the container.

3. Fragrance oil – A scented oil used to add fragrance to candles.

4. Melting pot – A container used to melt wax for candle making.

5. Pillar candle – A candle that is not poured into a container, but instead stands on its own.

6. Pouring pot – A container used to pour melted wax into candle molds.

7. Soy wax – A natural wax made from soybeans, often used in candle making.

8. Stearic acid – A fatty acid often used to harden wax and improve burn time in candles.

9. Taper candle – A tall, thin candle that tapers toward the top.

10. Votive candle – A small, cylindrical candle often used in decorative candle holders.

Part 12: Pottery 

1. Bisque firing – The first firing of a pottery piece, which hardens the clay and prepares it for glazing.

2. Clay – A natural material used to make pottery.

3. Glaze – A liquid coating applied to pottery before firing to create a decorative or functional finish.

4. Kiln – A high-temperature oven used to fire pottery.

5. Potter’s wheel – A device used to spin clay while it is being formed into a pottery piece.

6. Score and slip – A pottery technique in which two pieces of clay are joined together by scratching the surface of each piece and applying a slip (liquid clay) to create a strong bond.

7. Slab building – A pottery technique in which pieces of clay are rolled into flat slabs and then cut and shaped to create a pottery piece.

8. Throwing – A pottery technique in which clay is shaped on a potter’s wheel.

9. Wedging – The process of kneading clay to remove air bubbles and prepare it for use.

10. Wheel throwing – A pottery technique in which clay is shaped on a potter’s wheel using a combination of hand and foot movements.

Conclusion:

Crafting is a rewarding and creative hobby, but it can be overwhelming to learn all of the specialized terminology. By familiarizing yourself with the terms and techniques listed above, you can expand your crafting knowledge and improve your skills. Additionally, seeking out online resources and participating in crafting communities can provide valuable insight and guidance. Remember to have fun and experiment with different materials and techniques – the possibilities are endless!

Joyful Crafting!