DRESSMAKING

Irene M. Gnilo
Subject Teacher
 Sewing Tools &
Equipment and their
Uses
 "Sewing without the right tools and
equipment is like trying to cook without the
right ingredients."
 Sewing Tools and Equipment

Sewing Tools
 instruments that aid in accomplishing a sewing task. It can be
manipulated by hands.

Sewing Equipment
 those are the more complicated complicated tool, it provides to
carry out a particular process or function.
 Sewing equipment and different tools are used in
garment construction. The skillful use of the different
sewing equipment will help take body measurement and
drafting pattern with accuracy and speed.
Success in sewing calls for the right tools at the right
time. All tools must be appropriate in a proper order and
one must know how to use them to save time and produce
the best result.
 Sewing tools are classified into measuring
tools, marking tools, cutting tools and pinning
tools.
 Measuring Tools
 instruments used for obtaining quantities, dimensions or forces of
real world objects
Tape measure -A flexible
measuring device used in taking
body measurements. The front has
the measurement of 150
centimeters and 60 inches on the
other side. Fiberglass tape is
commonly used by dressmakers.
 Measuring Tools
Sewing Gauge - A small ruler
with a sliding guide and is about
six inches long. This gauge is used
for measurements at hem lines,
button holes and areas
where other small measurements
require checking, such as pleats
and tucks. The gauge is usually
made of metal or plastic.
 Measuring Tools
Rulers - 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. A clear ruler is
also a good tool for marking
buttonholes.
 Measuring Tools

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.
 Measuring Tools

L-square - The tailor square or "L" is used to

transfer measurements to the draft pattern. It
also 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. It has two arms
connected perpendicularly.
a. The longer arm is twenty-four (24) inches
long.
b. The shorter arm is fourteen (14) inches long.
 Measuring Tools
French Curve - This is used to shape the depth of the neckhole and
armhole of the pattern.
 Cutting Tools

Cutting tools are instruments that serve well if properly

maintained. Sharp cutting tools make clean cuts and well-defined
notches and they do not damage fabric. On the other hand, dull
tools slow the cutting process, and make your hand and wrist tire
easily. Sewing cutting tools should not be used for other household
task. Cutting tools must be sharpened regularly and the joints are
oiled occasionally for better use.
 Cutting Tools
Bent-handled dressmaker’s shears
 Cutting Tools
Bent-handled dressmaker’s shears - These are made of quality steel and
hold a sharp cutting edge. The blades move easily and cut smoothly along
the entire length and the points should come together. Shears have the
length of 7- 12 inches and are satisfactory for most apparel fabrics.

a. All steels, chrome-plated shears are for heavy duty cutting

b. Stainless steel blades and plastic handles are fine for lightweight fabrics
c. A serrated edge shears give maximum cutting control and
is used for synthetic fibers and slippery knits
 Cutting Tools

Pinking Shears - This is popular in

zigzagging 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 satisfactory for straight
cutting.
 Cutting Tools
Cutting scissors

A. Trimming scissor - It is 3-4

inches long. It is used for trimmings,
clipping threads and snipping
slashes.
 Cutting Tools
Cutting scissors

B. Embroidery scissor - It has 4-5

inches finely tapered blades. Both
points are sharp for use in working
with fine details in delicate fabrics
and in embroidery work.
 Cutting Tools
Cutting scissors

C. Buttonhole scissor - This is

intended for making buttonholes.
 Cutting Tools
Thread Clippers - Thread clippers are a handy little spring loaded
cutting tool that allows for the snipping of threads. These clippers are
specifically used to snip threads and they are not designed to cut
fabric.
 Cutting Tools

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.
Cutting Tools
 Cutting Tools
Rotary Cutter and Mat - It is an
adaptation of the giant rotary
cutter used by the garment
industry. It works like a pizza
cutter and can be used by left or
right-handed sewers. The rotary
cutter is available in different sizes
with different blades. When using
a rotary cutter, work on a cutting
mat to protect the blade and the
cutting surface.
 Marking Tools
Marking tools are required for transferring pattern markings to garment
fabric pieces and for making alterations on garments.

Chalk Pencils/Dressmaker
pencil - This is available in white
or pastel shades. This chalk pencil
is used to make fine lines on
fabric. It has an erasing brush at
one end.
 Marking Tools

Liquid Marking Pen - Liquid

marking pens come in two types.
There is one that washes out and
one that fades after 48 hours.
Those that wash out should not be
used on fabric that show water
marks. The mark should be
removed before pressing the
fabric.
 Marking Tools

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 brushing.
 Marking Tools

Wax chalk - This is available

in black or white and is used
for woolen fabrics. Wax can
be removed by pressing.
 Marking Tools
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 a solid line.
 Marking Tools
Dressmaker’s Carbon Paper -
Dressmaker‘s carbon paper also called
dressmaker‘s tracing paper is a specially
waxed carbon paper that transfer‘s the
tracing wheel‘s markings to the fabric. A
color of tracing paper should be chosen
that is close to the color of the fabric.
Different brands of tracing paper have
different instructions; therefore, the
instructions for the particular brand that is
purchased should be followed.
 Pining and Sewing Tools

Pincushion - A pincushion holds the

straight pins and needles while working
to prevent accidents.
 Pining and Sewing Tools

Hand Needle - Used in making

temporary stitches and buttonholes.
Sizes of 7 to 10 are for general hand
sewing.
 Pining and Sewing Tools

Sewing Needle Threader - It aids in

putting the thread to the needle. It
consists of two parts. The handle and the
wire. The end of the wire that is away
from the holder is folded. Place the
folded wire of the needle threader
through the eye of the sewing needle.
 Sewing Equipment

Sewing Machine - a textile machine

used to stitch fabric, cards and other
material with thread.
 MATERIALS

Fabric - The fabric is the cloth

used in making garments. The
plain cotton fabrics, flour sack
or catcha is the most appropriate
material for beginners because
these are very easy to handle.
 MATERIALS

Thread - The thread is used in

assembling or constructing the
parts of the garment. Threads
vary in sizes. Heavy fabrics
need stronger threads. Threads
should have the same color with
that of the fabric used.
 Activity no. 1

Direction: Identify sewing tools properly.

Measuring Tool
Cutting Tool
Pinning Tool
Marking Tool
Sewing Tool
 Activity no. 1

Measuring Tools
 Activity no. 1

Sewing Tools
 Activity no. 1

Marking Tools
 Activity no. 1

Pinning Tools
 Activity no. 1

Cutting Tools
 Activity no. 1

Cutting Tools
 Activity no. 1

Measuring Tools
 Activity no. 1

Cutting Tools
 Activity no. 1

Cutting Tools
Activity no. 2
Direction: Classify sewing tools according to their
uses:
pin cushion tracing wheel
wax chalk ruler
seam ripper sewing gauge
tailor's chalk L-square
pinking shears trimming scissor
tape measure French curve
embroidery scissor thread clippers
dressmaker's carbon paper yardstick
Measuring Cutting Tools Pinning Tools Marking Tools
Tools
 Measuring Cutting Tools Pinning Tools Marking Tools
Tools
tape measure Seam ripper Pin cushion Wax chalk
Ruler pinking shears tailor's chalk
Sewing gauge embroidery Dressmaker's
scissor carbon paper
L-square Trimming Tracing wheel
scissor
French curve Thread clipper
yardstick