SEWING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

(GROUP 4)
OBJECTIVES:

At the end of this lesson , the student should be able to:

 Identify the different sewing tools and equipment,
 Classify each tool and equipment according to their use or function
 Appreciate the importance in selecting appropriate sewing tools and equipment for
specific job requirement.

What Is Sewing?

Sewing is the term used to describe making stitches using a needle and thread. We sew when we
create embroidery stitches, we sew when we create seams in clothing.

IDENTIFY SEWING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT AND THEIR USES

MEASURING TOOLS

Tape measure - A flexible measuring device used in taking body measurement.

Sewing Gauge – This gauge is used for measurements at hem lines, button holes and areas where
other small measurement require checking, such as pleats and tucks.

Ruler – A ruler measuring 12 inches or even 18 inches, either clear or solid. It is a useful tool to have
for measuring and drawing straight seam lines and cutting lines.
Yard Stick – Is used for making hemlines and checking grain lines when laying out the pattern. It is
made up of wood or metal.

L – Square or Tailor Square- Used to transfer measurement to the draft pattern. Divides the
garment into the desired measurement. It has perfect squares and is useful in making straight lines
and numbers. It can also function as a tape measure.

French curve – This is used to shape the depth of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern.

Hem or skirt marker – It is used to mark the hem length accurately. It is adjustable and is used as a
measuring guide for marking width for various sections of the garment like pleats, hems, seam
allowance, and etc.
CUTTING TOOLS

Bent – Handled Dressmaker’s shears – The bents handle allows the fabric to lie smooth and
straight when it is being cut, thus yielding better control over the cutting edge. These scissors are
used to cut fabrics only.

Pinking Shears – This is popular in zigzagging or scalloped edge or for seam finishes.

Trimming Scissor – It is 3-4 inches long. It is used for trimmings, clipping threads and snipping
slashes.
Embroidery Scissor – These scissors are small, usually 4-5 inches in length with every sharp blade,
used for all purpose needlework, ripping and for making buttonholes.

Button Scissor – This is intended for making buttonholes.

Electronic Scissors – These scissors are used mostly in the industry. It can cut thin and heavy
fabric.

Straight Knife – It is a cutting machine basically used for cutting fabrics with perfect edges.
Round knife – It has a base plate with an electric motor placed above it, with a handle to direct the
blade for cutting as per the requirement. It is used for fabric cutting in garment factories.

Seam Ripper – Seam rippers are specifically designed for ripping out stitches from seams, either as
a result of an error or during alterations. They should be used carefully to prevent damage to the
fabric.

Thread Cutter – It is, a small handy spring loaded tool, specifically used for cutting extra threads on
the garments and ripping seam.
Cutting Table – It is a large, flat table used to spread the fabric and pattern while marking, pinning,
and cutting.

Notcher – It is a tool commonly used in pattern making and sewing. It creates notches in the paper
pattern or material.

MARKING TOOLS

Chalk pencils/Dressmaker pencil – This is available in white or pastel shades. This chalk pencil is
used to make fine lines on fabric and it is has an erasing brush at one end.

Tailor’s chalk – This is essential as a marker for use on materials. Tailor’s chalk is available in a
range of colors and is removed by rushing.
Wax chalk – This is available in black or white and is used for woolen fabrics. Wax can be removed
by pressing.

Tracing wheel – There are two types of tracing wheels, those with a serrated edge and those with a
smooth edge. The serrated edge wheel produces dots on the fabric and is suitable for most types of
fabrics. The smooth edge wheel is best for delicate fabrics and unlike the serrated edge will not
pierce more delicate fabrics. The smooth edge wheel creates solid line.

Dressmaker’s carbon paper – A specially waxed carbon paper that transfer’s the tracing wheel’s
markings to the fabrics. Color of tracing paper should be chosen that is close to the color of the fabric.

PINNING AND SEWING TOOL

Pin cushion – Holds the straight pins and needles while working to prevent accidents.
Hand Needle – Use in making temporary stitches and buttonholes.

Sewing needle threader – It aids in putting the thread to the needle. It consist of two parts. The
handle and wire.

Thimble – A small hard pitted cup worn for protection on the finger pushes the needle in sewing.