Assam ASSEB HSLC NSQF Apparel Made-Ups and Home Furnishing key terms

Finished garments worn on the body, such as shirts, trousers and dresses, produced by cutting and sewing fabric. It is distinct from made-ups, which are sewn textile articles not worn as clothing.

A sewn textile article made from fabric for household or utility use rather than for wearing, such as bed linen, curtains, towels and bags. Made-ups usually need hemming, joining and finishing operations.

Textile products used to decorate and equip a home, including curtains, cushion covers, bedspreads, table linen and upholstery fabric. The sector covers their design, production and finishing.

The National Skills Qualifications Framework, which organises skill training into levels from 1 to 10 based on competence. Vocational subjects in school are mapped to these levels so that learners gain recognised, job-related skills.

A defined set of duties and responsibilities performed by a worker in a workplace, such as sewing machine operator or sampling tailor. Each role has stated competencies and performance standards under the qualification framework.

A fibre obtained from plants, animals or minerals without chemical manufacture, for example cotton, jute, silk and wool. Length, fineness and strength vary with the source and growing conditions.

A fibre produced industrially from polymers, either regenerated from natural material such as wood pulp or synthesised from chemicals. Examples include viscose, polyester and nylon, which are made by extrusion through spinnerets.

A soft staple fibre harvested from the seed hairs of the cotton plant, composed mainly of cellulose. It absorbs moisture well, is comfortable in warm weather and takes dye readily, but creases easily.

A fibre of limited, measurable length, such as cotton, wool or cut man-made tow. Staple fibres are twisted together during spinning to form a yarn, unlike continuous filaments.

A fibre of very long or indefinite length, produced naturally such as silk or made by extrusion, such as polyester filament. Filaments may be used as a single strand or grouped into a yarn.

The process of drawing out, twisting and winding fibres into a continuous yarn. In the cotton system it follows opening, carding and drawing, and the amount of twist affects yarn strength and handle.

A number expressing the thickness or fineness of a yarn. In the indirect system a higher count means finer yarn, while in the direct system a higher number means a coarser, heavier yarn.

The set of lengthwise yarns held under tension on a loom or in a woven fabric. Warp yarns usually need more strength and twist than the crossing weft yarns.

The yarn inserted crosswise from selvedge to selvedge during weaving, also called the filling or pick. It interlaces with the lengthwise warp threads to build the fabric.

The interlacing of two sets of yarns, warp and weft, at right angles on a loom to form fabric. Variations in the interlacing order produce plain, twill and satin weaves.

The firmly woven edge running along the length of a woven fabric, formed where the weft turns back. It prevents the fabric from fraying and helps identify the warp direction.

Fabric made by interlocking loops of yarn rather than interlacing straight threads. It stretches more than woven fabric, resists creasing and is common in T-shirts and hosiery.

The direction of the warp threads in a woven fabric, marked on a pattern piece as a long arrow. Placing the pattern parallel to the grain keeps the finished garment from twisting.

The process of drawing a garment pattern to body measurements on paper, including seam allowance and construction details. It converts measurements into flat shapes that fit a three-dimensional body.

The extra width of fabric left beyond the stitching line so that the pieces can be joined and finished. It is usually about one centimetre for garments but varies with the seam type and fabric.

A cheap, plain cotton fabric used to make a trial garment, also called a toile, to test fit and design before cutting the final fabric. It is also the name of a lightweight cotton cloth.

The sequence of operations that turns cut fabric pieces into a finished garment, including joining, pressing, attaching closures and finishing edges. Order of work and accurate seam width affect quality.

The line of stitching that joins two or more fabric pieces together. Common types include plain, French and overlocked seams, chosen according to fabric and the need to hide raw edges.

A diagonal direction across a woven fabric at 45 degrees to the warp and weft. Bias-cut strips stretch and curve easily, so they are used for binding curved edges and for facings.

A shaped piece of fabric sewn to the inside of a garment edge, such as a neckline or armhole, to give a neat finish and support. It is turned to the wrong side and understitched to stay flat.

The pointed metal tool fitted in the machine that carries the upper thread through the fabric to form a stitch. Its size and point type must suit the fabric weight and fibre.

A small spool that holds the lower thread inside the bobbin case beneath the machine bed. The upper needle thread locks with the bobbin thread to form the stitch.

The distance the fabric advances between successive needle penetrations, set on the machine dial. Longer stitches suit basting and heavy fabric, while shorter stitches give stronger seams on fine fabric.

The balance of pull on the upper and lower threads of a sewing machine. Correct tension places the thread lock inside the fabric; imbalance causes loops or puckering on one side.

A stitch formed by a machine that loops thread over the raw edge of fabric while trimming it, preventing fraying and joining seams on knits. It is also called a serger stitch.

Long, loose temporary stitches or pins used to hold fabric layers or a zip in place before final stitching. Basting stitches are removed after the permanent seam is sewn.

Small, temporary hand stitches used to hold a hem, facing or trim in position during construction. They are worked with a fine needle and removed once the permanent stitching is complete.

A removable fabric cover for a cushion, usually finished with a zip, buttons or an envelope opening. It is a common made-up product, often decorated with embroidery or applique.

The finishing of a raw fabric edge by folding it to the wrong side and stitching so it will not fray. Hems may be hand-sewn, machine-stitched or blind-stitched depending on the garment.

The decoration applied to the surface of a finished or partly made fabric to improve its appearance. Techniques include embroidery, applique, printing, quilting and the addition of beads or sequins.

The decoration of fabric with stitches worked by hand or machine using coloured threads. Common hand stitches include satin, chain and stem stitch, used for motifs, borders and lettering.

A decoration made by cutting a shape from one fabric and stitching it onto a larger base fabric. The raw edges are turned under or finished with a close stitch such as buttonhole or satin stitch.

The final operations that give a product its saleable appearance, such as trimming threads, pressing, checking, folding and packing. Good finishing removes stains and defects and ensures consistent quality.

The use of heat, moisture and pressure with an iron to shape seams and remove wrinkles during and after construction. Correct pressing sets stitches and gives a professional look without flattening texture.

The practices and precautions that protect workers from injury and illness in the workplace, such as guarding machines and keeping floors clear. It includes safe use of needles, irons and cutting tools.

Items worn by a worker to reduce exposure to hazards, such as finger guards, masks and closed shoes in a sewing or cutting room. It supplements safe working methods but does not replace them.

The design of workstations, tools and tasks to fit the human body and reduce strain. In garment work it covers correct chair height, table level and posture to prevent back and shoulder pain.

The calculation of the total expense of producing a product, including fabric, trims, labour, overheads and profit margin. Accurate costing allows a maker to set a selling price and control waste.

The activity of starting and running a business, taking financial risk in order to earn profit. For garment workers it may mean setting up a tailoring unit, boutique or made-ups enterprise.

The exchange of information at work through speech, writing, signs and gestures, including instructions, reports and feedback. Clear communication prevents errors in measurement, cutting and delivery.

The inspection of a product against set standards to find defects such as skipped stitches, uneven hems or stains. Results are recorded and faulty pieces are reworked or rejected before packing.