Glossary - P

Patchwork
Patchwork is a form of needlework or craft that involves sewing together small pieces of fabric and stitching them together into a larger design, which is then usually quilted, or else tied together with pieces of yarn at regular intervals, a practice known as tying. Patchwork is traditionally 'pieced' by hand, but modern quiltmakers often use a sewing machine instead.

Pattern
A Pattern is a form, template, or model (or, more abstractly, a set of rules) which can be used to make or to generate things or parts of a thing, especially if the things that are generated have enough in common for the underlying pattern to be inferred or discerned, in which case the things are said to exhibit the pattern.

Pincushion
The pincushions (Leucospermum) are a genus of shrubs and small trees in the family Proteaceae. The flowers have large numbers of prominent styles, which inspires the name. They are native to Zimbabwe and South Africa, where the many species occupy a variety of habitats, including scrub, forest, and mountain slopes.

Pinking Shears
Pinking shears are scissors whose blades are sawtooth instead of straight. Pinking shears will leave a zigzag pattern instead of a straight edge.

Pins
A pin is a device used for fastening objects or material together. It is usually made of steel, and is formed by drawing out a thin wire, sharpening the tip, and adding a head. History of the pin: The Sumerians used pins made of iron or bone to hold fabric together as early as 3000 BC. In medieval times, during the reign of Henry VIII, a law was passed prohibiting the sale of pins except on certain days. Although meant to alleviate the scarcity of pins, the law made the problem worse and was repealed a few years later.

Polyester
A synthetic, man-made fibre produced from the polymerization of ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephalate or terephthalic acid. Some characteristics of polyester include: crease resistance, ability to dry quickly, shape retention in garments, high strength, abrasion resistance, and minimum care requirements. Polyester is a very important fibre in upholstery fabrics. It is often used in warps due to its strength and because it is relatively inexpensive.