Basic Sewing Tools and Equipment – JSS1 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note (First Term)

Sewing tools are the instruments used to measure, mark, cut and join fabric when making or mending a garment.

Behavioural objectives

1. State the four groups of basic sewing tools.
2. Name at least two tools in each group and state what each one does.
3. Explain the difference between a tool and equipment in sewing.
4. Describe how to care for sewing tools so that they last.
5. State the safety rules to follow when using sewing tools.

Why do we need sewing tools?

We need sewing tools because the right tool makes a job faster, neater and safer.

• Making a garment: tools help turn a piece of cloth into a dress, shirt or skirt.
• Mending: tools help us fix a torn pocket or a loose hem.
• Everyday comparison: a farmer needs a hoe and a cutlass, and a fashion designer needs sewing tools.

What are the groups of basic sewing tools?

There are four groups of basic sewing tools: measuring, marking, cutting and sewing tools.

• Measuring tools: find the size of the body or the fabric.
• Marking tools: put guide lines and marks on the fabric.
• Cutting tools: cut the fabric into shape.
• Sewing tools: hold, join and correct the fabric pieces.

What are the measuring and marking tools?

Measuring and marking tools help us take sizes and draw guide lines before we cut the fabric.

• Rule to remember: “Measure twice, cut once!” A wrong cut cannot be undone.

Measuring tools

• Tape measure: a flexible, long ruler used to take body measurements such as the waist or shoulder.
• Ruler: a long straight tool, usually wood or plastic, used to draw straight lines on fabric.

Marking tools

• Tailor’s chalk: special coloured chalk for marking cloth. The marks brush off easily.
• Tracing wheel and carbon paper: used together to transfer pattern marks from paper onto the fabric.

What are the cutting and sewing tools?

Cutting and sewing tools shape the marked fabric and join the pieces together.

Cutting tool

• Dressmaking shears (scissors): large, sharp scissors used only for cutting fabric.
• Warning: never use fabric scissors to cut paper. Paper makes them blunt very quickly.

Sewing tools

• Needle: a small, thin piece of steel with a hole called the eye at one end. It is used for hand sewing.
• Pins: hold fabric pieces together before we sew.
• Pincushion: a small “pillow” that holds pins so they do not fall on the floor and hurt someone.
• Thimble: a small cap, usually metal or plastic, worn on the finger to protect it from needle pricks.
• Thread: the “string” used to join fabric. It comes in many colours to match the cloth.
• Seam ripper: a tiny tool used to pick out or “unpick” wrong stitches.

What is the difference between sewing tools and sewing equipment?

A sewing tool is a small, usually hand-held item used for one job, such as a needle or a tape measure.

Sewing equipment is a larger item used in sewing, such as a sewing machine or an iron.

• Sewing machine: joins fabric with stitches faster than hand sewing. It may be hand-operated, foot-operated (treadle) or electric.
• Iron and ironing board: used to press fabric and seams so the garment looks neat.

How do we care for sewing tools?

We care for sewing tools by keeping them dry, clean, safely stored and used only for their proper job.

1. Keep them dry: needles, pins and scissors can rust if they get wet. Store them in a dry place.
2. Oil the moving parts: a drop of machine oil keeps a sewing machine or large shears moving smoothly.
3. Store them properly: keep needles in a needle book and pins in a pincushion. Do not leave them lying around.
4. Use each tool for the right job: use shears for fabric only, never for wire or paper.
5. Roll up the tape measure: do not fold or crumple it. Roll it neatly after use so it does not stretch or break.

What are the safety rules when using sewing tools?

Safety rules protect you and others from cuts and pricks in the sewing room.

• Pins: keep them in the pincushion and never put them in your mouth.
• Needles: count them before and after work so none is left behind.
• Shears: close them after use and pass them handle first.
• Thimble: wear it when pushing a needle through thick cloth.

What is the summary of the main sewing tools?

This table shows what each main tool does and how to care for it.

Evaluation

1. Why is it a bad idea to use your sewing scissors to cut paper?
2. Which tool would you use to measure a person’s waist?
3. Mention two ways to prevent your sewing needles from rusting.
4. Name the four groups of basic sewing tools.
5. State one difference between a sewing tool and sewing equipment.

Assignment

Draw a table with three columns: tool name, group and function. List six sewing tools from this lesson and fill in the table.