SEWING EQUIPMENT

THIMBLE

Used to protect your finger when sewing by hand. Use to push needle through heavy fabrics. Worn on middle finger of sewing hand.

TAILOR’S PENCIL

Used to transfer pattern markings to fabric. Helps you to assemble pattern pieces correctly.

SHEARS

Used to cut patterns from fabric. Bent handles allow fabric to lie flat while cutting, for accuracy. Use only for cutting fabric! Shears will become dull from cutting paper, strings, etc.

SEAM RIPPER

Used to undo sewing mistakes and remove basting stitches.

SKIRT/HEM MARKER

Used to mark and even hem.

PRESSING/TAILOR’S HAM

Used for pressing curved seams and darts. Allows fabric to lay flat against the rounded shape.

STRAIGHT PINS

Used to hold patterns to fabric before and during cutting. Holds pieces of fabric together before sewing.

TAILOR’S CHALK

Used to transfer pattern markings to the fabric. Helps to put the pattern pieces together correctly.

SCISSORS

Short blades with small matching holes for handles. Used to trim seams, clip around curves, and open buttonholes.

SLEEVE BOARD

Used for pressing small details like sleeves and cuffs.

HAND SEWING NEEDLES

Used for hand sewing. Sharps are the type of needle used most often for hand sewing.

TRACING WHEEL

Used with tracing paper to transfer pattern markings to fabric. Can have a smooth or “pointy” wheel.

TRACING PAPER

Used with a tracing wheel to transfer pattern markings to fabric. Choose a color close to your fabric color but that can still be seen.

SEAM/SEWING GAUGE

A 6” ruler with a sliding marker. Used to measure short distances, such as, cuffs, hems, and spaces between buttonholes. Especially good for repetitive measurements.

TAPE MEASURE

Used to take body measurements, measure fabric, and measure pattern pieces. 60 inches long and does not stretch.

THREAD CLIPPER

Used to trim threads at the start and end of every stitching line.

PINKING SHEARS

Used to give seam edges a finished look. Do not use to cut patterns from fabric.

STEAM IRON & PRESS CLOTH

Used to press as you sew, to give garment a neat professional look. The press cloth will prevent the development of a “shine” on fabrics. Wetting the press cloth will create extra steam for a flatter seam.

NEEDLE THREADER

Used to make threading a needle easier. Put wire through the eye of the needle, then put thread through the wire and remove wire from the needle.

PIN CUSHION WITH EMERY

Used to store pins and pins will be less likely to spill. Emery (strawberry) is used to remove rough spots or a dull point from a needle or pin.