Definition
Notions are the small items besides fabric needed to make a garment, such as thread, zips, buttons, elastic, interfacing and bias tape.
Patterns list their notions on the envelope or in the instructions, next to the fabric requirements, so you can buy everything in one trip. In British English, these supplies are called haberdashery, which is also the name of the shop that sells them.
Typical notions and what to check when buying:
| Notion | Check |
|---|---|
| Thread | Fiber and weight suited to the fabric; one shade darker if you cannot match exactly |
| Zip | Type (invisible, regular, separating) and length |
| Buttons | Diameter, in mm or in lignes (40 lignes = 1 in), and quantity |
| Elastic | Width, type and length |
| Interfacing | Type, weight and amount |
| Bias tape, cord, ribbon | Width and length |
| Snaps, hooks and eyes | Size and quantity |
Buy notions with the fabric in hand, to match colors and weights: a heavy metal zip will distort a light voile, and a large button needs a buttonhole to match.
Sewly's sewing guide lists the notions for your pattern, including the zip length, the elastic length and the buttons, for the options you chose. See elastic, invisible zip and the elastic length calculator.