Knitting, Quiting, Fabric
Glossary
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Whether you've come across an unfamiliar term, or are just looking to
increase your craft vocabulary, this glossary can help.
Anchor Bead
Can be either a bead held in place with at least two threads, holding
the bead in place, or a bead through which two (or more) threads cross,
holding it and beads next to it in position.
Absorbency
The capacity a material has to take in water or other fluid.
Anvil
Used in coordination with a hammer, the anvil is a smooth surface on which
metal and wire are shaped against.
Appliqué
A piece of fabric attached (usually sewn) to a separate piece of fabric.
Armature
The framework that paper mache is molded on to form the desired shape.
Commonly made from cardboard, tin cans, wire or inflated balloons.
Artists linen
An un-pressed linen which serves as a background in embroidery and painting.
Can also mount and frame finished projects.
Assemblage
Any sculpture or design formed with a variety of materials, sometimes
accented by painting, drawing or photography. top of page
Backstitch
A stitch used in embroidery to secure a line of seed beads to a cloth
backing. A simple stitch is used to initially attach between one and three
beads, and then the thread is put back through at least one of the beads.
The backstitch is completed with another simple stitch. top
of page
Bagging
The process of removing paint and glaze by dipping a bag in turpentine.
Barrel Clasp
One of the most secure ways to fasten together two ends of a necklace
or bracelet. One end fits into the other, screwing into place until locked.
Attached to jewelry with knots or crimp beads.
Bead Loom
Used in hand weaving beaded fabrics. The loom holds each row (aka "warp")
of thread. Can be constructed from metal, wood or plastic. Completely
fabric accumulates on roller on each end of the loom.
Beeswax
A natural wax used in handmade candles. Beeswax improves the smell (adds
sweetness), burn time and softness of a candle.
Bisque
Unglazed ware
Blots
An Asian painting technique. Brushes are dipped in ink, with drops allowed
to fall on a blank paper, which is then folded and pressed. The image
revealed when the paper is unfolded is the basis of a design.
Blowpipe
Used in glass working. Molten glass on the end of the hollow, metal tube
(usually iron or steel) is blown into the desired shape.
Bradawl
The tool used to punch holes in a wooden object, for hanging.
Brayer
A small, hand-held roller that evenly spreads ink when stamping.
Breaking Pliers
Pliers specifically designed for breaking glass when working with mosaics
and similar projects. Jaws are wide and straight to improve your accuracy.
Brick Stitch
A technique used extensively with Native American beadwork. Thread is
drawn through one bead and then looped around the thread of the row above
it, then returning through the original bead. Another bead is added and
the process repeated.
Brooch Backs
A small, flat surface with a pin backing. Used as a base for brooches
and other creations designed to be worn.
Bugle Beads
Cylindrical glass beads available in a variety of lengths, colors and
finishes.
Burnish
To enhance finish (making it glossy) by polishing.
Candle scent
Used in candle making to add pleasant aromas to the finished product.
Available in either wax or liquid form, it is added to the candle wax
prior to pouring or dipping.
Casting (Slip-casting)
A mold-making process using a plaster mold. Water in the liquid is absorbed
by the mold, shortening the dry time required.
Casting off
A knitting technique that allows you to remove your needles without damaging
your project.
Casting on (Binding on)
The knitting technique used to start a new project.
Castor oil
Used in soap making. Soap produced using castor oil softens and soothes
skin.
Cathedral Glass
Richly colored, transparent glass, used to create stained glass pieces.
Ceylon Bead
Made of opaque glass, this pearl-like bead is used in seed beading.
Chain stitch
A single stitch used in knitting and crocheting.
Chain-nose Pliers
Used to bend, crimp, wrap and otherwise shape craft wire, these needle-nose-type
pliers are often must-haves in jewelry making. Jaws are available with
teeth (to get a secure grip) or smooth (to avoid damage to the wire).
Charlotte Beads
Seed beads with small flat facets cut onto the surface (aka "true cuts"
or "one cuts").
Circular needles
Two knitting needles joined with a flexible nylon cord.
Clear shellac
A transparent sealer used to prevent bleeding when decorating wood.
Clip-on Earring
A device used to wear earrings without requiring the wearer to have pierced
earlobes. Available in a variety of styles, all have a flat surface on
which a design can be adhered.
Cloisonné
The effect created when different colors of enamel are fired onto a metal
background. Creates a stained glass look. Generally used for small items,
such as jewelry, beads and buttons.
Cocoa butter
Adds a moisturizing quality to handmade soap. without changing the color
of the final product.
Coconut oil
Used in soap making. Produces a better lather and a harder (longer lasting)
bar. Used with other oils that provide moisturizing qualities.
Coiling
The process of rolling clay into strands, which are then wound into a
variety of shapes. A smooth appearance can be achieved by blending the
creases between each coil.
Collage
Artwork achieved by assembling designs and pictures from individual sources
(magazines, photographs, etc.) onto a background.
Color-Lined Beads
Clear glass beads with color inside the bead's hole.
Continuous Hoops
Circular earrings. Ideal for displaying beads or as the base for other
creative additions (wire art, feathers, etc.).
Copper
A soft, inexpensive metal. Deep reddish-brown in color, it is popular
for use in jewelry making. Can be polished to a high sheen, and lacquered
to reduce oxidation (oxidized copper takes on a green color).
Couching
Used in needlework, when a fine thread is used on a fabric. Individual
stitches are barely visible, while several can be used to form a detailed
design.
Counted thread
Used in embroidery. Spaces on the fabric are counted to determine thread
placement.
Crackling
A painting technique in which water-based and oil-based paints are layer
on each other. Due to the difference in drying times, the result is multiple,
randomly placed breaks in the paint.
Craft knife
A cutting tool with a sharp blade, useful in a variety of projects.
Crimp Beads
Used in jewelry making to secure ends of necklaces or bracelets. At the
end of an unknotted thread, fold the string over and slip the crimp bead
over it, leaving a loop of the desired size. Using pliers, squeeze the
bead to hold it in place.
Cross stitch
Used in embroidery. Designs are created by counting squares in the fabric,
and filling the spaces with small "x"s that cover each square.
Cut-out
A design technique used in paper crafts. A design is cut out of a piece
of paper (has the same appearance of a stencil). This paper is then applied
to another paper product (such as a card or scrapbook page) of a different
color.
Cut-running Pliers
Used primarily in glass cutting, their curved jaws ensure an even pressure
that helps achieve curved pieces of glass.
Deckle and Mold
The name of the two frames (always the same size) that hold the paper
as it dries. The mold is a mesh screen which is stretched across the frame.
The deckle is placed on top of that to form the shape of the paper.
Decoupage
Defined as "cutting out," decoupage involves cutting images or designs
from paper (usually decorative) and applying them to any of a variety
of surfaces (works equally well on wood, glass, ceramic, cardboard). Images
are secure with a decoupage medium, or other clear acrylic adhesive.
Decrease
When one less stitch is used on a row to decrease the width of a piece.
Delica Beads
Cylindrical glass beads having thin walls and large holes. Also known
as "antique" or "delicious" beads.
Dip and carve wax
Wax that is designed (by adding paraffin) to create softer wax that is
easier to carve without cracking or breaking.
Distress
When a piece is intentionally given a worn, aged look.
Double-point needles
These knitting needles are pointed at both ends for work on items with
no seam (such as socks and mittens). Available in a variety of lengths.
Ear Screws
An earring base. Clip-on style, but with a screw that further secures
the earring to the ear.
Embossing
Either the process of adding textured items to the pulp of handmade paper
(e.g., adding leaves when still wet) or heating embossing powder over
a fresh rubber stamped image (e.g., powder heats and turns shiny.
End Coils
Used in jewelry making to attach leather or rattail cords to other earring
apparatus (e.g., clasps, jump rings).
End Cones
Pieces used in jewelry making to cover the ends of finished pieces (such
as beaded chains or thick thread).
Eye Pins
Straight wires with a small loop on the end. Generally used to string
beads.
Eyeglass Holders
Small loops of elastic (sometimes made of flexible plastic) that fit onto
the earpieces of eyeglasses. Attached to a chain or string and used to
hold eyeglasses around the neck of the wearer.
Feather cutting (feathering)
A technique used in decoupage that results in paper edges resembling feathers.
Findings
Tools and equipment used by a crafter.
Fire-polished Bead
A bead undergoing a process which heats it until the outermost layer melts,
creating a high-gloss finish after cooling.
Flat Knitting
A section of fabric created by repeatedly working the same rows.
Flat-nosed Pliers
Pliers used for shaping wire. Jaws are flat and tapered to make twisting
and curling easy. Available with smooth jaws to avoid marking wire.
Flush Cutters
Every sharp wire cutters that leave a clean cut (filing not required).
These are wire cutters that have sharp blades; they cut wire flush, leaving
no burrs to file away.
Flux
An ingredient that bonds and lubricates metal surfaces being soldered.
Flux prevents oxidation and increases adhesion between metals.
Foot
The base of an object (e.g., vase or planter) designed to keep it stable.
Foxtail
A chain made from a strong, delicate form of nickel. Generally used for
stringing beads.
Fusible Hem Tape
An iron-on tack that hold cloth edges (e.g., hems) easily and without
sewing. Also known as fusible webbing.
Gauge
In wire or sheet metal, the measurement of its thickness. In fabric, the
number of stitches and rows per square inch.
Gemstone Bead
A generic term referring to any bead made of a semiprecious stone or mineral
(e.g., amber, ivory).
Glass Cutters
Used with mosaics or stained glass work, this tool cuts glass with a single-edged
steel wheel.
Glass Nippers
See "Nippers"
Glaze
A clear liquid thinly applied over paper mache to seal and protect the
finished piece.
Glycerin
Used in soap making, it softens and protects skin.
Grommets
Also known as "eyelets" or "washers," these metal rings are used to reinforce
holes made in fabric (e.g., drawstrings, laces).
Grout
A cement-type material used between tiles on mosaics (and other projects)
to strengthen the hold, increasing the permanence of the finished product.
Available in a variety of colors.
Grout Sealer
A transparent liquid applied to a finished mosaic to protect it from the
elements.
Grozing Pliers
The rough, arched jaws of these pliers are used to cut and trim glass.
Gusset
A technique used in knitting that places a triangular piece in the garment
under the arm (or at the base of the thumb) to increase the range of motion
allowed by the clothing.
Hand-building
A term to identify any type of manual manipulation of clay. Coil and slab
techniques are among the most common.
Hand milling
The process of creating a harder soap by taking a bar of handmade soap
and grating, melting and remolding it.
Hemp Cord
Used primarily for macramé, this cord (created from hemp) resists fraying
and holds knots well.
Hex-Cut Beads
Six-sided glass beads.
Highlight
To use a lighter shade of paint in a particular area.
Hook and Eye Closure
Equipment used for fastening a variety of objects (works with jewelry,
clothing and more). One side is curved metal (the "hook") and slides into
a loop (the "eye") to hold the items in place.
Imitation Sinew
A durable cord made from waxed polyester. Generally used with heavier
beads.
Iridescent Beads
A generic term referring to any bead with a multicolored, shiny finish,
which is achieved by metal salts.
Jeweler's Rouge
An abrasive mix for polishing metal.
Jig
A flat board covering in jutting pegs used for shaping wire.
Jojoba oil
An oil used in handmade soaps. Moisturizes skin.
Jump Ring
Wire circles used to connect jewelry pieces.
Kevlar
In jewelry making, string made from this extremely strong material is
less likely to stretch than other materials. Prone to fraying.
Kneading
Manipulating clay with the hand resulting in a uniform texture.
Knot Cups
Used in jewelry making, these metal pieces hide and hold knots at the
ends of strings used to make necklaces and bracelets.
Lampworked Beads
Handmade glass beads.
Layering
Used in paper mache, the process of repeatedly placing paper and glue
on a surface.
Linseed oil
Thinly coated over dry paper mache projects to waterproof and protect
them.
Liquid Silver Beads
Fine tubes of silver strung together in Native American jewelry making.
Liver of Sulfur
A chemical compound to speed the oxidation of some metals, creating an
antique look.
Lobster Clasp
Used in jewelry making, often as a necklace clasp.
Luting
A process used to join two pieces of hard, dry clay.
Macramé
A decorative art form general consisting of thick rope knotted into a
variety of designs, including wall hanging, plant hangers and more.
Mandrel
A form used when making coils and bends with wire. This is a sturdy, straight,
cylindrical form used to create coils and bends in wire.
Marbling
An effect created after combining oil-based paint and water.
Matte
A flat finish.
Melt and pour
A process used when making soap. The soap base is melted and poured into
a mold to harden.
Memory Wire
Used in jewelry making, this tough wire is made of steel and is permanently
coiled.
Metallic Beads
These beads, also known as "galvanized" beads are glass, are painted and
baked, making the surface resemble metal.
Mold
Any hollow form used to hold materials to a specific shape.
Mosaic
A look created by placing small pieces of a specific material (such as
tile or glass) into a design. Can include flat materials (e.g., glass)
or three dimensional objects (e.g., broken pottery).
Multi-Strand Clasp
Used with jewelry, this piece is specifically designed to hold more than
one strand.
Needle Size
The number assigned to a needle to convey its circumference.
Niobium Wire
Available in a variety of colors, this wire is strong, light-weight and
hypoallergenic.
Nippers
A tool used with mosaics for very accurate breaking of glass and tile.
Available
Nymo
A nylon thread coated with wax often used in beadwork.
Olive oil
Often added to handmade soap to create a mild soap with lots of lather.
Opal Beads
Glass beads with an appearance similar to the opal gemstone.
Opaque crystals
Used in candle making. Makes a pure white and vivid colors.
Painted Beads
Generally brightly colored, these beads are often painted, but can also
be dyed.
Palm oil
Used in soap making. Increases hardness, making for a long-lasting bar
of soap.
Paraffin Wax
The primary ingredient in most handmade candles. Available in a variety
of melting points, for different types of molds.
Pattern
Detailed instructions for completing a sewing project.
Picking up
A knitting technique used when starting to stitch fabric in a different.
Plaster of Paris
A mixture made from white powder that hardens when dry.
Polishing Cloth
A piece of fabric treated with a chemical to clean precious metals.
Polyester Cord
Used in beadwork. Durable. Resists shrinking and fraying.
Pony Beads
Larger than standard seed beads, but with a similar shape. Can be made
of plastic, wood or plastic.
Potato-cut
Using potatoes to create designs. The potato is cut to reveal a smooth
surface, in which the design is carved. Color is added and then the potato
is stamped onto paper.
Pressed Glass Beads
Made by machine, these glass beads are available in a variety of colors.
Pressing
Placing clay between two molds to create the desired shape.
Pulp
Used to make paper, commonly made from bits of paper and water. Adhesives,
colors or other objects (such as leaves) are sometimes added.
Quilting Thread
Strong thread commonly used with bead embroidery.
Ragging
Using turpentine to affect the color of a cloth. Material is dipped into
the chemical, creating a dappled look.
Rattail, Mousetail, and Bugtail
Terms used to identify the thickness of satin cord, from thickest to thinnest.
Available in a wide range of colors.
Releasing agent
A material (such as petroleum jelly) used to keep paper mache from sticking
to the mold as it dries.
Rivets
Used to reinforce stress points of fabrics or garments.
Round-nose Pliers
A tool used in wire crafts to make loops. Tapered jaws.
Row
One length of horizontal stitches, from edge to edge.
Satin Beads
Glass beads that looks striped.
Scale model
A proportionate, small version of a full-sized object.
Scraper-board
Black card covered in a white, chalky layer. That layer is scraped away
to create a white on black design.
Scratch-built model
Something created from all raw material (no pre-made parts).
Screen Printing
A process of transferring paint or dye to a fabric. A mesh screen is pulled
tightly across a frame. A squeegee moves the pigment through the screen.
Scumble
Using a coat of opaque or semi-opaque paint to change the color of an
existing image.
Seed Beads
Cylindrical glass beads available in a variety of colors. Numbered to
indicate size (the larger the number, the smaller the bead).
Semi-gloss Beads
Glass beads with a frosted finish.
Separator Bar
Used in beadwork. Inserted in between decorative beads, they ensure the
finished necklace or bracelet will lie flat and will reduce tangling.
Usually made of metal, but are available in a variety of styles.
Shell Heishe Beads
Small round or cylindrical beads created from natural shells.
Shellac
A material used to seal finished mosaic creations.
Silamide
A nylon thread used in bead work.
Silicone Spray
Used in candle making, it is sprayed in the mold prior to pouring to ensure
easy removal of the hardened candle.
Silver Lined Beads
Glass beads with a mirror-type lining in the holes. Usually square. Also
known as "rocailles."
Single-edged razor blade
Used in model making, ideal for cutting balsa wood.
Sister Clasp
A mechanism used to join two pieces of thread or cord when creating jewelry.
Skein
Yarn ready to be turned into a creation. One long piece coiled to avoid
tangling and to increase ease of use.
Slab-built
Clay creations used by blending together several flat pieces of the material
bound together with slip.
Slip
A creamy blend of clay and water used to coat or embellish bisque.
Sponging
A painting technique in which a sponge is dipped in paint and applied
to a desired surface. Using two complementary colors results in a marbled
effect.
Spring Ring
A mechanism used to join two pieces of thread or cord when creating jewelry.
Stearine or Stearin (stearic acid)
A fatty acid used in candle making. Makes for harder candles (decreasing
drip) and allows for easy removal from the candle mold. Darkens colors
by making candles more opaque.
Stencil
Patterns to allow for a perfect design every time. Used in a variety of
craft projects.
Stippling
A painting technique that results in a speckled look.
Stylus
A sharp, pointed instrument used for marking, writing, or engraving.
Tallow
Used in soap making, this ingredient (rendered from beef fat) produces
a hard soap with abundant lather.
Tempera
A painting technique employing water and egg yolk.
Template
A reusable guide to consistently duplicate a shape.
Terra Cotta
Usually red in color, this earthenware material is an excellent insulator.
Tesserae
Materials used when creating mosaic pieces (e.g., glass, tiles, broken
dishes).
Three-Cut Beads
Beads with irregularly shaped facets on their surface.
Tigertail
A braided stainless steel wire, covered in nylon. Used to string beads
with sharp edges.
Tile Nippers
See "Nippers"
Tiles
Made of ceramic, available in a variety of colors and textures. Generally
easy to cut or break for use in mosaic work.
Tin snips
A tool used to cut sheet metal.
Torpedo Clasp
See "Barrel Clasp"
Tracing and coloring
Line-drawing an existing image, usually to be colored or decorated separately.
Trowel
A tool used to spread cement.
Vitreous glass
Durable, manufactured glass pieces, they are smooth on one side and textured
on the other. For use in mosaics.
Watermarks
Slightly raised designs or logos in paper. Can be created in handmade
paper with a fine-gauge wire designed attached to the screen on the mold.
Wax dyes
Used in candle making, these wax square are melted into the paraffin wax
during processing.
Weathering
The result of exposing clay to the elements to break down the finish.
Can also be achieved with paint.
Wedging
Kneading plastic clay to remove air pockets trapped in it and to achieve
the desired texture.
Wheat germ oil
Used in soap making. Moisturizes skin and creates a rich lather.
White glue
A quick-drying, versatile adhesive. Can also be used as a sealant.
Whiteheart Beads
Available in a variety of colors, the core of these glass beads is an
opaque white. An inexpensive alternative to colored glass beads.
Wick
Strings in candles designed to feed the flame with wax from the candle.
A variety of wicks are available (e.g., flat braids, wire or square braids).
Wick holders
A small piece of metal securing the wick to the base of the candle.
Wicking needles
A tool used in candle making.
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