Have you ever opened a sewing pattern and felt confused by all the capital letters?

You see things like RST, WOF, SA, and RS, and suddenly the instructions feel harder than they should be.

Sewing abbreviations are short forms of common sewing instructions used in patterns to save space. They tell you how to place fabric, how to stitch, and how to finish seams. Learning these abbreviations helps you read sewing patterns faster and avoid mistakes.

Friend, you are not bad at sewing.
You are simply learning a new language.

Save

Sewing patterns use abbreviations to save space. They shorten common phrases so the instructions fit on one page. Once you learn these shortcuts, patterns become much easier to read.

In this guide, I will walk you through the most common sewing abbreviations in simple words. I will explain what they mean, when you will see them, and how to use them in real projects.

Keep my Sewing Terms Glossary (A–Z) open while you read. When one abbreviation leads to a new word, you can look it up and come right back.

Table of Contents

• Why sewing patterns use abbreviations
• Most important abbreviations for beginners
  • RST — Right Sides Together
  • RS — Right Side
  • WS — Wrong Side
  • SA — Seam Allowance
  • WOF — Width of Fabric
  • CF — Center Front
  • CB — Center Back
• Abbreviations used when cutting fabric
  • CUT 1 / CUT 2
  • ON FOLD
  • SELV — Selvedge
  • GL — Grainline
• Abbreviations used while sewing
  • BACKST — Backstitch
  • P — Press
  • TS — Topstitch
  • TR — Trim
  • CL — Clip
• Finishing and construction abbreviations
  • BASTE — Baste
  • GATH — Gather
  • HEM
  • FIN — Finish
• Helpful sewing accessories for beginners
• Beginner projects to practice abbreviations

Most Important Abbreviations for Beginners

RST — Right Sides Together

Place the pretty sides of the fabric facing each other before sewing. This hides the seam on the inside of the project.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-right-sides-together

RS — Right Side

The outside or “pretty” side of the fabric that shows on the finished project.

WS — Wrong Side

The inside or back side of the fabric that usually does not show.

SA — Seam Allowance

The space between your stitch line and the raw edge of the fabric.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-seam-allowance

WOF — Width of Fabric

The usable width from selvedge to selvedge.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-wof

CF — Center Front

The middle line of the front of a garment or pattern piece.

CB — Center Back

The middle line of the back of a garment or pattern piece.

Abbreviations Used When Cutting Fabric

CUT 1 / CUT 2

Tells you how many pieces to cut.

ON FOLD

Place the pattern edge on the fold. Do not cut along the folded edge.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-cut-on-the-fold

SELV — Selvedge

The finished edge of fabric that does not fray.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-selvedge

GL — Grainline

The long arrow on a pattern piece. Keep it parallel to the selvedge.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-grainline

Abbreviations Used While Sewing

BACKST — Backstitch

Locks stitches so seams do not come undone.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-backstitch

P — Press

Lift and set the iron down instead of sliding it.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-press

TS — Topstitch

A visible line of stitching on the outside.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-topstitch

TR — Trim

Cut away extra fabric to reduce bulk.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-trim

CL — Clip

Small cuts into seam allowance so curves lay flat.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-clip

Finishing and Construction Abbreviations

BASTE — Baste

Temporary long stitches used to hold pieces in place.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-baste

GATH — Gather

Pull stitches to create fullness or ruffles.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-gather

HEM

Finish the bottom edge of a garment or project.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-hem

FIN — Finish

Finish raw edges using zigzag stitching, serger, French seams, bias tape, or self-binding seam allowance.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-finish-seam

Sewing Abbreviations Glossary

This sewing abbreviations glossary is a simple reference page for beginner sewists. If you have ever looked at a sewing pattern and felt confused by letters like RST, WOF, or SA, this page will help you understand what they mean in plain language.

Use this page as a quick guide while you are sewing. Whether you are reading a pattern, following a tutorial, or learning basic sewing skills, you can come back here anytime to look up a term.

You do not need to memorize everything. Most sewing patterns use the same common abbreviations again and again. After a few projects, many of these will start to feel natural.

How to Use This Sewing Abbreviations Page

Use this page like a sewing reference guide. When you see an abbreviation in a pattern or tutorial, scroll until you find it here.

Each definition is written in simple, beginner-friendly language so you can understand it quickly and keep sewing without getting stuck.

Common Sewing Pattern Abbreviations

RST = Right Sides Together

RST means right sides together. This tells you to place the pretty sides of the fabric facing each other before sewing. After stitching, you turn the fabric right side out so the seam is hidden inside.

RS = Right Side

RS means right side. This is the front or visible side of the fabric. It is the side that will show on the finished project.

WS = Wrong Side

WS means wrong side. This is the back side of the fabric. It is usually hidden on the inside of the project.

SA = Seam Allowance

SA means seam allowance. This is the space between your stitch line and the raw edge of the fabric. Many patterns use 5/8 inch, while quilting often uses 1/4 inch.

WOF = Width of Fabric

WOF means width of fabric. This refers to the full usable width from one edge of the fabric to the other. When a pattern says to cut across the WOF, it means to cut all the way across the fabric.

Using Abbreviations Together

You will often see multiple abbreviations in one step. For example, a pattern might say to place pieces RST and sew with a 1/2 inch SA. That means put the right sides together and sew using a half-inch seam allowance.

Fabric and Cutting Terms

Place on Fold

This means you should line up the edge of the pattern piece with the folded edge of the fabric. When you cut it out and unfold it, you will have one full, symmetrical piece.

CF = Center Front

CF means center front. This marks the middle of the front of a garment or project. It helps you align pieces correctly.

CB = Center Back

CB means center back. This marks the middle of the back of a garment or project.

Grainline

The grainline shows the direction the pattern piece should be placed on the fabric. Following the grainline helps your finished project hang properly and keep its shape.

Sewing Instruction Abbreviations

Baste

To baste means to sew a temporary line of long stitches. These stitches hold fabric in place until you sew the final seam. You can remove them later.

Stitch (St)

St usually means stitch. It can refer to one stitch, a row of stitches, or the act of sewing.

Topstitch

Topstitching is a visible line of stitching sewn on the outside of the fabric. It can be decorative or used to strengthen seams and hold fabric flat.

Backstitch

Backstitching means sewing backward a few stitches at the beginning or end of a seam. This locks the stitches so they do not come undone.

Edgestitch

Edgestitching means sewing very close to the edge of the fabric. This gives a clean and finished look.

Basic Sewing Terms You Will See Often

Presser Foot

The presser foot is the part of the sewing machine that holds the fabric in place while you sew. Different presser feet are used for different tasks like zippers or buttonholes.

Raw Edge

The raw edge is the cut edge of the fabric. It has not been finished or hemmed yet.

Seam

A seam is the line where two pieces of fabric are sewn together.

Hem

A hem is the finished edge of a piece of fabric. It prevents fraying and gives a clean look.

Where to Go Next

If you are still learning, the best way to remember these terms is to use them while you sew.

Start with a simple project, keep this page open, and refer back whenever you need help.

Helpful Sewing Accessories for Beginners

• Fabric scissors: https://amzn.to/3ZyApn7
• Quilting clips: https://amzn.to/3TCQ9lz
• Rotary cutter kit: https://amzn.to/47yau0O
• Plastic snap kit: https://amzn.to/4dfCKGX
• Beginner sewing machine: https://amzn.to/3YcrrLx
• Soft measuring tapes: https://amzn.to/4eRf24V
• Pins with holder: https://amzn.to/3XQLYDL

Beginner Projects to Practice Without Complicated Abbreviations

• Book sleeve: https://plainlivinghome.com/how-to-sew-a-book-sleeve-beginner-friendly-perfect-for-gifts/
• Un-paper towels: https://plainlivinghome.com/how-to-sew-easy-un-paper-towels-for-kids-beginner-sewing-hope-chest/
• Square hot pad: https://plainlivinghome.com/how-to-sew-a-square-hot-pad-with-a-hanging-loop-beginner-sewing-tutorial/

Final encouragement

You do not have to memorize this. Just look up one abbreviation at a time and keep sewing. Confidence comes from finishing projects.

How I Turn Printables Into Real Workbooks

If you’ve ever printed a great freebie or printable curriculum and wished it felt more like a real book, this is the tool I use.

I bind our homeschool printables with the GBC ProClick binding machine, which lets me turn loose pages into spiral-bound workbooks that lay flat and hold up to real use. I’ve used it hundreds of times—for homeschool workbooks, morning work, journals, VBS materials, and more.

You can also bind your printable sewing tutorials and all your favorite Plain Living Recipes, so it really is super versatile!

The ProClick combs are reusable, so I can add or remove pages as we go, and the finished books feel far more durable (and motivating) than binders or stapled packets.

👉 You can read my full review of the GBC ProClick binding machine here
👉 Or check the current price here 

➡️ Next Projects to Try

• New to sewing? Try the Basic Square Hot Pad Tutorial first.
• Or make a full Housewarming Gift Set with hot pads, an apron, cloth napkins, and more.
• Create a bakers gift basket with a sourdough starter jar cover, a bowl cover, a sourdough starter cozy, a bread bag, and a hot pad.

Have you ever opened a sewing pattern and felt confused by all the capital letters?

You see things like RST, WOF, SA, and RS, and suddenly the instructions feel harder than they should be.

Friend, you are not bad at sewing.
You are simply learning a new language.

Save

Sewing patterns use abbreviations to save space. They shorten common phrases so the instructions fit on one page. Once you learn these shortcuts, patterns become much easier to read.

In this guide, I will walk you through the most common sewing abbreviations in simple words. I will explain what they mean, when you will see them, and how to use them in real projects.

Keep my Sewing Terms Glossary (A–Z) open while you read. When one abbreviation leads to a new word, you can look it up and come right back.

Table of Contents

• Why sewing patterns use abbreviations
• Most important abbreviations for beginners
  • RST — Right Sides Together
  • RS — Right Side
  • WS — Wrong Side
  • SA — Seam Allowance
  • WOF — Width of Fabric
  • CF — Center Front
  • CB — Center Back
• Abbreviations used when cutting fabric
  • CUT 1 / CUT 2
  • ON FOLD
  • SELV — Selvedge
  • GL — Grainline
• Abbreviations used while sewing
  • BACKST — Backstitch
  • P — Press
  • TS — Topstitch
  • TR — Trim
  • CL — Clip
• Finishing and construction abbreviations
  • BASTE — Baste
  • GATH — Gather
  • HEM
  • FIN — Finish
• Helpful sewing accessories for beginners
• Beginner projects to practice abbreviations

Most Important Abbreviations for Beginners

RST — Right Sides Together

Place the pretty sides of the fabric facing each other before sewing. This hides the seam on the inside of the project.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-right-sides-together

RS — Right Side

The outside or “pretty” side of the fabric that shows on the finished project.

WS — Wrong Side

The inside or back side of the fabric that usually does not show.

SA — Seam Allowance

The space between your stitch line and the raw edge of the fabric.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-seam-allowance

WOF — Width of Fabric

The usable width from selvedge to selvedge.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-wof

CF — Center Front

The middle line of the front of a garment or pattern piece.

CB — Center Back

The middle line of the back of a garment or pattern piece.

Abbreviations Used When Cutting Fabric

CUT 1 / CUT 2

Tells you how many pieces to cut.

ON FOLD

Place the pattern edge on the fold. Do not cut along the folded edge.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-cut-on-the-fold

SELV — Selvedge

The finished edge of fabric that does not fray.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-selvedge

GL — Grainline

The long arrow on a pattern piece. Keep it parallel to the selvedge.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-grainline

Abbreviations Used While Sewing

BACKST — Backstitch

Locks stitches so seams do not come undone.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-backstitch

P — Press

Lift and set the iron down instead of sliding it.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-press

TS — Topstitch

A visible line of stitching on the outside.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-topstitch

TR — Trim

Cut away extra fabric to reduce bulk.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-trim

CL — Clip

Small cuts into seam allowance so curves lay flat.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-clip

Finishing and Construction Abbreviations

BASTE — Baste

Temporary long stitches used to hold pieces in place.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-baste

GATH — Gather

Pull stitches to create fullness or ruffles.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-gather

HEM

Finish the bottom edge of a garment or project.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-hem

FIN — Finish

Finish raw edges using zigzag stitching, serger, French seams, bias tape, or self-binding seam allowance.
Glossary help: https://plainlivinghome.com/sewing-terms-glossary/#term-finish-seam

Helpful Sewing Accessories for Beginners

• Fabric scissors: https://amzn.to/3ZyApn7
• Quilting clips: https://amzn.to/3TCQ9lz
• Rotary cutter kit: https://amzn.to/47yau0O
• Plastic snap kit: https://amzn.to/4dfCKGX
• Beginner sewing machine: https://amzn.to/3YcrrLx
• Soft measuring tapes: https://amzn.to/4eRf24V
• Pins with holder: https://amzn.to/3XQLYDL

Beginner Projects to Practice Without Complicated Abbreviations

• Book sleeve: https://plainlivinghome.com/how-to-sew-a-book-sleeve-beginner-friendly-perfect-for-gifts/
• Un-paper towels: https://plainlivinghome.com/how-to-sew-easy-un-paper-towels-for-kids-beginner-sewing-hope-chest/
• Square hot pad: https://plainlivinghome.com/how-to-sew-a-square-hot-pad-with-a-hanging-loop-beginner-sewing-tutorial/

Final encouragement

You do not have to memorize this. Just look up one abbreviation at a time and keep sewing. Confidence comes from finishing projects.

How I Turn Printables Into Real Workbooks

If you’ve ever printed a great freebie or printable curriculum and wished it felt more like a real book, this is the tool I use.

I bind our homeschool printables with the GBC ProClick binding machine, which lets me turn loose pages into spiral-bound workbooks that lay flat and hold up to real use. I’ve used it hundreds of times—for homeschool workbooks, morning work, journals, VBS materials, and more.

You can also bind your printable sewing tutorials and all your favorite Plain Living Recipes, so it really is super versatile!

The ProClick combs are reusable, so I can add or remove pages as we go, and the finished books feel far more durable (and motivating) than binders or stapled packets.

👉 You can read my full review of the GBC ProClick binding machine here
👉 Or check the current price here 

➡️ Next Projects to Try

• New to sewing? Try the Basic Square Hot Pad Tutorial first.
• Or make a full Housewarming Gift Set with hot pads, an apron, cloth napkins, and more.
• Create a bakers gift basket with a sourdough starter jar cover, a bowl cover, a sourdough starter cozy, a bread bag, and a hot pad.

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