Lesson Use of Sewing Tools and

1 Equipment

What I Need to Know

Hey there, did you know that dressmaking and tailoring is much easier nowadays
because of the sewing tools and equipment that we have today? It’s true! In this module, you are
going to learn the different tools, materials, and equipment that are used in dressmaking and
tailoring. You will also classify the tools according to their functions.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

 Identify basic sewing tools and equipment.
 Classify basic sewing tools according to their usage.
 Locate and identify the parts of sewing machine and its purpose

What I Know

Activity 1.1

Direction: Read each item carefully and choose the letter of the best answer from the
choices below.

1. The part of the sewing machine that controls the looseness and tightness of
stitches.
a. bobbin b. thread guide
c. presser foot d. tension
2. A flexible tape with different type of measurements essential for taking body
measurements.
a. ruler b. tape measure
c. yard stick d. hem gauge
3. This is used to shape the depth of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern.
a. french curve b. ruler
c. tape measure d. trimming scissor
4. 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
5. A small ruler with a sliding guide and is about six inches long.
a. ruler b. tape measure
c. yard stick d. sewing gauge
6. This is specifically designed for ripping out stitches from seams.
a. thimble b. sewing gauge
c. seam ripper d. fabric
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 7. It is used for marking hemlines and checking grainlines when laying out the pattern.
a. French curve b. meter stick
c. thread d. ruler

8. This tool is available in a range of colors and is removed by brushing.

a. liquid marking pen b. chalk pencil
c. tailor’s chalk d. tracing wheel
9. This part of sewing machine keeps the thread in position.
a. balance wheel b. tension screw
c. thread guide d. tension
10. This is the thread holder of the sewing machine.
a. bobbin b. spool pin
c. presser foot d. needle

Activity 1.2

Direction: Rearrange the jumbled letter to get the correct answer.

1. This is used to shape the depth of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern.

RNEHFC UVCER

2. It is a handy little spring loaded cutting tool that allows for the
snipping of threads.

HTAEDR LPIPERC

3. It has 4-5 inches finely tapered blades.

MBEORDIYRE SISOSSCR

4. Used in making temporary stitches

ANHD ENEDEL

5. Holds the straight pins and needles while working to prevent accidents.

INPCHNSUOI

What’s In

I’m sure you’re familiar with some of the tools in dressmaking. Can you identify at
least 2 tools, material or equipment used in dressmaking that you have seen before?

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 What’s New

How are you coping with our lesson? I hope you are curious about the activities we will
discuss in this module.
Direction: Read and study the situation carefully. Then answer the question based on the
situation given.

Ms. Merlie Lim is trying to fix her husband’s torn shirt. In order to do
that she needs to use dressmaking tools.

Help her to identify the tools that she needs to accomplish her task.

What do you think are the tools, materials, or equipment does Ms. Lim need? Give at
least three (3) tools, materials, or equipment.

1.

2.

3.

What Is It
Information sheet 1.1

Sewing Tools and Equipment

Sewing equipment 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.
This lesson will provide knowledge and skills of the different tools and equipment
which are necessary in sewing. A complete set of sewing tools and equipment are presented to
help the students work faster.

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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.

Meter Stick
It is made of smooth, shellacked hardwood or metal. It is used for marking hemlines and
checking grainlines when laying out the pattern.

DRAFTING 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.
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 neck hole and armhole of the pattern.

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.

Embroidery scissors
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.

Buttonhole scissors
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.

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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.

MARKING TOOLS

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.

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.

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.

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MATERIALS

Fabric
The Fabric is the cloth used in making garments. The plain cotton fabrics, flour sack
or catch 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.

What Is It
Information sheet 1.2

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

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 https://www.google.com/search?q=sewing+machine+parts&safe=active&sxsrf=ALeKk03zfFvvK
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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.
4. 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.

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 What’s More

Direction: Listed below are the tools in dressmaking. Identify the following tools according to
its classification. Fill out the blanks provided.

Example: cutting tool 1. Thread Clippers

________________________1. Tailor’s chalk

________________________2. L-square
________________________3. Seam ripper
________________________4. Tape measure
________________________5. Hand needle

What I Have Learned

Direction: Now that you’ve learned a lot from the very start of our module, let’s summarize
our lesson from the very start by filling the blanks with appropriate answer.

1. __________________ moves the fabric while sewing.

2. __________________ is a movable plate that covers the shuttle and bobbin case.
3. The ___________________ is the cloth used in making garments.
4. Embroidery scissors has ___________________ inches finely tapered blades.
5. Thimble is a small hard pitted cup worn for ___________________ on the finger.

What I Can Do

Now, it’s about time for us to use our knowledge in real life situations. Let’s answer
the following questions below.
1. Have you experienced repairing any torn shirts or shorts at home? If yes, what tools and
materials did you use all throughout the process?
2. Patrick noticed that there’s no thread coming out underneath the sewing machine but
there was still thread in the spool pin. What should he do?

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 Assessment

Activity 1.1
Direction: Read each item carefully and choose the letter of the best answer from the
choices below.

1. This is specifically designed for ripping out stitches from seams.

a. thimble b. sewing gauge
c. seam ripper d. fabric

2. This is used to shape the depth of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern.
a. meter stick b. L-square
c. sewing gauge d. French curve

3. It produces dots on the fabric and is suitable for most types of fabrics.
a. serrated edge tracing wheel b. buttonhole scissors
c. smooth edge tracing wheel d. thread

4. This is the thread holder of the sewing machine.

a. bobbin b. spool pin
c. presser foot d. needle

5. The part of the sewing machine controls the looseness and tightness of stitches.
a. bobbin b. thread guide
c. presser foot d. tension

Activity 1.2
Direction: Classify the tools according to its function. Write your answer on the space provided.

Buttonhole scissors Sewing Gauge Tracing Wheel

Pincushion Tailor’s Chalk L-square

MEASURING TOOLS DRAFTING TOOLS CUTTING TOOLS

MARKING TOOLS PINNING AND SEWING TOOL

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 Activity 1.3
Directions: Identify the parts of the sewing machine.

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1. _____________________________ 9. _____________________________
2. _____________________________ 10. _____________________________
3. _____________________________ 11. _____________________________
4. _____________________________ 12. _____________________________
5. _____________________________ 13. _____________________________
6. _____________________________ 14.______________________________
7. _____________________________ 15. _____________________________
8. _____________________________

Additional Activities

Congratulations! You’ve come this far. I know you’ve learned a lot about the lesson.
Now for your additional activities, just answer the following questions written in the box.

1. Of all the basic tools and materials we have discussed what are the tools
and/or materials do we commonly use in a day to day basis?

2. What part of lesson did you find interesting or useful in your everyday
lives?

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