Tool
Image of the tool
Function/purpose of the tool
Dressmaker's chalk,
marking pens and
pencils
Dressmakers chalk and marking pens and pencils
are used for marking out and planning lines and
shapes on material as a guide so that they can be
cut or sewn either by hand or by machine later. For
jobs like these you cannot use an ordinary pen or
pencil, as there tracings will not appear on the
surface of the textile material and cannot be
erased. This tool would be suitable for marking a
stitching line on an unusually shaped cushion.
Dressmaker's model
A dressmaker’s model is used when a person is
creating clothing of some sort and needs a human
model to assist them with the shape, contour and
detail of the human form. Some models can be
adjusted to different widths in various areas, to
assist the dressmaker with the contour of different
body shapes.
Sewing machine
A sewing machine is used for sewing both simple
and complicated lines on a fabric, by stitching them
together with thread. It enables sewing to be
carried out faster and more easily. It accurately
applies hand-sewing techniques in a more efficient
way and is now used worldwide for textiles. A
sewing machine is also suitable for creating button
holes.
When using a sewing machine you must make sure
that the machine is in good condition and works
correctly. When using it for the first time you must
only commence your task with the guided
assistance of an experienced person. The sewing
machine can only be operated by one person at a
time to avoid confused and crowding. Water must
not be placed near sewing machines as there is a
risk of electrocution. Also when using a sewing
machine you must pay careful attention to the
needle and the task you are performing and most
not be distracted.
Overlocker
The main purpose of an overlocker is to make the
seams of materials neat. It carries out this whilst
sewing at the same time. In overlocker up to 5
threads can be used at once. This is because,
instead of using a bobbin, the threads are fed by
spools found at the back of the machine. An
overlocker also had two blades that move like
scissors. The upper blade and the lower blade meet
when using the machine and trim both the fabric
and the thread. By having more threads working at
once and this trimming system, unique techniques
can be achieved by using an overlocker. Just like a
sewing machine, an overlocker also has safety
considerations. Water must not by associated or be
placed near an overlocker, in case of electrocution
or other severe injuries. When using an overlocker
only one person is allowed to operate the machine
at a time, with the guidance of an experienced
person if they are using it for the first time.
Pins
Pins are mainly used to hold fabrics in place while
sewing so that it is not able to move around and
interfere in the task being complete. When hand
sewing, a folded piece of fabric can be held in place
with the use of a couple of pins. The can range in
many different sizes and styles according to your
needs. This tool would be suitable for holding 2
pieces of fabric together while you are sewing.
When using pins you must pay careful attention as
they can be potentially dangerous. You must
always pay particular attention to the sharp end as
there is a risk of injury.
Dressmakers
shears/scissors
Dressmaker’s shears are specially designed to
easily cut through fabric. Unlike ordinary scissors
their blades are finer and sharper and are
constructed to glide through the material without
leaving jagged and rough edges on the fabric. They
are usually made from stainless steel. This tool is
cutting an embroidery thread. When using
dressmaker’s sheers you must be careful as it is
potentially dangerous. When walking with
dressmaker’s sheers, you must always point the
side with the tip of the blades towards the floor, to
avoid injury.
Thimble
Unpicker
Thimbles are usually placed on the index finger,
and are used to protect the tips of your fingers
from being pricked by the needle while handsewing. This very suitable and efficient tool
introduces a safety mechanism to sewing and
reduces the risk of injuries. It has also become a
worldwide tool for textiles.
An unpicker is used for unstitching thread that has
already been sewn into a fabric. Using its narrow,
sharp head it can easily be placed beneath the
stitching and with a slight pull the thread is
carefully removed. An unpicker also has a handle at
the bottom of it so that the tool can be easily
handled with good mobility. This small tool is
specially designed for this task because of its
narrow and intricate features. This tool would be
well suited unpicking stitches sewn in the incorrect
position. When using the tool it is important to
keep in mind that you point the sharp end away
from you, to avoid minor injury.