Lesson

Tools and Materials in Sewing

1
Learning Target

In the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the different tools and materials in sewing.

Exploration

Every profession has different needs and demands. For instance, a doctor cannot check his or her patients
without a stethoscope; a computer system analyst cannot work without a computer, and a teacher cannot work
without lesson plans.
Tools, materials, and equipment are vital for all professions. These aids the person to accomplish his or her
task. Learning how to sew involves knowing the right tools, materials, or equipment for the job. Acquiring knowledge
about this will surely make the person's work easier, faster, and definitely, an enjoyable experience.

Go and Learn

Tools are instruments used to create or repair something. In sewing, tools are categorized according to
their function. Familiarizing and using these tools correctly and effectively will ultimately lead to best results.
A. Measuring tools are used to accurately get the measurements.
1. Tape measure is a flexible tool that is used for taking body
measurements. The units of measurement used in tape measure is in
inches and centimeters.
Tip: Use only one tape measure from the beginning up to the
end of every project. Not all tape measures are identical. There is a
possibility that measurements will not be accurate if you replace one tape
measure with another in the middle of a project.
 2. Ruler is used to measure and make straight lines.

Tip: Even if both tape measure and ruler have centimeters and inches, do not interchange the use of these
two. An inch in ruler is divided into ten (10) parts, whereas an inch in tape measure is divided into eight (8) parts.

3. L-Square is similar with letter "L" that creates a perfect square. It is

used to transfer the measurements into the draft paper during pattern making.

4. French curve is used to create curve lines for

neckline, armhole, and crotch.

5. Sewing gauge is somewhat similar to a ruler but with a

sliding guide and is 6-inches long. It is used for small measurements
such as buttonholes, hemlines, and the like.
B. Cutting tools are used to remove excess or unnecessary fabric or pattern.
1. Dressmaker's shears has a length of 7-12 inches. This tool is used to cut fabrics. Heavy duty
dressmaker's shears is made for cutting thick fabrics.

2. Pinking shears is used to create a zigzag edge that is used for making creative edges or finishing seams
and raw edges. However, this is not used for straight cuts.

3. Thread clipper is a small pair of scissors, normally with a spring. It is used for snipping thread

4. Seam ripper is purposely created to rip off stitches due to alterations or errors.

5. Rotary cutter and mat is used to

cut fabrics. This is not used without a mat
because it will damage the cutting surface
and it will not be able to protect the blade.
C. Marking tools are materials used to draw guiding lines or points to secure accuracy.
1. Tailor's chalk is either hard or smooth. It can be used for fabric or
pattern paper. It does not pulverize unlike ordinary chalks.

2. Tracing paper is similar to a carbon paper. This paper has an ink

on one side that enables the paper pattern to transfer its marking to the fabric.

3. Tracing wheel is used to trace the markings from the paper

pattern to the fabric using a tracing paper. It creates dotted imprints on
the cloth.

D. Pinning tools are used to secure the cloth in place or to attach it to the pattern
perfectly
1. Pins are made from fine steels. They have a sharp point edge on one side
and a head on the other end. Pins come in different sizes, which are used to temporarily
hold or fold fabrics together.

2. Needles are somewhat similar to pins, but

instead of having a head, needles have an eye. These are used for hand stitches
such as basting or buttonhole stitch.
 3. Thimble is a protective, small pitted cup worn in a finger to push the
needle and to protect the finger during hand sewing.

4. Pincushion is made from cushion cloth. It holds both pins and needles
together when they are not in use. Securing these pins in a pincushion prevents
accidents.

5. Emery bag is almost similar to a pincushion although the filling is made

from fine sand because it removes rust and dullness from the needles and pins.

E Sewing materials are consumable things used in dressmaking to create sewn product
1. Fabric is used for creating garments.

Tip: Flour sack or catcha is very ideal for beginners in sewing.

2. Thread is used for assembling the garments together. It comes in different sizes. A thin fabric requires
a thin thread, whereas a thick fabric requires a thick thread.

Tip: Use the same color of thread with the fabric when doing permanent stitches and use a contrasting
color of thread with the fabric when basting to be able to easily remove it.