The process of garment making mainly includes the knowledge and skills of measuring, marking, cutting, and stitching, which is done using appropriate tools. Different tools and equipment for measuring, marking, and cutting have their utility and importance. The selection of needles, threads, and fabric based on suitability is important for good-quality production. If ignored, it may lead to many defects.
The online stitching course has risen in demand during the global pandemic and nationwide lockdown. The course has produced considerable income options to instill interest among homemakers and income seekers. This article will describe various tools used in the real-world process for future reference.
Stitching Tools
These tools will make sewing easier, neater, and more enjoyable. Practitioners will not need all of these tools to begin sewing. The more they sew, however, the more likely they will gain awareness to find a use for everything. It is safe and convenient to keep all the tools together. A sewing box will help individuals organize and store the things they need. A wood, metal, or strong cardboard box will work well. It should be large enough to hold all the tools and basic supplies. It helps to have some kind of partitions in the sewing box to hold everything in place and keep the sewing box neat and orderly.
Tools for Cutting:
● SCISSORS:
“Scissors” are 3” to 6” long and have two ring handles for the thumb and forefinger. Scissors are useful to clip threads and cut paper or fabric.
● SHEARS:
Shears” are longer than scissors and have one small ring handle for the thumb and a larger handle for the other fingers. The best shears have blades that are screwed together instead of riveted.
● TRIMMERS:
When fabric is lying flat on a table, it is easier to cut it by using shears that have bent handles. These shears are called “trimmers”.
Tools for Measuring:
The aforementioned points are the measuring tools used in an online stitching course & real life.
● TAPE MEASURE:
Use a good quality of 60–inch fabric or plastic‐coated tape measure that won’t stretch or rip.
● MEASURING GAUGE:
Include in the sewing box a 6‐inch ruler or small measuring gauge. Both tape measures and measuring gauges are available in local stores.
● TAILOR’S CHALK:
Chalk is used to mark cloth. Tailor’s chalk is good for marking; it makes thin lines and brushes off easily.
● TRACING WHEEL:
A dressmaker’s tracing wheel is also used to mark fabric and transfer pattern markings.
● PENCIL AND NOTEPAD:
Keep a good pencil in the sewing box. individuals may need a pencil and paper to make notes and calculations during a project.
Pins & Needles
● PINS:
Dressmakers or silk pins have sharp points and will not make large holes in the fabric. They
are particularly useful when working with fine fabrics and important items. For knit fabrics, use ballpoint pins. They will not snag the threads of the fabric as other pins may.
● THIMBLES:
Thimbles are made from silver, brass, nickel, steel, or plastic. The thimble helps individuals pass the needle through the cloth. It should fit snugly over the middle finger.
● NEEDLES:
● There are four basic sewing needles, each with its own style and purpose.
● Sharps are medium‐length needles and are slender with round eyes.
● Between are shorter than sharps and are used for fine handiwork.
● Crewel needles have long eyes for easier threading and are used for darning, embroidering, and regular sewing.
● Darning needles are longer than crewel needles and have wider eyes.
Tools for Pressing
Good sewing requires proper pressing tools and techniques. Use a good iron, dry type or steam; a well‐padded ironing board; and a press cloth (muslin or cheesecloth) to dampen the fabric while pressing. Ironing and pressing are two different techniques. Pressing is used more frequently than ironing in clothing construction. To press, bear down on the fabric with the iron, lift, and bear down again. This applies heat and pressure without pushing or stretching the fabric. To iron, move the iron back and forth across the fabric.
An online stitching course is designed to help individuals find sustainable income sources through skill training and exposure.