EPP 6

Classification of Sewing Tools and Materials

Sewing materials and different tools are used in garment construction. The skillful use of the different sewing tools
and materials will help take body measurement and drafting pattern with accuracy and speed.

A. MEASURING TOOLS
Sewing measuring tools are essential for pattern alterations and body measurements to ensure a good garment fit,
measurements should be taken accurately. There are some measuring tools that should be part of every sewing box.

1. Tape Measure
A good, flexible tape measure of at least 60 inches or 150 centimeters on the other
side is needed to take body measurements throughout the garment construction
process. Although the tape measure should be flexible, it should be stretchy. It is used
not only to measure garments, but to measure creations for home decor projects as
well. This tool is also used for pattern adjustments.
2. 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. It also aids in
connecting lines. Clear plastic rulers are used for quilting and pattern creation and
alteration. It is also a good for marking buttonholes.
3. Yardstick
A yardstick is made of smooth, shellacked hardwood or metal. It is used for marking
hemlines and checking grainlines when laying out the pattern.
4. Sewing Gauge
This small ruler has a sliding guide and is about 6 inches long. This is used for
measurements at hemlines, button holes and areas where other small measurements
require checking such as pleats and tucks. This gauge is usually made of metal.

B. CUTTING TOOLS
Sewing cutting tools are very important to moving the sewing project along to completion. Sewing cutting tools
should be of the best quality. The best quality of cutting tools are made of high grade stainless steel.
1. Pinking Shears
Pinking shears is popular in zigzagged or scalloped edge or for seam finishes. This
Is used to finish seams and raw edges and to create decorative edges on many types
of fabric. It cuts a ravel-resistant edge. This is not suitable for straight cutting.
2. Trimming Scissors
Trimming scissors is measures 3-4 inches long. It is used for trimmings, clipping
threads and snipping slashes.

3. Embroidery Scissors
Embroidery scissors has 4-5 inches finely tapered blades. Both points are sharp and
is used in working with fine details in delicate fabrics and embroidery work.

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C. SEWING TOOLS AND MATERIALS
Sewing tools and materials are essential in accomplishing a garment project. The following are the common tools and
materials used for sewing.

1. Hand Needles
Hand needles are used in making temporary stitches and buttonholes. Sizes of 7 to
10 are for general hand sewing.
2. Pins
Pins are meant to keep the fabric in place while cutting or sewing.

3. Pin Cushion
Pin cushion holds the straight pins and needles while working to prevent
accidents.
4. Thimble
A small hard pitted cup worn for protection on the finger that pushes the needle
while sewing.
5. Needle Threader
Needle threader is useful for threading any kind of needle. It is put in the eye
of the needle, then thread it and pull it back so, it threads your needle.
6. Emery Bag
Emery bag is used for thrusting needles and pins. It sharpens the needles and
removes rust.
7. Threads
Threads are used in assembling or constructing the parts of the garment. Threads
vary in sizes and in colors. Heavy fabrics need stronger threads.
8. Fabric
A fabric is the cloth used in making garments. The plain cotton fabrics, flour
sack or “katsa” is the most appropriate material for beginners because it is easy
to handle.
9. Sewing Box/Kit
Sewing box/kit serves as utility box. Sewing tools like pins, thread, thimble, buttons
and others are kept in this box.

Project Plan for Household Linens

Project plan for household linens matters a lot when it comes to preparing in making sewing household linens. Most
important is, it must be simple and accurate.

A project plan outlines the manner or steps on how a person will achieve the goals objectives he or she had set.

Parts of a Project Plan

The main purpose of a project plan is to guide you in accomplishing your goal.

1. Project Proponent
Project proponent is the individual or group of people submitting, organizing and proposing a project for approval.
2. Project Title

The title of the project should be short and concise. It should give the reader an idea of what the whole project is
about.
3. Objective

This part states the goals that you aim to achieve in the project. Goals must be specific, concise and realistic. By
being specific, you ensure that you do not go beyond the expected outcome of your project which help you save time. Being
realistic means your project has a practical budget aligned with your financial means and can be done within a reasonable
time frame for you and your teacher.
4. Drawing
 This serves as a guide for the person to know how the final outcome of the product should look like. The sketch must
be neat and should contain comments or specifications with regards to the type of fabric and stitches used, length and style.
5. Material and Tools

a. Materials
This is the list of all needed supplies to accomplish your project along with their corresponding amount. This is usually
written in a tabular format, specifying the items, quantity, amount per unit of each item, and total cost. In completing this
information, you can put an estimate cost of the materials you will buy. This saves you time and allows you to calculate more
easily.
b. Tools Needed
This is the list of the tools or materials that you already have and needed for the project.

6. Procedure

This is the part where you list all the instructions you must follow in order to accomplish your project. This is usually written
in step-by-step form. In writing each number or step, make sure that you only write one action per step to minimize the
chance of confusion.
7. Evaluation

Evaluation assesses the finished product using scoring rubric with a specific criteria.

Materials Commonly Needed for Sewing

1. Tailor’s chalk – a hard chalk or soap stone used in tailoring and dressmaking for
marking fabric.
2. Pattern paper – a large thin flat case for loose sheets of paper such as drawing
or drafting pattern.
3.Pins – are meant to keep the fabric in place while cutting or sewing.

4. Hand Needle - is used in making temporary stitches and buttonholes. Sizes of 7

to 10 are general hand sewing.
5. Pincushion __ a small cushion into which pins are stuck for convenient storage.
It holds the straight pins and needles while working to prevent accidents.

6. Emery bag - used for thrusting needles and pins . They sharpen the needles and rust.

7. Scissors- used to cut the fabric and thread.

8. L-square- this is used to transfer measurement .