Sewing Tools and Equipment
Different sewing tools used in garment construction. The skillful use of  Chalk Pencil/Dressmaking Pencil – this is available in white or pastel
the different sewing tools will help take body measurement and drafting pattern
with accuracy and speed
Measuring Tools
 Tape Measure – a flexible measuring device used in taking body
measurements.
 Sewing Gauge – a small ruler with a sliding guide and is about six inches
long.
 Ruler – measuring instrument 12 inches or even 18 inches, either clear or
solid.
 Yard Stick – it is made of smooth, shellack hardwood or metal.
 L-square – the tailor square is used to transfer measurement to the draft
pattern.
 Cutting Tools – an instrument that serve well if properly maintained.
 Pinking Shears – this is popular in zigzagging or scalloped edge or for
seam finishes,
Cutting Scissors
a. Trimming Scissors – it is 3-4 inches long. It is used for trimmings,
clipping threads and snipping slashes.
b. Embroidery Scissors – it has 4-5 inches finely tapered blades. Both
points are sharp for use in working with the details.
c. Buttonhole Scissors – this is intended for making buttonholes.
Thread Clippers
 Seam Ripper – are specifically designed for ripping stiches seams, either
because of an error or during alteration.
 Rotary Cutter and Mat – it is an adaption of the giant rotary used by the
garment industry.
Marking Tools
shades.
 Liquid Marking Pen – comes in two types. One that washes out and on
that fades after 48 hours.
 Tailors Chalk – this is essential as a marker use on materials.
 Wax Chalk – this available in black or white and is used for woolen fabrics.
 Tracing Wheel – a wheel that produce a dot on the fabric and is suitable
for most type of fabric.
 Dressmaker’s Carbon Paper – also called dressmaker tracing paper is a
specially waxed carbon paper that transfer’s the tracing wheel’s markings
to the fabric.
Pinning and Sewing Tools
 Pincushion – holds the straight pins and needles while working to
prevent accidents.
 Hand Needles – used in making temporary stiches and buttonholes.
Sizes of 7 to 10 are for general hand sewing.
 Sewing Needle Threader – it aids in putting the thread in the needle.
 Thimble – a small hard pitted cup worn for protection on the finger
that pushes the needle in sewing.
Materials
 Fabric – is the clothing in making garments.
 Thread – is used in assembling or constructing the parts of the garments.
Types of Sewing Machines
 Lockstitch Sewing Machine – this is usually used in homes and sometimes
in school. This is also called ‘Domestic Sewing Machine’.
 Hi-speed Sewing Machine – this is sometimes called =,’Straight Stitching
Machine’.
 Over Edging Machine – other companies call it ‘small machine’. It finishes
the raw edges of the pattern for construction.
  Embroidery Machines – this is used in making fancy stiches and in making 13. Belt – connects the balance wheel to drive wheel.
different kinds of embroidery stiches on fabrics. 14. Stop Motion Screw – hinders moving when loosened and starts.
 Buttonhole Machine – this is used in making buttonholes on garments.
Parts of Sewing Machine:
 Button Attachment Machine – this is used in attaching buttons to the
garments. Parts of the sewing machine under the bed
 Double Needle Machine – this is used in the construction of different
1. Feed Dog – moves the fabric while sewing.
kinds of clothing especially for the inseam, out seam, and side seam.
2. Throat Plate – is the windows of the feed dog and it is where the
 Bar tacking Machine – this is used in reinforcing the opening and closing
bobbin thread come out.
pockets.
3. Slide Plate – is a movable plate that covers the shuttle and bobbin
Two Major Parts of the Lockstitch Sewing Machine case.
4. Shuttle – holds the bobbin case while sewing.
The two major parts of sewing machine are the upper and the lower parts.
5. Bobbin – is a metal spool for winding thread.
The upper parts are composed of. 6. Bobbin Case – holds the bobbin.

1. Head – is the complete sewing machine without the cabinet stand. Lower Parts of Sewing Machine
2. Arm – is the curve part of the head containing mechanism for operating
The lower parts of the sewing machine are the cabinet and the stand. The
the needle.
cabinet has drawers and screw on the hinges for the attachment of the head. The
3. Bed – is the flat portion of the machine and beneath is the feed dog
following are the lower parts of the sewing machine and their uses:
where it is mounted.
1. Band Wheel – leads the balance wheel through the belt connection.
Parts of the Sewing Machine in the Arm
2. Band Wheel Cranks – moves the band wheel.
Upper parts of sewing machine 3. Pitman Rod – holds the treadle to band wheel crank.
4. Belt Guide – hold the belt to its place.
1. Spoon Pin – is the thread holder. 5. Belt Shifter – removes the belt from the wheel.
2. Thread Guide – keeps the thread in position. 6. Dress Guard – protects the dress from the wheel.
3. Thread Take Up Lever – releases the thread and interlocks with the 7. Treadle – is where the feet are stationed to drive the band wheel through
bobbin thread. the pitman rod.
4. Presser Bar Lifter – moves the presser foot. 8. Legs – support the cabinet of the machine.
5. Tension – controls the looseness and tightness of stiches. 9. Cabinet – holds the head of the machine by interlocking screw on the
6. Needle Bar – holds the needle in place. hinges.
7. Needle Clamp – holds and tightens the needle.
8. Presser Foot – holds the fabric.
9. Needle – is a slander tool attached in the needle clamp used for sewing.
10. Bobbin Winder – controls the bobbin while winding thread.
11. Stitch Regulator – checks the length of the stitches.
12. Balance Wheel – sets the mechanism in motion.