Facing Fabric
Facing fabric has two meanings and two purposes in fashion design. A ‘facing fabric’ is applied to neaten the finish on the raw edges of a garment, like at necklines and armholes. Shaped facings, which are usually made from same fabric as the garment itself, are cut to match the edge they will face, while bias facings are strips of fabric cut on the true bias or cross-grain. These are shaped rather than cut to match an edge. Facing fabric could also refer to the ‘face side’ of a fabric. This is the more presentable, upper side of the fabric — always easier to recognise when it is a printed weave.
Faux Pas
Faux Pas, while not technically a sewing term, it is something greatly feared in fashion circles. It is a false step — be it in an error of judgement, a slip of the tongue or worst of all wearing (or creating) the wrong thing. A sartorial slip that could land you on the worst dressed list is to be avoided at all costs.