BATASAN HILLS NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

IBP Road, Batasan Hills, Quezon City

STRATEGIC INTERVENTION MATERIAL

in
TECHNOLOGY AND LIVELIHOOD EDUCATION

Sewing tools
and
materials

DRESSMAKING/TAILORING 8
Exploratory Course
 LEAST MASTERED COMPETENCY

Our goals are the following:

identify the different

measuring tools, cutting tools,
marking tools, and sewing and
pinning tools and materials;

differentiate the
uses/functions of sewing
tools.

provide knowledge and skills

of the different tools and
materials which are necessary
in sewing.
 GUIDE CARD
GUIDE CARD
DRESSMAKING – a craft of sewing clothes and dresses

DRESSMAKER – a person who makes clothing for women, such as dresses and other clothes

TAILOR – a person who makes men’s clothes (such as suits and jackets) that are measured to
fit a particular person.

TOOLS- a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular
function

SEWING TOOLS AND MATERIALS

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
SEWING tools at the right time.
TOOLS AND All tools must be appropriate in a proper order and
MATERIALS 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 materials
which are necessary in sewing. A complete set of sewing
tools and materials 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" square 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.

Hip Curve
This is used to create long graceful curves when designing garments or
making alterations for hips and thigh area.

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 A.

b. Stainless steel blades and plastic handles are fine for lightweight fabrics
B.
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 scissors - It is 3-4 inches long. It is used for trimmings, clipping threads and snipping slashes.
b. Embroidery scissors - It has 4-5 inches finely tapered blades. Both points are sharp for use in working with
fine details in delicate fabrics and in embroidery work.
c. Buttonhole scissors - This is intended for making buttonholes.

a. b. c.

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.

Dressmaker’s pencil
This is available in white or pastel shades. This chalk pencil is used to make
fine lines on fabric. It has an erasing brush at one end.

Liquid Marking Pen

Liquid marking pens come in two types. There is one that washes out and
one that fades after 48 hours. Those that wash out should not be used on fabric
that show water marks. The mark should be removed before pressing the fabric.

Tailor’s Chalk
This is essential as a marker for use on materials.
Tailor‘s chalk is available in a range of colors and is removed by brushing.

Tracing Wheel
There are two types of tracing wheels, those with a serrated edge and those
with a smooth edge. The serrated edge wheel produces dots on the fabric and is
suitable for most types of fabrics. The smooth edge wheel is best for delicate fabrics
and unlike the serrated edge will not pierce more delicate fabrics. The smooth edge
wheel creates a solid line.

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. 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.

Emery Bag
A small bag filled with emery into which a pin can be
jabbed to remove rust.

Hand Needle
It is a long slender tool with a pointed tip at one end and a hole (eye) at the other.
Sewing Needle Threader
It aids in putting the thread to the needle. It consists of two parts.
The handle and the wire. The end of the wire that is away from the holder
is folded. Place the folded wire of the needle threader through the eye of the
sewing needle.

Thimble
A small hard pitted cup worn for protection on the finger that pushes the
needle in sewing.

Sewing Pins
These are used to hold fabric together prior to sewing. They temporarily hold the
fabric in place when attaching and cutting patterns or while 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.
 ACTIVITY CARD #1
Directions: Name or Identify the following pictures below of the different sewing tools and
materials. Write your answer on the space provided.

1. _________________________ 2. ______________________ 3. ________________________

4. _________________________ 5. _______________________ 6. ________________________

7. _________________________ 8._________________________ 9.________________________

10. _______________________ 11._________________________ 12._______________________

13.________________________ 14.__________________________ 15. ________________________

 ACTIVITY CARD #2
Directions: Classify the following sewing tools listed below. Then, write each in its
appropriate box.

Thread clipper tracing wheel liquid marking pen

needle tailor’s chalk pins
seam ripper French curve pin cushion
ruler thimble dressmaker’s shears
pinking shears yardstick tape measure

Measuring Tools Cutting Tools

Marking Tools Sewing and Pinning

Tools
 ACTIVITY CARD #3
Directions: Read the clues. Then, write the correct word/(s). Start from the bottom and
climb to the top.

Who am I?
I’m who makes men’s
clothes (such as suits and I am a ___________________.
jackets) that are measured
to fit a particular person

It is a specially
waxed carbon paper that
It holds the straight pins transfer‘s the tracing wheel‘s
and needles while markings to the fabric
working to prevent
accidents
It is the cloth used in
making garments
It is a long
slender tool with a
pointed tip at one end
and a hole (eye) at the This is available in
other white or pastel shades. It is
used to make fine lines on
fabric. It has an erasing brush
This is popular in at one end.
zigzagging or scalloped edge
or for seam finishes

____________________
A small hard
pitted cup worn for
protection on the finger
that pushes the needle
in sewing.
A flexible measuring
device used in taking
body measurements.
____________________
This is used to shape the
depth of the neckhole and
armhole of the pattern
 ASSESSMENT CARD #1

Multiple Choice.
Directions: Read and analyze each statement or question then select the
correct answer. Encircle the letter of your choice.

1. It is a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular
function.
a. equipment b. materials c. sewing kit d. tools
2. It is a flexible tape with different type of measurements essential for taking body
measurements.
a. gauge b. ruler c. tape measure d. yardstick
3. What is the appropriate cutting tool used in cutting fabrics?
a. button hole scissors c. embroidery scissors
b. dressmaker’s shears d. trimming shears
4. What sewing tool is used if you want to keep the needles and pins handy while working?
a. pin cushion b. sewing pins c. seam ripper d. needle threader
5. It measures 12 -18 inches and can be used for drawing straight lines and cutting lines
a. gauge b. French curve c. ruler d. tape measure
6. This is used to shape the depth of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern.
`a. french curve b. ruler c. tape measure d. hip curve
7. A small hard pitted cup worn for protection on the finger that pushes the needle in sewing.
a. thimble b. sewing gauge c. seam ripper d. fabric
8. The following are marking tools EXCEPT;
a. thread b. tailor’s chalk c. tracing paper d. tracing wheel
9. Thimble, pins, needle and pin cushion are _________tools.
a. cutting b. drafting c. marking d. sewing and pinning
10. It is used to cut zigzag edge of hemlines and seam edges of the fabric.
a. trimming scissors c. pinking shears
b. buttonhole scissors d. thread clipper
 ASSESSMENT CARD #2
JUMBLED LETTERS:
Direction: Look at the following jumbled letters. Rearrange the letter to form the name
of each sewing tools/materials using the function as a clue. Write your answer on the space
provided at the last column.
JUMBLED LETTERS FUNCTION NAME OF SEWING
TOOLS/MATERIALS
It is used to transfer measurements to
ROTAIL the draft pattern. It has perfect squares 1. ____________________
and is useful in making straight lines and
AREQUS
numbers.
EYREM A small bag filled with emery into which
GAB a pin can be jabbed to remove rust. 2. ____________________
It is made of smooth, shellacked
SADRYCKIT hardwood or metal. It is used 3. ____________________
for marking hemlines and checking
grainlines when laying out the pattern.
It is used in assembling or constructing
REDATH the parts of the garment 4. ____________________
These are specifically designed for
MAES ripping out stitches from seams, 5. ____________________
either as a result of an error or during
REPRIP
alterations
These are used to hold fabric together
WINGSE prior to sewing. They temporarily hold 6. ____________________
the fabric in place when attaching and
SPIN
cutting patterns or while sewing.
DHAN It is a long slender tool with a pointed tip 7. ____________________
LEDENE at one end and a hole (eye) at the other.
These are a handy little spring loaded
REDATH cutting tool that allows for the snipping 8. ____________________
of threads.
SIPPRECL
SAILORT This is essential as a marker for use on
KLAHC materials. It is available in a range of 9. ____________________
colors and is removed by brushing
PEAT A flexible measuring device used in
AMESUER taking body measurements. 10.____________________
 ENHANCEMENT CARD #1
Direction: Draw at least three (3) each of the different sewing tools, label it and give the
uses/functions.
A. 3 measuring tools
B. 3 cutting tools
C. 3 marking tools
D. 3 sewing/pinning tools

MATERIALS:
4 ps. Oslo paper ruler
Pencil coloring materials

Rubric for checking:

Points Criteria

10 All tools were properly drawn, labeled and gave the functions
correctly.

9 Almost all of the tools were properly drawn, labeled, and gave the
functions correctly

8 Some of the items were properly drawn and labeled but didn’t gave
the functions correctly

7 Most of the items were improperly drawn and labeled incorrectly.

 REFERENCE CARD

BOOKS

Career Pathways for the New Century, TLE Textbook by

Roque, Elsa, et.al,
Dressmaking/Tailoring Module Grade 8 Exploratory Course

WEBSITES

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki.com
https://www.thefreedictionary.com
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionay
 ANSWER KEY

ACTIVITY # 1

1. thimble 9. tailor’s chalk

2. fabric 10. tracing wheel
3. pin cushion 11. dressmaker ‘s shears
4. tape measure 12. emery bag
5. pinking shears 13. thread
6. seam ripper 14. pins / sewing pins
7. ruler 15. crench curve
8. needle/hand needle

ACTIVITY # 2
MEASURING TOOLS CUTTING TOOLS
 Ruler  Dressmaker’s shears
 French curve  Thread clipper
 Yardstick  Seam ripper
 Tape measure  Pinking shears
MARKING TOOLS SEWING AND PINNING
 Tracing wheel  Needle
 Tailor’s chalk  Thimble
 Liquid marking pen  Pins
 Pin cushion
ACTIVITY # 3

I am a TAILOR.

Dressmaker’s carbon paper

Pin cushion

Fabric

Needle/hand needle

Dressmaker’s pencil

Pinking shears

Tape measure

Thimble

French curve
 ANSWER KEY
ASSESSMENT # 1

1. D 6. A
2. C 7. A
3. B 8. A
4. A 9. D
5. C 10. C

ASSESSMENT # 2

1. TAILOR’S SQUARE 6. SEWING PINS

2. EMERY BAG 7. HAND NEEDLE
3. YARDSTICK 8. THREAD CLIPPERS
4. THREAD 9. TAILOR’S CHALK
5. SEAM RIPPER 10. TAPE MEASURE

ENHANCEMENT # 1
You may use the rubric for checking the students’ output.
Rubric for checking:
Points Criteria

10 All tools were properly drawn, labeled and gave the functions
correctly.

9 Almost all of the tools were properly drawn, labeled, and gave the
functions correctly

8 Some of the items were properly drawn and labeled but didn’t gave
the functions correctly

7 Most of the items were improperly drawn and labeled incorrectly.