Sewing Dictionary: What Does "Right Sides Together" Mean?
📚 Sewing 101 | Beginner Tutorials
If you’ve ever followed a sewing pattern and seen the phrase “sew with right sides together” and thought, “Right side of what now?”—you’re not alone!
Understanding the right side vs. wrong side of fabric is one of the first steps to sewing success. Let’s break it down so you can stitch with confidence!
🧵 What Is the “Right Side” of Fabric?
The right side is the pretty side—the one you want to show off when your project is done. It’s often the more vibrant, printed, or textured side of the fabric.
Think of it as the fabric’s public-facing side—the star of the show!
When a pattern says “sew with right sides together,” that means:
👉 You’re placing the pretty sides of both fabric pieces facing each other
👉 You’ll sew along the edge
👉 When you flip your project right-side-out, the seam will be hidden inside
🚫 What Is the “Wrong Side” of Fabric?
The wrong side is the backstage pass of the fabric world. It’s the side that typically won’t be seen on your finished piece.
It may have a duller appearance, a faded version of the print, or a smoother texture. You’ll see it mostly during the construction phase, but it’s not meant to be in the spotlight.
⚠️ What If My Fabric Looks the Same on Both Sides?
Great question!
Some fabrics—like fleece, felt, some solid cottons, or jersey knits—don’t have a clearly defined right or wrong side. If both sides look and feel the same, then guess what? You get to decide!
In that case, just be consistent. Pick a “right side” and stick with it throughout your project so everything matches up.
🧵 In a Nutshell
TermMeaningRight SideThe "pretty" or printed side—meant to face outward on finished projectsWrong SideThe duller, faded, or inside surface—not usually visible when finished
Bonus Tip 🎯
When cutting and labeling pieces for your project, mark the wrong side with a small piece of removable tape or a chalk “X.” It’ll help you keep everything straight—literally!
💡Now You Know: Sewing “right sides together” helps hide your seams for a polished, professional finish. It's a small detail that makes a big difference in your final project!
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