Sewing Tools,

Aids, and
Supplies
Knowing the proper use of the different
sewing tools, supplies, and accessories will
help you produce creative and marketable
products. Sewing tools, supplies, and
accessories are classified according to
their use. There are measuring, cutting,
pinning, marking, pressing, and stitching
and turning tools.
Measuring Tools
A. A tape measure is used for taking body
measurements. It is flexible with metal
ends.

tailor's square

ruler hip curve

B. A yardstick or meterstick is a rigid tool used
to take and mark long straight measurements or
to check grain lines. It is made of wood, plastic,
or metal.

C. A transparent ruler is a ruler that

the sewer can see through. The tool
fits the hand comfortably. The
blades are 15.2 cm to 30.5 cm long.
 D. A seam gauge is a six-inch
metal marking ruler with a sliding
marking used to measure hems,
buttonholes, and pleats.

E. A hem marker is a human-

made measuring tool used to
measure hem lines.
F. A tailor’s square or
L-square use to draw
perpendicular lines,
square corners and
divided measurements.
G. A hip curve is used in
shaping hips skirt hemline and
hip shape seam lines.

H. A French curve is used to shape

necklines, collars, arm holes, and other
curved modified designs.
* A tracing wheel is used
with tailors carbon to
transfer pattern markings to
fabric.
* A tailor's carbon paper is
used with a tracing wheel to
create a temporary marking
on fabric.
* A tailor's chalk is an
oil-free chalk for transferring
markings.

* A darning thread and needle

is used to make tailor's tasks.
2. Pressing Tools
a. A flat iron is an electrically
heated appliance for flattening,
creasing, and shaping fabric.

b. A pressing cloth is used to

cover fabric while pressing. It
distributes heat, prevents
scorching and when wet,
creates steam.
C. An ironing board is a
padded flat surface for
ironing and pressing.

d. The padding resists the

heat of the iron useful for
marking pleats, bias-strips,
and so forth.
 3. Pinning Tools
a. Dressmaker pins have sharp
points and will not leave marks
on the fabric.

b. Pincushions are
used to keep needles
and pins handy while
working.
 4. Cutting Tools
a. Sewing scissors are pointed for
trimming and clipping work. The two
handles are the same in size; the
blades are 5 to 6 inches long.

b. Seam ripper are tools

designed to slide between sewn
stitches and gently cut the thread
without tearing at the
surrounding fabric.
 5. Stitching and Turning Tools and Aids
a. A needle is a pointed metal with an eye to carry
thread and sew two fabrics together.
* A machine needle is attached to the machine;
its eye is located near the point.

* A hand needle is a slender metal with

an eye at the end point used to join
fabrics together using your hands.
b. A needle threader
makes threading of
needle easier.

c. A thimble is used to push a

needle through the material. Use
the thimble on the middle finger
to hold the needle and to protect
the hand.
d. Pincushion/emery bag is a small cushion to keep pins
and needles.