LESSON 1

THE SEWING TOOLS

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of the Lesson, the students must be able to:

 Identify sewing tools and their uses correctly.

 Wala akong maisip sa psychomotor XD
 Recognize the importance of appropriate use of each sewing tools properly.

What do you already know?

Let us determine how much you already know about the use of sewing tools.
Take this test.

Pretest L1

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

1. It is a flexible measuring device used in taking body measurements.

a. Tape Measure c. Yardstick
b. Rulers d. French Curve

2. It is 3-4 inches long. It is used for trimmings, clipping threads, and snipping slashes.
a. Embroidery Scissor c. Trimming Scissor
b. Buttonhole Scissor d. Seam Ripper

3. This is used to shape the depth of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern.
a. Italian Curve c. Filipino Curve
b. Japanese Curve d. French Curve

4. It is used to make fine lines on fabric. It has an erasing brush at one end.
a. Chalk Pencils c. Friction Pen
b. Tailor’s Chalk d. Pencil

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5. A small hard pitted cup worn for protection on the finger that pushes the needle in
sewing.
a. Needle c. Sewing Gauge
b. Thimble d. Fabric

What do you need to know?

Read the Information Sheet 1.1 and find out how much you have learned by
doing Activity Sheet 1.1.

Information Sheet 1.1.

Sewing Tools

Sewing 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.

Sewing Gauge

A small ruler with a sliding guide and is about six inches long. This
gauge is used for measurements at hem lines, buttonholes and
areas where other small measurements require checking, such as
pleats and tucks. The gauge is usually made of metal or plastic.

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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.

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 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.

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

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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.

Seam Ripper

Seam rippers are specifically designed for ripping out stitches from
seams, either because 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

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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.

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.

Dressmaker’s Carbon Paper

Dressmaker ‘s carbon paper also called dressmaker‘s tracing paper is

a specially waxed carbon paper that transfer‘s the tracing wheel‘s
markings to the fabric. A color of tracing paper should be chosen that is
close to the color of the fabric.

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.

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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.

How Do You Apply What You Have Learned?

Show that you learned something by doing this activity

Activity Sheet 1.1.

Directions: Draw the following tools in your notebook.

1. Measuring Tools
2. Marking Tools
3. Cutting Tools
4. Drafting Tools
5. Pinning Tools

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 How well did you Perform?

Find out what you have learned from the activity by accomplishing the
Scoring Rubric honestly and sincerely.

Points Criteria
10 All tools were properly drawn and labeled correctly.
8 Almost all the tools were properly drawn and labeled correctly
6 Some of the items were properly drawn and labeled correctly

4 Most of the items were improperly drawn and labeled incorrectly

Here ends the lesson about The Sewing Tools. Congratulations! You did a
great job! Rest and relax a while then move on to the next lesson. Good luck!

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 REFERENCES

Module

Department of Education: K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum Technology and

Livelihood Education Learning Module (2020). Dressmaking/ Tailoring (Exploratory
Course Grades 7 and Grade 8) Retrieved November 14, 2020 from
http://www.depedbataan.com/resources/9/k_to_12_dressmaking_and_tailoring_learning
_modules.pdf

Pictures

Measuring Tape Sewing. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://garagedooropenerchain.blogspot.com/2014/09/measuring-tape-sewing.html

15cm Cloth Sewing Measuring Gauging Tools Sewing Gauge Ruler. Retrieved
November 14, 2020 from https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32703861934.html

Ruler, Wood CHOOSE SIZE. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://www.goldstartool.com/ruler-wood-choose-size.htm

Yard Stick Images. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://www.shutterstock.com/search/yard+stick

Good quality garment sewing L square ruler aluminum. Retrieved November 14, 2020
from https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Good-quality-garment-sewing-L-
square_60186443206.html

Build Your Own Sewing Kit with These Essential Tools. Retrieved November 14, 2020
from https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/43980533836962132/
Pinking Shears. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinking_shears

Curved Blade Thread Clipping Trimming Scissors. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32608334996.html

Remos Embroidery Scissors. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from https://remos-

shop.at/remos-embroidery-scissors-silver-matte-with-large-finger-holes

Button Hole Scissors. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://www.knifecenter.com/item/MU252/Mundial-Classic-Forged-4-12-inch-Button-
Hole-Scissors

Seam Ripper. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://fancytigercrafts.com/products/large-bulk-seam-ripper

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45mm Rotary Cutter Easy Change Ergo Control. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from
https://jamaica.desertcart.com/products/150518499-45-mm-rotary-cutter-easy-change-
ergo-control

Prym Chalk Pencil and Brush. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from
https://thesewcialstudio.co.uk/product/prym-chalk-pencils-and-brush/

Sewing Tools Color Garment Tailors Marking Chalk. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Sewing-Tools-Color-Garment-Tailors-
Marking_527296731.html

Tracing Wheel. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://www.makeat140.co.uk/products/tracingwheel

10 Pieces Reusable Paper One Side Fabric Transfer Tracing Papers for Patterns.
Retrieved November 14, 2020 from https://www.aliexpress.com/i/33026249554.html

Tomato Pincushions. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://www.threadsmagazine.com/2012/02/28/why-are-pincushions-frequently-made-
to-resemble-tomatoes

Hand sewing/Embroidery Needles. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://sewguide.com/hand-sewing-embroidery-needles/

Thimble. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from https://trc-leiden.nl/trc-

needles/tools/embroidery/thimble

Upcycled Textiles. Retrieved November 14, 2020 from

https://www.pinterest.ie/pin/291045194648361385/

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