MEASURING TOOLS

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 scissors
a. Trimming scissor
It is 3-4 inches long. It is used for
trimmings, clipping threads and
snipping slashes
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.
c. Buttonhole scissor
This is intended for making buttonholes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 a solid line.
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.
 PINNING AND SEWING TOOL
Pincushion
A pincushion holds the straight pins
and needles while working to prevent
accidents.
Hand Needle
Used in making temporary stitches
and buttonholes. Sizes of 7 to 10 are
for general hand sewing.
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.
Thimble
A small hard pitted cup worn for
protection on the finger that pushes
the needle in sewing.
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.
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.
 Types of Sewing Machines
1. Lockstitch Sewing Machine. This is
usually used in homes and
sometimes in school. This is also
called ―Domestic Sewing
Machine‖. It is run by foot and may
also be converted to electric power
machine.
2. Hi-Speed Lockstitch Sewing
Machine. This is sometimes called
„straight stitching machine‖ or
industrial sewing machine. It has
automatic lubrication and is used by
tailors and dressmakers.
3. Over Edging Machine. Other
companies call it ―small machine‖.
It finishes the raw edges of the
pattern for construction.
4. Embroidery Machine. This is
used in making fancy stitches and
in making different kinds of
embroidery stitches on fabrics for
the Barong Tagalog, pillow cases,
linen, and other novelty items.
5. Button Holer Machine. This is used in
making buttonholes on garments.
6. Button Attachment Machine. This is
used in attaching buttons to the
garments.
7. Double Needle Machine. This is
used in the construction of the
different kinds of clothing especially
for the inseam, outseam and side
seam.
8. Bartacking Machine. This is used in
reinforcing the opening and closing
of pockets
Two Major Parts of the Lockstitch
Sewing Machine The two major
parts of the lock stitch sewing
machine are the upper and lower
parts.
The Upper Parts is composed of:
1. Head- is the complete sewing machine
without a cabinet or stand.
2. Arm -is the curve part of the head
containing mechanism for operating the
needle.
3. Bed- is the flat portion of the machine and
beneath is the feed dog where it is mounted,
and the shuttle and lower thread are placed.
Parts of the Sewing Machine in the Arm
1. Spool Pin is the thread holder.
2. Thread Guide keeps the thread in
position.
3. Thread Take up Lever releases the
thread and interlocks with the bobbin
thread.
4. Presser bar lifter moves the presser
foot.
5. Tension controls the looseness and
tightness of stitches.
6. Needle Bar holds the needle in
place.
7. Needle Clamp holds and tightens
the needle.
8. Presser Foot holds the fabric in
place while sewing.
9. Needle is a slender tool attached in
the needle clamp used for sewing.
10. Bobbin Winder controls the
bobbin while winding thread.
11. Stitch regulator checks the length
of the stitches.
12. Balance Wheel sets the
mechanism in motion.
13. Belt connects the balance wheel
to the drive wheel.
14. Stop Motion Screw hinders
moving when loosened and starts
Parts of Sewing Machine under the Bed
1. Feed Dog moves the fabric while
sewing.
2. Throat plate is the windows of the
feed dog and it is where the bobbin
threads come out.
3. Slide plate is a movable plate that
covers the shuttle and bobbin case.
4. Shuttle holds the bobbin case
while sewing.
5. Bobbin is a metal spool for winding
thread.
6. Bobbin Case holds the bobbin.
The Lower Parts of the Lock Stitch Sewing
Machine
The lower parts of the sewing machine
are the cabinet and the stand. The cabinet
has drawers and screw on the hinges for
the attachment of the head. The
following are the lower parts of the
sewing machine and their uses:
1. Band Wheel leads the balance wheel
through the belt connection.
2. Band Wheel Crank moves the band
wheel.
3. Pitman Rod holds the treadle to band
wheel crank.
4. Belt Guide holds the belt to its place.
5. Belt Shifter removes the belt from the
wheel.
6. Dress Guard protects the dress from
the wheel.
7. Treadle is where the feet are stationed
to drive the band wheel through the
pitman rod.
8. Legs support the cabinet of the
machine.
9. Cabinet holds the head of the machine
by interlocking screw on the hinges.
QUIZ NO. 1
1. This is used in reinforcing the
opening and closing of pockets
a. Bartacking machine
b. Embroidery machine
c. Hi-speed locked machine
d. Sewing machine
2. A small hard pitted cup worn for
protection on the finger that pushes
the needle in sewing.
a. thimble
b. sewing gauge
c. seam ripper
d. fabric
3. This is also called ―Domestic
Sewing Machine‖.
a. Lockstitch sewing machine
b. Double needle sewing machine
c. Hi-speed sewing machine
d. Button holer machine
4. This is used to shape the depth of
the neckhole and arrmhole of the
pattern.
a. French curve
b. ruler
c. tape measure
d. trimming scissor
5. It measures 12 -18 inches and can
be used for drawing straight lines and
cutting lines
a. yardstick
b. button hole scissor
c. ruler
d. French curve
6. A machine that is run by foot which
may also be converted to electric
power machine is known as
__________.
a. hemmer machine
b. high speed over edger
c. lockstitch machine
d. over edging machine
7. The mechanism that sets the
sewing machine in motion.
a. balance wheel
b. belt
c. feed dog
d. stitch regulator
8. The part of the sewing machine
that controls the looseness and
tightness of Stitches.
a. bobbin
b. thread guide
c. presser foot
d. upper tension
Directions: Identify the parts of
the lockstitch sewing machine.
Write your answer in your quiz
notebook.
ACTIVITY NO. 1
Directions: Draw the following tools in a long
bondpaper.

1. Measuring Tools
2. Marking Tools
3. Cutting Tools
4. Drafting Tools
5. Pinning Tools
After learning the tools and equipment in
sewing, produce a sewing kit with the
following:
Create a Sewing Kit
A. Measuring tools - French curve, Ruler, Tape
measure
B. Cutting Tools -Shears , Pinking shears , Scissors ,
Ripping or thread clip scissors, Trimming Scissors ,
Ripper
C. Marking Tools -Tailor Chalk, Pencil with eraser,
Tracing wheel, Tracing Paper, Thread, Pins
D. Drafting Tools - Pattern paper, Measuring and
shaping tools
E. Pinning and Sewing Tools - Pins , Hand Needle ,
Thimble , Pin Cushion