Lesson 1:

USE OF SEWING TOOLS

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Lesson, you are expected to do the following:

  LO 1. identify sewing tools and equipment are identified

Definition of Terms

 Altering - changing portion of a garment so that it fits the body

 Cutting tools - a cutting implement; a tool for cutting.
 Fabric - the cloth used in making garments.
 Measuring tools - an instruments used for obtaining quantities, dimensions or forces of
 real world objects.
 Sewing Machine - a textile machine used to stitch fabric, cards and other material
 with thread.
 Sewing Tools - instruments that aid in accomplishing a sewing task
 
Learning Outcome 1: Identify sewing tools and equipment are identified
 
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.

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 the tracing
wheel`s marking 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.

 
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 MACHINE

 Well-selected sewing machine is essential for achieving good
results. It should be
used correctly in accordance with the job requirements.

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.
 

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.
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.
 Lesson 2:
CARRY OUT MEASUREMENTS AND
CALCULATIONS

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Lesson you are expected to do the following:

 LO 1. Obtain measurements;
 LO 2. Perform simple calculations; and
 LO 3. Estimate appropriate quantities.

Definition of Terms
 Accuracy – the exactness of a measured distance or circumference
 Calculation – the process or an act of calculating
 Calculator – an electronic device used for speed computation
 Conversion – a change of figures like changing from centimeters to inches and vice versa
 Cost – the amount paid or charge for something that is acquired
 English System – the English system has inches for its basic unit
 Grain – the direction of fabric threads
 Hemline – the marked line at the bottom of the garment where the hem is turned
 IMC – Individual Measurement Chart
 Length – the longer or longest dimension of an object to measure
 Measurement – a systematic procedure of determining the quantity or extent of the entire
measurable dimension
 Metric System – a decimal system of physical units based on a unit of length known as the
meter (Greek metron, ―measure‖)
 Pattern – a piece of paper usually one-half of the body parts used as a guide in cutting the
garments
 Width – measurement taken at the shortest dimension of the object to measure 
Learning Outcome 1: Obtain measurements

Read the Information Sheet 1.1 very well then find out how much  you can remember  and how
much  you learned  by  doing Self-check 1.1.
Information Sheet 1.1
Parts of body to be measured can be taken in:
 Horizontal measurement  Vertical measurement  Circumferential measurement
 
1.  The horizontal measurement is taken from the left of the figure to the right.
2.  The vertical measurement is taken from the top of the body figure to its base.
3.  Circumferential measurement

Neck - Loosely measure around the circumference at the base of your neck.

Bust - Lift your arms to the side. Measure around your body crossing over the fullest part of your bust. (The tape
measure must run directly over your nipples and across your shoulder blades on your back).

Bust to Bust - Measure from your one nipple to your other nipple.

Upper Bust - Measure around the torso directly above the bust line. From armhole to armhole +- 8cm down from neck.

Lower Bust - Measure around the torso directly under the bust line.

Waist - Measure around the waist at the narrowest natural waistline point, allowing 2 fingers between your waist and
tape measure.

Hips - Measure around the fullest part of your hips. As a guide, this is often 20cm below your natural waistline. Stand
with your knees together.

Shoulder to Bust - Measure from tip of the shoulder to the centre of bust (nipple).

Front Shoulder to Waist - Measure from tip of shoulder over bust to natural waistline.

Shoulder to Shoulder - Measure across the back of neck from socket of one shoulder to socket of the other shoulder.

Shoulder to Neck - Measure from base of neck along top of shoulder to the shoulder socket.

Down Center Back - Measure from nape of neck to natural waist.

Back Shoulder to Waist - Measure from tip of shoulder to natural waist line.

Across Back - Measure from armhole across back to armhole positioning tape measure + - 8cm down from
nape of neck.

Full Back - Measure from side seam, under armpits to side seam across back, positioning tape measure +- 4cm
down under armpit.

Sleeve Hole - Measure around the shoulder under the armpit.

Bicep - Measure around the fullest part of the upper arm.

Elbow - Do a fairly loose measurement around the bent elbow.

Under Arm - Measure from under the arm. Start at the armpit to the wrist.
Over Arm - Measure from outer shoulder socket on outside of arm, with a bent arm, to the wrist. 

Side Seam - Measure from under armpit to natural waistline down.

Upper Arm – Measure from the outer shoulder socket on outside of arm to crook of elbow.
  
MEN’S APPAREL  (Measurement)

A. Vertical Measurement

Shirt length - taken from the nape down the center back to the desired length.

Sleeve length - taken from the shoulder tip point down to the desired sleeve length.

Length of pants or shorts – measures along the side below the waist band to the desired length of the pants.

Crotch or Rise – measured by placing a ruler under the crotch then measuring below the waistband down to the top of
the level of the ruler.

B. Horizontal Measurements
Shoulder - taken from one shoulder point to the other.

Bust/Breast - taken around the body with the tape measure passing over the fullest part of the shoulder blade at the
back and over to the apex.

Upper arm girth - taken around the fullest part of the arm in line with the armpit.

Lower arm girth or sleeve width - taken around the arm two to three inches below the armpit.

Neck measure – taken around the neckline.

Neck measure – taken around the neckline.

Waist (w) - taken around the smallest part of the waistline. Insert two fingers under the tape measure for ease or
allowance.
Hip or seat (H) - taken around the fullest part of the hip (buttocks) with two fingers inserted under the tape
measure.Desired Bottom or Hem Circumference or leg hole – taken around the fullest part of the bottom.

Desired Bottom or Hem Circumference or leg hole – taken around the fullest part of the bottom.

C. Vertical Measurement

Shirt length - taken from the nape down the center back to the desired length.

Sleeve length - taken from the shoulder tip point down to the desired sleeve length.

Length of pants or shorts– measured along the side below the waist band to the desired length of the pants.

Crotch or Rise – measured by placing a ruler under the crotch then measuring below the waistband down to the top of
the level of the ruler.

D. Horizontal Measurements

Shoulder - taken from one shoulder point to the other.

Bust/Breast - taken around the body with the tape measure passing over the fullest part of the shoulder blade at the
back and over to the apex.

Upper arm girth - taken around the fullest part of the arm in line with the armpit.

Lower arm girth or sleeve width - taken around the arm two to three inches below the armpit.

Neck measure – taken around the neckline.

Waist (w) - taken around the smallest part of the waistline. Insert two fingers under the tape measure for ease or
allowance.

Hip or seat (H) - taken around the fullest part of the hip (buttocks) with two fingers inserted under the tape
measure.Desired Bottom or Hem Circumference or leg hole – taken around the fullest part of the bottom.

Desired Bottom or Hem Circumference or leg hole – taken around the fullest part of the bottom.
 LEARNING OUTCOME 2
Perform simple calculations

METRIC CONVERSION CHART

                Simple calculation is an easy mathematical application used to determine the

accurate measurement of body parts, length and width of materials and cost needed to
create an apparel.

                This is the process in which the four fundamental of operations (MDAS) is

involved.

Length and Width of Materials

               In measuring the length and width of materials needed such as fabrics, we also
need the use of the Metric measurement system.

Metric Conversion Chart for Fabric and Sewing

                                       
1/4 Inch = 0.25 Centimeters

1/2 Inch = 1.27 Centimeters

5/8 Inch = 1.59 Centimeters

3/4 Inch = 1.905 Centimeters

1 Inch = 2.54 Centimeters

1.5 Inches = 3.81 Centimeters

2 Inches = 5.08 Centimeters

2.5 Inches = 6.35 Centimeters

3 Inches = 7.62 Centimeters

3.5 Inches = 8.89 Centimeters

4 Inches = 10.16 Centimeters

4.5 Inches = 11.43 Centimeters

5 Inches = 12.7 Centimeters

5.5 Inches = 13.97 Centimeters

6 Inches = 15.24 Centimeters

6.5 Inches = 16.51 Centimeters

 7 Inches = 17.78 Centimeters

7.5 Inches = 19.05 Centimeters

8 Inches = 20.32 Centimeters

8.5 Inches = 21.59 Centimeters

9 Inches = 22.86 Centimeters

9.5 Inches = 24.13 Centimeters

10 Inches = 25.4 Centimeters

10.5 Inches = 26.67 Centimeters

11 Inches = 27.94 Centimeters

11 Inches = 27.94 Centimeters

12 Inches = 30.48 Centimeters

1 Yard = 0.9144 Meters

2 Yards = 1.8288 Meters

3 Yards = 2.7432 Meters

4 Yards = 3.6576 Meters

5 Yards = 4.572 Meters

 Lesson 3:
CREATE DESIGN FOR A SIMPLE PROJECT

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
 At the end of this Lesson you are expected to do the following:

 LO 1. Sketch simple project design; and

 LO 2. Produce simple project.

Definition of Terms
 Asymmetrical - having no balance or symmetry.
 Balance - a state of equilibrium or parity characterized by cancellation of all forces by
 Cacha - a kind of cotton cloth good for beginner sewer for project making.
 Colorfast – do not fade easily
 Design – a blueprint
 Emphasis - a special attention or effort directed toward something.
 equal opposing forces.
 Harmony - means a relationship of different portion of a design
 Hue – the family group name of a color
 Intensity – means the brightness or dullness of a color
 Primary Colors – the sources of all colors
 Proportion - part considered in relation to the whole.
 Proportion – is the pleasing relationship of all parts of the object with one another.
 Rhythm – these are smooth movement repeated again and again
 Secondary Colors – are produced when mixing two equal amount of primary colors
 sides of a dividing line or plane or about a center or an axis.
 Symmetry - exact correspondence of form and constituent configuration on opposite
Learning Outcome 1: Sketch simple project design
 
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
 Design for a simple project is sketched applying the principles of design and applying the color harmonies

Materials
-Pictures
- Catalogue
- Different kind of designs
 
What Do You Need To Know?
 
Read the Information Sheet 1.1 very well then find out how much you can
remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 1.1.
 
Information Sheet 1.1
 
PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
The principles of designs are concepts used to organize or arrange the structural
elements of design. These the ways in which these principles are applied the affects the
expressive content, or the message of the work.

Principles
 
Balance - According to this principle, from the centered of the
dress,
design should be identified on both sides may be achieved
ways:

a. Symmetrically or the formal balance - can be described

as having equal "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed
like a see saw. This is an easy way of balancing but such
balance lends monotony to the design.

b. Asymmetrically or the informal balance – When

  The structure decoration and accessories are different
both sides from the center of the design. In this design
attraction both sides is created by using different
accessories.
c. Proportion - is the pleasing relationship of all parts of
the object with one another. Proportion refers to the
relative size and scale of the various elements in a design.
The issue is the relationship between objects, or parts, of
a whole.

Emphasis – every pleasing design has one part

that is more interesting than any other. This is the
emphasis or the center of interest. 

Rhythm – these are smooth movement repeated

again and again. Rhythm is an important principle of
art. It is created by repeated use of the design. If
there is rhythm in a design, the eye would move
easily from one part to the other. 
 

Rhythm can be created in three ways in a design:

a. Repetition of lines, colors, or accessories.

Parallel lines are formed by the use of seams,
buttons, embroidery, lace, etc. which helps
uninterrupted eye movement.

b. Radiation. Rhythm can also be created by the

radiated lines. These lines are created by
gathers Eyes can move easily from one part to
the other on the small lines created by gathers.
Such lines can be seen in gathers on neckline,
arm and skirt.
 c. Gradation. Rhythm can be created by gradual
change of lines, shape or shade of the color.
 

 
Harmony - means a relationship of
different portion of a design. Harmony
should be achieved through judicious use
of color, shape, and texture to give a
feeling of oneness.
 

 Information Sheet 1.2

 
COLOR THEORY
The first thing you usually notice about clothes or anything is their color. Before you
start studying which colors look best together, you should learn the meaning of color terms
and the rules that apply to colors.

The Color Wheel

Primary Colors – the sources of all colors, even though there are thousands and thousands of
colors in the world, they are all made up of these colors – red, blue and yellow.
 
Secondary Colors – are produced when mixing two equal amount of primary colors. If you mix equal
amount or yellow and blue you will have green, equal parts of red and blue will have violet, and red
and yellow you will have orange.

Look at the color wheel you will find these colors – orange, green and violet.

Intermediate Colors – are produced by mixing two equal amount of primary and secondary colors.
Example, if you mix equal parts of yellow (primary color) and green (secondary color) you will
have yellow-green. Noticed that yellow-green is found between yellow and green on the color wheel.

The intermediate colors are;

 
Yellow + green = yellow-green      Red + violet = red-violet
Blue + green = blue-green             Red + orange = red-orange
Blue + violet = blue-violet               Blue + orange = blue-orange
 
Pure Colors – are the primary, secondary and intermediate colors because they have no white,
black and gray in them. Pure colors are also called ―normal, true and basic colors”.

Tints – when pure colors are mixed with white, they are made lighter. Example, when white is added
to red you have pink. In other words pink is a tint of red. The more white you add, the lighter the pink
will be. Tints are also called ―pastels”.
 
Shades – when pure colors are mixed with black, they are made darker. Example, when black is
added to red you have maroon, a shade of red. The more black you add, the more darker you have.
 
Grayed colors – most colors we used in clothes are grayed colors rather than bright, pure colors you
see on the color wheel. Grayed colors are also referred to as ―soft colors‖ or ―”dull color”. The
more gray you add, the more duller the color will be.
 
Neutrals – are white, black and gray. They look well with another and with all other colors. The more
grayed colors becomes, the more different colors it will harmonize with.
 
Warm and Cool Colors
 
Cool colors – are green, blue-green, blue, blue-violet, violet. Blue is the coolest color. They are
adjacent to one another in the color wheel.
 
Warm colors – are red, red-orange, orange, yellow-orange, and orange. Red is the warmest color.
They are also adjacent in the color wheel.
 
Qualities of Colors
 
Hue – is the family group name of a color. It is the name of a color. Ones they are combined
differently and given new names.

Value – refers to the lightness or the tint or the darkness of the shade. The scale of the value colors
are from the very lightest tint to the very darkest of the shade.
 
Intensity – means the brightness or dullness of a color. When you refer to a color as ―bright‖ or
―very bright‖ or ―dull” or ―very dull” you are describing its intensity.
Example, green peppers are bright yellow-green, while olives are dull yellow green.
                                                           
Color Schemes
The beauty of any color scheme depends upon how well the colors harmonize. To harmonize, colors
must appear to belong together.

 1. One-color harmony (monochromatic color) – the easiest color scheme to follow is one that
uses the same color in different values and intensity. Example, dark blue suit with very dark blue
accessories and a light blue blouse.

2. Adjacent color harmony – or analogous color harmony. Since they are near each other on the color
wheel, neighbor color harmony. Example, yellow-orange, orange, and yellow green are next to
each other on the color wheel; therefore, a pleasing adjacent color harmony may be made from them.

3. Complementary Color Harmony – these are colors that are opposite in the color wheel. Using
these colors may be very pleasing.
 
a. Complementary colors – directly opposite in the color wheel. Example, red and green, blue and
orange, yellow and violet
b. Split complementary colors – a variation of the complementary color scheme. In addition to the
base color, it uses the two colors adjacent to its complement. 

c. Triad - A triadic color scheme uses colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. Triadic
color harmonies tend to be quite vibrant, even if you use pale or unsaturated versions of your hues. 

LEARNING OUTCOME 2
Produce simple project
 
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

 Project produced in accordance to the specifications of designs

 
Materials
Sewing Tools
- Needle
- Plain cloth (any color)
- Thread (any color)
 
What Do You Need To Know?
Read the Information Sheet 2.1 very well then find out how much you can
remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 2.1.

Information Sheet 2.1

BASIC HAND STITCHES

Sewing the basic hand stitches are very easy if you learn each step thoroughly before you start
practicing the next step. Sewing by hand is a skill that most, if not all, people should probably attempt
to master at some point.
Back Stitch
 
Make one running stitch, then take a back stitch to
the beginning of
the first stitch, thus overlapping each running stitch.
Resembles
machine stitching and is used to strengthen a seam
made by hand.
 
Basting
 
Basting is quite important in successful sewing. This
is used to hold
fabric temporarily in place, until permanently
stitched. There are four
types of basting; hand basting, machine basting, pin
basting and
basting edges with an iron.
 
Running Stitch
 
To make this stitch, push point of needle in and out
of fabric until you
have several stitches on the needle. Hold fabric taut
with left hand,
pull the needle through. Practice until you make fine
even stitches.
 
 
Outline Stitch
 
This stitch is similar to the back stitch but it is
slanted. Make one
slanted backstitch in front of another letting each one
overlap the
one before it just a little bit, until the design is filled.
 

Blanket Stitch
 
Put your needle in 1/4 inch from the edge of the
fabric, put the thread
under the point of the needle and pull through.
 
 
Catch Stitch
 
This is used for a flat finish next to fabric, such as
seam binding on a
hem. Hold open hem edge away from you, work
from left to right,
Take a stitch in the hem, then a tiny stitch to the right
just beyond
edge of hem with the point of needle to the left. This
makes diagonal
lined that cross each other.

Chain Stitch
 
Insert the needle in and out of the fabric (as in the
running stitch).
Bring the thread under the tip of the needle while still
in the fabric,
then pull the needle through.
 
 
 Lesson 4
Perform Basic Maintenance

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson you are expected to do the following: 
LO1. Operate machine and assess its performance;
LO2. Clean and Lubricate machine; and 

Definition of Terms
 
Absorbent – a material property that sucks-up or takes in the manner of sponge.
Adjust – change present setting as in adjusting tensions.
Balance wheel –  the wheel at the right of the arm that sets the mechanism in motion.
Band wheel – the wheel below the upper mechanism that leads the balance wheel through the belt connection
Band wheel crank – moves the band wheel.
Bent – a change of shape or angle caused by pulling or pricking to a harder part such as machine needle
driven out of throat plate slot.
Blunt – refers to an unsharp or dull needlepoint  that is irreplaceable.
Damp cloth – a cloth applied with moisture on water.
Entangle – forming knots like thread entangled in the bobbin case.
Feed dog – the toothed part mounted on the throat plate that helps move the fabric against the    presser foot.
Fault – something is wrong with the machine, system, design etc, which prevents it from working properly.
Gummy – a thick of sticky quality such as oiled accumulated dust on sewing machine part.
Jam – to cause a machine to stuck fast so that it cannot work.
Lift – moving upward as in a presser foot lifter.
Lubricant – a material capable of reducing friction when applied between moving parts.
Lubricate – the act of applying a lubricating agent between moving parts to reduce friction and preventing the
form of rust.
Manipulation – the act of managing or operating manually or mechanically a given tool or     equipment.
Posture -  the  correct working body position for a given task.
Pucker – wrinkling of fabric caused by very tight stitches.
Replace – putting something new in the place of an old or damaged part.
Rewind – winding again or repeat winding.
Stitch length – the length of each individual stitch.
Stitch regulator – the part of a sewing machine that controls the stroke of the feed dog and     regulates the
length of stitches.
Treadle – this is where the feet rest to drive the band wheel through the pitman rod.
Tension – the force that is applied by the machine on your thread.
Trend – a general tendency in the way a situation in changing or developing.
Vital – extremely important   and necessary for something to succeed or exist

LEARNING OUTCOME 1
 Operate Machine and Assess Its Performance

 PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

   Proper handling of machine is observed.

 Correct procedures in machine operation are identified.
 Common machine troubles are resolved.

 
Materials
Set of sewing machines
 
What Do You Need To Know?
 Read the Information Sheet 1.1 very well  then find out  how  much  you can remember  and how much  you
learned  by  doing Self-check 1.1. 
 
Information Sheet 1.1
 
Setting of Sewing Machine and Its Troubles
 
A treadle sewing machine works by foot action and doesn't require any electricity. If taken care of properly, an
antique treadle sewing machine can sew a better stitch than its modern counterpart can. It takes some practice
to keep your treadle machine sewing smoothly, but once you've mastered the foot action, you can enjoy
sewing and getting a little exercise at the same time
SETTING OF SEWING MACHINES                     
 
Perfect machine stitching is easy to achieve if you set the machine properly. This involves threading the upper
and lower parts of the sewing machine. The beginner In dressmaking  must learn how to thread the head of the
sewing machine as one of the first  steps in becoming a competent operator.
 
THREADING THE MACHINE
 
                  Each part of the threading mechanism on the head of a sewing machine has a definite purpose in
guiding the thread from the spool to the needle. The thread must pass through the various guides in a given
order so that the machine  will sew properly the formed stitches.
 
         A. ORDER OF THREADING IN THE UPPER PART  
1. Spool Pin
2. Upper thread guide
 3. Between metal disc of tension
4. Thread take up lever
5. Lower thread guide
6. Needle     
    
STEPS:
 
1. Put  the spool of thread on the spool pin.
2. Bring the thread to the thread guide .
3. Pull the thread between the metal disc of the tension.
4. Bring the thread up  to the thread take up lever  and raise it  as it goes.
5. Pull the thread down to the thread guide.
6. Pull it through the lower thread guide.
7. Thread the needle.
           
                     1.THREADING THE LOWER PART OF LOCKSTITCH SEWING MACHINE/ or TREADLE
SEWING MACHINE         
STEPS:
 
1. Remove the bobbin case by pulling on the bobbin case latch.
 2. Remove the bobbin from the case and wind the thread.
 3. Put the bobbin back to the bobbin case and pull the thread through the little slot at least 4 inches.
4. Be sure that you hear the bobbin case inside the shuttle.
5. Start the mechanism by rolling the balance wheel forward to get the thread of the bobbin through the needle.
6. Pull the upper and lower thread together by 4 inches.
 
As you enjoy using your sewing machine, problems cannot be avoided, but knowing its causes is another
challenging  skill to develop. How can you classify these problems or troubles? 

CLASSIFICATIONS OF SEWING MACHINE TROUBLES

 
              If the sewing machine in your laboratory are kept in good condition and are carefully adjusted and
properly threaded, not too many things can go wrong. But there are certain difficulties that occur during an
operation so often, so you should know these minor and common problems their causes and remedies. There
are two classifications of sewing machine troubles, namely:

        1.Minor sewing machine trouble                               

This refers to problems that arise involving incorrectly attached accessories or supplies, unadjusted tensions,
or that requires a little dusting or oiling.                  

        2. Major sewing machine trouble            

This involves replacing or removing damage spare parts that made the sewing machine not totally functioning.
 
STANDARDS FOR SEWING MACHINE OPERATIONS
                         Observe while using / running sewing
machine and list the things that you have noticed. By
following correct procedures you will make your work
easier, more interesting and challenging. Here are some
pointers that you have to follow in the manipulation of
your sewing machine:
 
1. Start with the right tools and supplies.  Have your
needle, thread, screw driver, pins and scissors ready for
use. With tools at hand, you can start working
continuously on your machine.
 
 

2. Always maintain good working posture. Sit on your

back slightly leaning forward. It can prevent body pains
after working on your machine.
 
 
 

 
3.Thread the sewing machine correctly. You can follow
the guide book if you have. This will  save your time to
get a correct threading. Refer to someone to check if you
have  threaded it properly.
 

4. Be sure that the needle is properly set according to the

directions for specific models. A properly attached needle
will make your work without any trouble.
 5. Set the stitch regulator according to project
specifications and test the stitches for possible
adjustments. 
 
 

 6. Check tension dials and adjust according to  project

requirement of the stitches. A correct   adjustment on the
tension dials will make  perfectly sewn garment. 

 
 
7. Turn power off (for motorized/electric machines ) 
when the sewing machine is not in use. This will save
electricity and avoid possible minor accidents.
 
 

8. Keep sewing tools. Dust the sewing machine then put

a little amount of machine oil in slots. This will make the
sewing machine available for the next user 

Note: The control of the sewing machine lie on your feet not in your hand so learn to start and stop the sewing
machine instantly at a given point using this control. Lower the presser foot while sewing but be sure to insert a
piece of paper or fabric swatches so that the feed dog will not be worn out. 

Getting to stitch
Before you start, make sure the two threads are back between the two toes of the presser foot.
 
CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD STITCHES
1. The length of stitch is proportioned to the texture of the fabric.                                            
2. The stitches are the same in length.                                                                                                 
3. The stitches appear the same on both right and wrong sides of the fabric.                            
4. The stitching follows the intended line smoothly and accurately.                                                         
5. There are no skipped or broken gaps in stitching.                                                                                         
6. When retraced, it appears as one line of stitching.                                                                                         
 7. The stitching has no tangles.
 
HOW TO MAKE ADJUSTMENT ON THE MACHINE                             
            There are two tension adjustments on the sewing machine the upper and the lower. The upper tension
controls the thread from the needle, while the lower tension controls the thread from the bobbin case. These
tensions must be adjusted to suit various fabrics. If the tensions on both threads are properly adjusted, the
threads will lock at the center of the material and form a correct stitch.   
            The size of the stitches varies with the type of work being sewed. Thin materials require a short stitch, a
light thread, a fine needle, and a tight tension. Heavier materials require a longer stitch, a coarser thread, a
larger needle, and less tension.                  
             Sewing machine needles become dull through hard usage and also through ordinary wear; sometimes,
they become bent by improper use. The condition of the needle should be checked when sewing difficulties
occur. A defective needle should be replaced by a new needle of proper size. A dull needle will show a flat
shiny spot at the very tip when rotated between the fingers. The straight of a needle can be tested by rolling
the larger end on a flat surface; bent needles will wobble and straight needles will roll true.

A. HOW TO ADJUST TENSION ON THE NEEDLE THREAD

 
        The stitch tension control determines the amount of tension on the thread as they pass through the
machine.
 
             1. Correcting a Loose Top Stitch                        
                 When the needle thread tension is too tight, the thread will lie straight along the upper surface.  

 Lower the presser foot

 Turn the small thumb nut at the front of the tension discs to the left (counter clockwise) to decrease the
tension.

              2. Correcting a Loose Bottom Stitch     

                 When the needle tension is too loose, the thread will lie along the underside of the material.

 Lower the presser foot

 Check to make sure that the thread is between the tension discs.
 Turn the small thumb nut at the front of the tension disc (clockwise) to increase the tension.
 Check the stitch on pieces of scrap material.
B. HOW TO ADJUST TENSION ON BOBBIN
THREAD
 
1. Checking Bobbin Case

 Remove the bobbin from the bobbin case.

 Clean the inside of the bobbin case.

Remove all particles of lint and dust with a small

point stick.
Note:  If the tension spring is bent away from the
bobbin    case, or if the ends of the spring near the
delivery eye are damaged, they should be replaced.
Consult your teacher if defective parts are
discovered.

 2. Adjusting Tension Spring on Bobbin Case      

                   The tension on the bobbin thread is
controlled by adjusting the tension spring on the
outside of the bobbin case. It is seldom necessary
to change this adjustment once the tension has
been properly set. The operator will usually be able
to correct the stitch by varying the tension on the
needle thread.

A. Correcting a loose bobbin thread     

                    If the tension on the bobbin thread is
too loose, the needle thread will lie straight along
the upper surface of the material.

 Tighten the tension

  Turn the regulating screw in the tension
spring to the right.
  Test the tension. Thread the bobbin case.
Hold the end of the thread and allow the
case to hang freely.
  Check stitch on pieces of scrap material

B. Correcting a Tight Bobbin Thread                         

        If the tension on the bobbin thread will lie

straight along the underside of the material. 

 Loosen the tension. Turn the regulating

Screw in the tension spring slightly to the
left.
  Thread the bobbin case and test the
tension.
  Check stitches on pieces of scrap material.
 HOW TO REGULATE THE LENGTH OF THE STITCH

The length of the stitch is regulated by the stitch regulator on the front side of the head.

 Move the stitch regulator downward to lengthen stitch

  Move the stitch regulator upward to shorten stitch.
  Check the length of stitch on pieces of scrap material.

 
Note:  For normal stitching, set the regulator at 10 to 12 stitches per inch, or at the number 3 for metric scale
machines.   

HOW TO REGULATE THE PRESSURE ON THE MATERIAL

The pressure on the material is regulated by adjusting screw on the top of the machine.

 Turn the adjusting screw to the right to increase the pressure.

 Turn the adjusting screw to the left to decrease the pressure.
 Check the pressure by stitching on pieces of scrap material of the same weight.

Note:   A pressure that is too heavy will cause the machine to run hard and will leave the print of the feed on
fine materials.  
 
LEARNING OUTCOME 2 
Clean and lubricate machine
 
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

 Regular cleaning of machine is observed

 Safety procedures in machine cleaning are followed.
 Regular maintenance schedules are observed and recorded

Materials:
1. Sewing machine
2. Damp cloth
3. Machine oil 

What Do You Need To Know?

Read the Information Sheet 1.1 very well  then find out  how  much  you can remember  and how much 
you learned  by  doing Self-check 1.1.
Information Sheet 2.1
 
Care of Sewing Machine
 
How to Clean and Oil Your Sewing Machine
 
                Cleaning and oiling your sewing machine is basic maintenance that   bits of lint, thread, dust and
even fabric can get stuck in your machine. These make work harder and can even jam your sewing machine.
Clean your machine to fix these help the   machine to last longer and perform more smoothly. If you sew
regularly, problems and use sewing machine oil to help the moving parts function smoothly. You should clean
and oil your machine after finishing any large project as well as any time you suspect it is having a problem.
 
 INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the needed tools and supplies in cleaning the sewing machine.
2. Remove the needle if there is any. This will prevent the cleaner from pricking fingers during the cleaning
process.
 
Face Plate (presser bar, needle bar, thread take up lever, lifter).

 Unscrew face plate and keep it in the drawer while cleaning.

  Brush dust away then put a little amount of oil while rotating the balance wheel to inner parts can be
accessed.
  Put back the Face Plate in place

Cleaning and oiling your sewing machine is basic maintenance that can help the machine to last longer and
perform more smoothly. If you sew regularly, bits of lint, thread, dust and even fabric can get stuck in your
machine. These make work harder and can even jam your sewing machine. Clean your machine to fix these
problems and use sewing machine oil to help the moving parts function smoothly. You should clean and oil
your machine after finishing any large project as well as any time you suspect it is having a problem.
 
UPPER TENSION (DISC SPRING AND DIAL)

 Remove outer bolt, tension dial, discs and disc spring.

  Lay each part in your front table following its disassembling for easier assembling.
  Brush dust and wipe with absorbent cloth with oil.
  Assemble by following the laid parts in your table.

 LOWER MECHANISM (ROTARY OSCILLATING HOOK)

 Remove bobbin case.

  Fasten sides of oscillating hook.
  Remove dust with lint brush.
  Put a little amount of machine oil on moving parts.
  Return spare parts in place.

 
OTHER MINOR PARTS

 Remove entangled threads between head and balance wheel.

  Brush accumulated dust in the treadle joints connecting the band wheel.
  Clean gummy dust on the band wheel. 
  After all parts were dusted, lubricate all joints and oil slots with good quality oil.
  Wipe off all surplus oil then put a piece of absorbent cloth under the presser foot for dripping oil.

Note:   When the machine has thoroughly cleaned and oiled, run it slowly for several minutes to allow the oil to
work on its moving parts. Place a scrap of fabric under the presser foot and lower the needle to absorb excess
oil.
 
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURE IN SEWING MACHINE MAINTENANCE
 
Cleaning and lubricating a sewing machine is quite a messy task. Personal care should be observed during
this activity. The following health and safety precautions should be practiced at the shop or at home.
 
1. Wear personal protective equipment. This prevents your clothing from being tarnished by oil and dirt .Be
sure to wear gloves to avoid accumulation of oil and dirt in your nails and palms.  (Wearing of protective eye
glasses is optional).
2. Remove the upper belt or turn power off before oiling the sewing machine.
3. When a chemical or small spare parts get into your eyes, call the attention of   your teacher at once.
4. Do not remove any safety device from any machine.
5. Be sure that all screws are well-lightened before starting the machine.
6. Make sure that no screws or tools are left on the floor to avoid slipping.
7. Wipe dry spilled oils on the floor to avoid accidents.
8. Assign colored tags for a newly maintained sewing machine
9. Provide a small bin for your garbage when performing this job.
10. Have a separate cabinet or storage for tools and supplies for sewing machine maintenance.
11. Always refer to the sewing machine service manual for accurate application of procedure. 

Note:    A sewing machine is an equipment that needs care and cleaning. Keep it dusted and lubricated at least
once a week or more often if the machine is in constant use.
 Lesson 5
 Practice Occupational Safety And Health

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
At the end of this Lesson you are expected to do the
following:
LO 1. Identify and evaluate hazards and risks;
LO 2. Control hazards and risks;

Definition of Terms
 
Biological - bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals, and humans, etc.
Chemical - depends on the physical, chemical and toxic properties of the chemical.
Environment – The circumstances or conditions that surround one
Ergonomic - repetitive movements, improper set up of workstation, etc.,
Exposure – the condition of being exposed, especially to severe weather or other forces of nature
Health - The overall condition of an organism at a given time.
Industry – a specific branch of manufacture and trade.
Injury - Damage or harm done to or suffered by a person or thing
Harmful – Causing or capable of causing harm
Obligations – The act of binding oneself by a social, legal, or moral tie
Physical - radiation, magnetic fields, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum), noise,etc,
Protective – giving or capable of giving protection
Psychosocial - stress, violence, etc.,
Responsibility – the ability or authority to act or decide on one's own, without supervision
Safety – Freedom from danger or risk of injury
Textile - A cloth, especially one manufactured by weaving or knitting; a fabric.
Workplace - A place, such as an office or factory, where people are employed
 
 Acronyms

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

OSH – Occupational Safety and Healthy
RADHAZ - Radiation Hazard
HERP - Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel
HERO - Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance
HERF - Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel

What is a HAZARD?
                         A hazard is any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on
something or someone under certain conditions at work.
 It can cause harm or adverse effects (to individuals as health effects or to organizations as property
or equipment losses).
A hazard is referred to as being the actual harm or the health effect it
caused rather than the hazard. For example, the disease tuberculosis (TB) might be called a hazard
by some but in general the TB-causing bacteria would be considered the "hazard" or "hazardous
biological agent".
 
 What are examples of a Hazard?
 General examples include any substance, material, process, practice, etc that has the ability to
cause harm or adverse health effect to a person under certain conditions

As shown in Table 1, workplace hazards also include practices or conditions that release
uncontrolled energy like:
 

     an object that could fall from a height (potential or gravitational energy),

 a run-away chemical reaction (chemical energy), the release of compressed gas or steam
(pressure; high temperature),
 entanglement of hair or clothing in rotating equipment (kinetic energy), or

 contact with electrodes of a battery or capacitor (electrical energy).

What is Risk?
is the chance or probability that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if
exposed to a hazard. It may also apply to situations with property or equipment loss
For example: The risk of developing cancer from smoking cigarettes could be expressed as"cigarette
smokers are 12 times (for example) more likely to die of lung cancer than nonsmokers".
Another way of reporting risk is "a certain number ,"Y", of smokers per 100,000
smokers will likely develop lung cancer" (depending on their age and how many years they
have been smoking). These risks are expressed as a probability or likelihood of developing a
disease or getting injured, whereas hazards refer to the possible consequences (e.g., lung
cancer, emphysema and heart disease from cigarette smoking).

Factors that influence the degree of  risk include:

  How much a person is exposed to a hazardous thing or condition,

 How the person is exposed (e.g., breathing in a vapor, skin contact), and
 How severe are the effects under the conditions of exposure.

 What is a risk assessment?  

Risk assessment is the process where you:

 Identify hazards,
 Analyze or evaluate the risk associated with that hazard, and
 Determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control the hazard.

 What is an adverse health effect?

A general definition of adverse health effect is "any change in body function or the
structures of cells that can lead to disease or health problems".
Adverse health effects include:
 

 Bodily injury,
 Disease,
 Change in the way the body functions, grows, or develops,
 Effects on a developing fetus (teratogenic effects, fetotoxic effects),
 Effects on children, grandchildren, etc. (inheritable genetic effects)
 Decrease in life span,
 Change in mental condition resulting from stress, traumatic experiences, exposure to solvents,
and so on, and
 Effects on the ability to accommodate additional stress.

 
Will exposure to hazards in the workplace always cause injury, illness or other
adverse health effects?
            Not necessarily. To answer this question, you need to know:

 What hazards are present,

 How a person is exposed (route of exposure, as well as how often and how much exposure
occurred),
 What kind of effect could result from the specific exposure a person experienced,
 The risk (or likelihood) that exposure to a hazardous thing or condition would cause an injury,
or disease or some incidence causing damage, and
 How severe would the damage, injury or harm (adverse health effect) be from the exposure.

 The effects can be acute, meaning that the injury or harm can occur or be felt as soon as a person
comes in contact with the hazardous agent (e.g., a splash of acid in a person's eyes).Some
responses to may be chronic (delayed). For example, exposure to poison ivy may cause red swelling
on the skin two to six hours after contact with the plant. On the other
hand, longer delays are possible: mesothelioma, a kind of cancer in the lining in the lung
cavity, can develop over 20 years or more after exposure to asbestos.
Once the hazard is removed or eliminated, the effects may be reversible or irreversible. For
example, a hazard may cause an injury that can heal completely (reversible) or result in an
untreatable disease (irreversible).

Types of Hazard
 
1. Chemical
          is any substance that can cause harm, primarily to people. Chemicals of all kinds are stored in
our homes and can result in serious
injuries if not properly handled. Household items such as bleach can result in harmful chlorine gas or
hydrochloric acid if carelessly used. Gasoline fumes from containers for lawnmowers or boats can
result in major health hazards if  inhaled.
 
2. Electrical
          a dangerous condition where a worker could make electrical contact with energized equipment
or a conductor, and from which the person may sustain an injury from shock; and/or, there is potential
for the worker to receive an arc flash burn, thermal burn, or blast injury
 
3. Ergonomic
          Ergonomic hazards impact employers and workers and their families. Poor workplace design,
awkward body mechanics or postures, repetitive movements, and other ergonomic hazards induce or
contribute to a staggering number of cumulative trauma disorders.Cumulative trauma disorders (CTD)
affect hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, the lower back, and the cervical spine area. Structures
involved include tendons, muscles, bones, nerves, andblood vessels.

4. Psychological
          Psychosocial hazard has recently been acknowledged in legislation as a workplace hazard.
This type of hazard relates to mental health
and behavioural disorders.
 
5. Radiation
           Describes the hazards of electromagnetic radiation to fuels, electronic hardware, ordinance,
and personnel. In the military these hazards are segregated as follows:
 
1) Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Personnel (HERP)
2) Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO)
3) Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Fuel (HERF)
 
6. Biological
        A biological hazard, or biohazard, is anything coming from living organisms (i.e. pollen, fungi,
animals, insects, bacteria and viruses) that could be a threat to someone's health. It is represented by
☣, the biohazard symbol, which is used everywhere in the world. When people see this sign they
know to take precautions, and to follow proper conduct for science labs.
 
7. Physical
            Physical hazards are those substances which threaten your physical safety. The most
common types of physical hazards are:
* Fire
* Explosion
* Chemical Reactivity
 
Pre- operational Safety

1.Always check that the sewing machine and its cord are in good working order.
2.Check all adjustments and settings carefully before commencing any sewing operation.
3. The workplace should be clean and free of equipment ,rubbish and other obstacles.

Operating Safety Precautions

 Make sure all other students keep away from the workplace at all times.
 One person only is to operate a sewing machine at any time .
 Do not touch a sewing machine while another person is sewing. 
 Do not wear loose clothing ,especially long sleeves and neck ties.
 Turn the power off when making adjustments to the sewing machine such as changing the
presser foot and needle .
 Never race the sewing machine at high speed . 
 Take care not to machine over pins .
 Make sure the take- up lever is in the upper position before pulling out the fabric and cutting
threads .
 It is important to keep the machine as free of lint as possible .
 Do not push or pull the fabric while sewing .Let the machine do the work –your hands should
guide the fabric without forcing it .

LEARNING OUTCOME 2
Control Hazards And Risks
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures for controlling hazards and risk are strictly
followed.
Materials:
Sample of hazardous materials (ask your teacher)

What Do You Need To Know?

Read the Information Sheet 1.1 very well then find out how much you can
remember and how much you learned by doing Self-check 1.1.

ORGANIZATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AND PROTOCOL

Will exposure to hazards in the workplace always cause injury, illness or other
adverse health effects?
Not necessarily. To answer this question, you need to know:

 what hazards are present,

 how a person is exposed (route of exposure, as well as how often and how much exposure
occurred), what kind of effect could result from the specific exposure a person
experienced,                 
  the risk (or likelihood) that exposure to a hazardous thing or condition would cause an injury,
or disease or some incidence causing damage, and                                                     
  how severe would the damage, injury or harm (adverse health effects) be from the exposure.

The effects can be acute, meaning that the injury or harm can occur or be felt as soon as a person
comes in contact with the hazardous agent (e.g., a splash of acid in a person's eyes). Some
responses to may be chronic (delayed). For example, exposure to
poison ivy may cause red swelling on the skin two to six hours after contact with the plant. On the
other hand, longer delays are possible: mesothelioma, a kind of cancer in the lining of the lung cavity,
can develop over 20 years or more after exposure to asbestos. Once the hazard is removed or
eliminated, the effects may be reversible or irreversible. For example, a hazard may cause an injury
that can heal completely (reversible) or result in an untreatable disease (irreversible).
 
Hazards and risks in the textiles sector
The textiles sector contains many hazards and risks to workers, ranging from exposure to noise and
dangerous substances, to manual handling and working with dangerous machinery. Each processing
stage — from the production of materials to the manufacturing, finishing, colouring and Occupational
safety and health in the textiles sector packaging —poses risks for workers, and some of these are
particularly dangerous for women‘s health.
 
Exposure to chemical agents
Many different groups of chemical substances are used in the textiles sector, including dyes,
solvents, optical brighteners, crease-resistance agents, flame retardants, heavy metals, pesticides,
and antimicrobial agents. They are used in dyeing, printing, finishing, bleaching, washing, dry
cleaning, weaving slashing/sizing, and spinning. Respiratory and skin sensitizers can be found in the
textiles industry, for example textiles fibres, reactive dyes, synthetic fibres, and formal dehyde. The
textile industry has been evaluated as a sector with an increased carcinogenic risk. Several studies
have showed an increased risk of nasal, laryngeal and bladder cancer in women.

Exposure to dusts and fibres

The exposure of workers to dusts from material such as silk, cotton, wool, flax, hemp, sisal, and jute
can occur during weaving, spinning, cutting, ginning, and packaging. Division of tasks along gender
lines may mean that women are exposed to organic dusts more than
men, with respiratory diseases being diagnosed more often in women than men. Exposure to fibres
and yarns may cause nasal or bladder cancer .
 
Exposure to biological agents
In some activities, such as carding and willowing, workers may be exposed to biological agents such
as anthrax, clostridium tetanus (the causative agent for tetanus), and coxiella burnetti (which causes
Q fever). Exposure to biological agents can result in allergies and respiratory disorders.
 
Exposure to physical agents
Workers may be exposed to noise and vibrations, for example during weaving, spinning, sewing,
twisting, and cutting. Exposure to loud noise can result in permanent hearing damage such as noise-
induced hearing loss and tinnitus. Exposure to vibration, particularly together with risk factors for
MSDs, can lead to long-term harm. Electromagnetic fields may also be found in some workplaces in
the textiles sector. Accidents in the textiles sector. The textiles sector has many hazards that can
cause injury to workers, from transport in the workplace (lift truck), dangerous large work equipment
and plant, to the risk of slips from a wet working environment. Workers being struck by objects, such
as moving machinery parts and vehicles are a significant cause of injury in the sector. There also
exists the risks of fire and explosions, for example from heating plants used for vapour
generation.Psychosocial issues in the textiles sector. Work-related stress has been defined as being
experienced when the demands of the work environment exceed the workers‘ ability to cope with or
control them. Work-related stress may be an issue in some areas of the textiles
sector, being associated for example with repetitive and fast paced work, and where the worker has
no influence on how the job is done.
 
Hazard Management
One of the most important duties required by OHS law of all workers, including volunteers, is to keep
the workplace as safe as possible. A good way to do this is to use the 4 = SAFE‘ steps:

Spot the hazard

Assess the hazard
Fix the hazard
Evaluate the result
 Read the Information Sheet 2.2 very well then find out how much you can remember and how
much you learned by doing Self-check 2.2
Information Sheet 2.2

CONTINGENCY MEASURES AND PROCEDURES

Safety in the Sewing Room
 
Note: This is an excellent article on sewing room and craft room safety with some wonderful ideas for
safe storage along with guidelines on how to use common tools and items found in your sewing and
craft room.
 
When my mother first started teaching me to sew, she told me about one of her earliest sewing
mishaps. She was about five years old, and was playing with her mother's treadle machine (even
though she knew she wasn't allowed to). Sure enough, she turned the flywheel while her finger was
under the needle. But she knew if she cried out, she would be punished for playing with the machine,
so she had to back the needle out and bandage the wound herself. Her mother never found out about
the accident, and my mother never had another machine mishap again.
 
Mom's story made a big impression on me; I have always been a cautious sewer. So far (knock
wood!) I have avoided any serious sewing injury, but thousands of other sewing enthusiasts every
year are not as fortunate.
 
Sewing involves lots of opportunities for injury. Some of these are obvious, but some are less so.
Sewers can injure their bodies in almost imperceptible ways.
 
The most obvious injuries are those caused by sharp implements, such as needles and cutting tools.
In addition to puncture wounds, sewers are at risk for slicing wounds (from scissors and rotary
cutters) and burns (from irons). Taking basic precautions will reduce the risk of injury in the sewing
room.

How to Avoid Injury Using a Sewing Machine

 
Sewing machines make quick work out of piles of mending, but many people take for granted that a
sewing machine is a potentially harmful instrument! Each year people accidentally harm themselves
at home or at work while sewing on a machine. Here are a few guidelines to minimize your chance of
injury.
 
1. Examine the sewing machine to make sure that it is fully assembled and well maintained.
Depending on your model of sewing machine or serger, the manufacturer has guards on various
parts of the machine. Make sure that these guards are fully in place before using the machine.
 
2. Evaluate the ergonomics of your workspace. Is your chair ergonomically correct in terms of height,
tilt, back support, etc.? Do you need a footrest? Does your chair or stool adjust? proper furniture can
go a long way in combating repetitive stress disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
 
3. Clear your surroundings of clutter and debris. Besides the psychological stress of a cluttered
workspace, sewing machines can overheat. Extra flammable materials in your work area increase the
danger. Also, extra threads, scraps, etc., can become lodged in moving parts, causing jams or
unpredictable operation.
 
4. Turn on a light. Eyestrain is a common injury for anyone performing the fine detail work of sewing.
Good lighting also helps reduce the chance of unwanted material being drawn into the machine.
 
5. Follow the instructions! Take some time to familiarize yourself with the sewing machine, as well as
the manufacturer's recommended best practices.
 
6. Wear protective eyewear. You could accidentally sew over a pin or break a needle. Why take the
chance of an eye injury?
 
7. Learn how to sew correctly. Improper habits such as sewing over the same area repeatedly can
lead to needle breakage or trip other hazards.
 
8. Avoid using fingers to feed fabric into the machine. Develop healthy habits of keeping fingers away
from the feeder, as well as using chopsticks to hold fabric up close.

Employer OHS obligations

 
Employers and management have responsibilities to:
• provide a safe environment to work in, for example, safe equipment ,
Materials and safe ways to work
 • provide information, instruction, training and supervision to employees as needed to ensure they
can work as safely as possible
 • identify unsafe situations before problems arise, and take corrective action to make them as safe as
possible
 • take action to investigate any accidents, and to prevent them from happening again
 • ensure that the work done does not cause harm to any person

Your OHS obligations

 Employees have duties that support the employer, and provide responsibility for
things they have control over.
Employees have responsibility to:
 
• obey all reasonable safety instructions
 • take reasonable care of their own health and safety, and for the safety of
others in the workplace
 • report any dangerous situation
 • work with the employer to improve safety at the workplace.

Safety Groups
 Most workplaces have people or groups of people with specific roles relating to
Workplace Health and Safety. For example there may be:
 
• Health and safety representatives
• Supervisors
• Safety Officers
• Health and Safety Committees

1. Health and safety representatives

Health and safety representatives are the important links between employees and employers. Health
and safety representatives are people elected by co-workers to act on their behalf, telling employers
about safety and health concerns and cooperating with employers to implement and maintain
workplace health and safety.
 
2. Supervisors
Supervisors need to make sure that the people they are looking after are given the safety instructions
they need, and are able to perform their jobs safely. Portfolio record - OHS organizations If you are
planning to apply for RCC you need the information gained from the learning activities you undertake.
Wherever you see this icon there will be an action needed in the Work Record Portfolio. Complete
OHS organizations in the Work Record Portfolio.
                                                  
3. Safety Officers
Safety officers are trained people who are hired by the employer to help with the management of
health and safety at the workplace. Some of the tasks Safety Officers may do are:
• organize OHS trainings
• investigate accidents
• provide first aid
• do risk assessments at the workplace.
 
4. Health and Safety Committees
Health and safety committees bring together workers, managers and representatives of other
important groups to help improve safety at the
workplace. Health and Safety Committees can assist with health and safety planning, and in the
development of safety plans, procedures and
documentation. They can also serve as a good place for discussion, and can recommend solutions to
more complex OHS problems. Safety committees can be formed at the request of the employees at
the workplace, or an employer can organize to help form one.
 
What are the legal requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE)?
PPE should be provided to workers wherever there are health (or safety) risks that cannot be
adequately controlled in other ways. PPE can reduce or prevent a worker's exposure to a health
hazard in the workplace and can include respirators, hearing protectors, protective clothing,
footwear ,face and eye shields. PPE is also required in specific situations and dealt with in regulations
made under OHSA.

How can the risks posed by health hazards be controlled?

The best methods of controlling exposure to a particular hazard will depend on
what it is. In general, methods of control can be placed in four categories:
Engineering controls are methods of designing or modifying plants, processes and
equipment so as to minimize workers' exposure to the hazard. They are preferred
because they work independently of workers.
 
  Work and hygiene practices are on-the-job activities that reduce the potential for exposure.
  Administrative controls are things like job rotation schedules, work-rest cycles and timing of
maintenance procedures, which can be used to limit the amount of time an individual is
exposed to a hazard.
  Personal protective equipment includes items like respirators, hearing protectors, safety
clothing and protective clothing. It can reduce a worker's exposure but must be used properly
to be effective.

 
Employers
Employers have the duty to provide appropriate protective wear. There are some exceptions, for
instance some soft-toe protective footwear and prescription safety glasses, which the employee may
be expected to provide. The employer must ensure that the PPE is clean and fit for purpose. She
must ensure that is replaced if it is worn or damaged. If the employee needs to be trained to use it,
she must ensure that he is given this training.

Employee
The employee has a duty to wear PPE correctly when she is required to do so. She
should report any damage to it, though she should not have to pay for this. She should also
attend any training provided on how to correctly wear or use PPE.

CONTINGENCY PLAN
 
A contingency plan is a plan devised for an exceptional risk that, though unlikely,
would have catastrophic consequences. Contingency plans are often devised
by governments or businesses. For example, suppose many employees of a company
are traveling together on an aircraft which crashes, killing all aboard. The company could
be severely strained or even ruined by such a loss. Accordingly, many companies have
procedures to follow in the event of such a disaster. The plan may also include standing
policies to mitigate a disaster's potential impact, such as requiring employees to travel
separately or limiting the number of employees on any one aircraft.