TOOLS AND EQUIPMENTS USED IN CLOTHING CONSTRUCTION
Categories of tools and equipment
Sewing tools
Cutting tools
1. Scissors
Scissors should be hard, steel, not plated because some plating is liable to chip. They should be of size
suitable for the work in hard. They are found in varying sizes and type’s i.e.
Cutting out scissors
These are larger in size and it is advisable to have two pairs, 8 to 9 inches in length, one for heavier
fabrics where greater pressure is needed and one for lighter fabrics e.g. chiffons, georgettes, lawn, nylon
and velvets for which the keenest blades are essential for accurate and clean cutting.
Bent-handle dress makers shears
These have one blade rounded and the other pointed. They are best for patterns cutting; the angle of the
lower blade lets fabric to lie flat. They are made in 6” to 12” length, 7” and 8” are used most often. The
left hand model is also available and also special shears for synthetics and knits.
Pinking shears
They are zigzag and excellent for finishing seams and decorative edges. They should be used to cut out
patterns. They come in 5½ to 10½ length but 7½ is the best choice.
Scalloping shears
Instead of zigzag they have a scalloped cutting edge and are used for neatening edges and decorative
purposes.
1
, Embroidery scissors
They are used for general needle work for ripping, clipping and cutting out button holes.
Lingerie shears
They cut shear fabrics and they cut close to the stitching line. The handle has a finger guide in control
when cutting.
Butterfly operated scissors
It’s suitable for disable people or those who sew frequently. They have short blades and ideal for only
smooth fabrics.
2
, 2. Cutting mat
Should be wide enough to hold the garment (fabric being cut).
Care
i. Avoid dropping items as they can break or the pointed end becomes dented
ii. Buy the right scissors for sewing
iii. Some scissors are made of wrought iron and when exposed to moisture they rust, so they should be
kept in oil
iv. Seam ripper should always be covered with its lid to avoid accidental ripping of the fabric.
Measuring tools
1. Tape measures
It’s essential for taking body measurements. When buying, it should be firm, non-fraying and
with two metals ends to secure the edges. It should be made with flexible synthetic materials.
It doesn’t tear easily.
The measurement should be clearly marked on both sides. A very soft tape measure stretches
and give false measurements
3
, 2. Ruler
They should be at least 12” to 18” long and made of transparent material. It usually helps when using a
tracing wheel and when checking the grain line or making buttons, tucks, pleats e.t.c.
3. Hem maker
Its an easy to use accurate tool for marking hems. It comes in two versions i.e. the pin marker type and
the chalk modes. The most appropriate marker is the one that’s adjustable to all fashion lengths
4. Sewing gauges
This keeps constant marking after adjusting to desire measurement. Its ideal for pleats, tucks, button
spacing and hems
4
Categories of tools and equipment
Sewing tools
Cutting tools
1. Scissors
Scissors should be hard, steel, not plated because some plating is liable to chip. They should be of size
suitable for the work in hard. They are found in varying sizes and type’s i.e.
Cutting out scissors
These are larger in size and it is advisable to have two pairs, 8 to 9 inches in length, one for heavier
fabrics where greater pressure is needed and one for lighter fabrics e.g. chiffons, georgettes, lawn, nylon
and velvets for which the keenest blades are essential for accurate and clean cutting.
Bent-handle dress makers shears
These have one blade rounded and the other pointed. They are best for patterns cutting; the angle of the
lower blade lets fabric to lie flat. They are made in 6” to 12” length, 7” and 8” are used most often. The
left hand model is also available and also special shears for synthetics and knits.
Pinking shears
They are zigzag and excellent for finishing seams and decorative edges. They should be used to cut out
patterns. They come in 5½ to 10½ length but 7½ is the best choice.
Scalloping shears
Instead of zigzag they have a scalloped cutting edge and are used for neatening edges and decorative
purposes.
1
, Embroidery scissors
They are used for general needle work for ripping, clipping and cutting out button holes.
Lingerie shears
They cut shear fabrics and they cut close to the stitching line. The handle has a finger guide in control
when cutting.
Butterfly operated scissors
It’s suitable for disable people or those who sew frequently. They have short blades and ideal for only
smooth fabrics.
2
, 2. Cutting mat
Should be wide enough to hold the garment (fabric being cut).
Care
i. Avoid dropping items as they can break or the pointed end becomes dented
ii. Buy the right scissors for sewing
iii. Some scissors are made of wrought iron and when exposed to moisture they rust, so they should be
kept in oil
iv. Seam ripper should always be covered with its lid to avoid accidental ripping of the fabric.
Measuring tools
1. Tape measures
It’s essential for taking body measurements. When buying, it should be firm, non-fraying and
with two metals ends to secure the edges. It should be made with flexible synthetic materials.
It doesn’t tear easily.
The measurement should be clearly marked on both sides. A very soft tape measure stretches
and give false measurements
3
, 2. Ruler
They should be at least 12” to 18” long and made of transparent material. It usually helps when using a
tracing wheel and when checking the grain line or making buttons, tucks, pleats e.t.c.
3. Hem maker
Its an easy to use accurate tool for marking hems. It comes in two versions i.e. the pin marker type and
the chalk modes. The most appropriate marker is the one that’s adjustable to all fashion lengths
4. Sewing gauges
This keeps constant marking after adjusting to desire measurement. Its ideal for pleats, tucks, button
spacing and hems
4
