Chain Piecing: Feed pieces through your sewing machine, sewing consecutive pieces without cutting the thread. Cut thread later when all units have been sewn together.

Nesting Seams:The process of pressing seams in opposite directions so that they are less bulky and they “nest” together.

Piecing: Process where you sew fabric together to form a block, garment or quilt.

Pressing: An iron is used to press a seam. You do not move iron around or use steam, both would cause stretching or distortion of the seam. Instead you lightly set iron onto the seam, lift and set again. Repeat until the seam is pressed flat. This will help in precision. Seams may be pressed to one side, or pressed open.

Right Side: The “front” side of the fabric; usually the distinctly printed side of the fabric. Some fabric does not have a right side and a wrong side or back side.

Rotary Cutter: Cutting tool for quilting has a very sharp round razor-like blade. Must be used on a cutting mat and preferably with a quilting ruler.

Rotary Mat:Cutting surface that is self-healing. Used with fabric and rotary cutters.

Rotary Rulers: Rulers made from a thick plastic material.

Scrap Quilts: Quilts that are made from various fabrics, often scraps from other projects or clothing. There are many patterns for this style of quilt, or you just start sewing scraps together and cut them into blocks.

Seam: The line where two fabrics are stitched together.

Seam Allowance: The fabric on the right of the sewing line from the raw edge. In quilting the standard is ¼ inch.