SEWING AND EMBROIDERY TOOLS USED IN GARMENT CONSTRUCTION:

Besides a sewing machine in good condition, well selected sewing equipment and pressing equipment are essential for making garments of good quality and appearance.

Sewing box / kit: First and foremost, one should have a box or basket with compartments for keeping the things needed for sewing.

SEWING AND EMBROIDERY TOOLS:

Hand Sewing Needles:

They are found in sizes from the very fine 9 to the heavy 18. The best quality needles are made of hand ground steel. For hand sewing medium length needles with a short oval eye is selected. Crewel needles designed for embroidery work have a long oval eye.

Sewing Machine Needles:

They are found in sizes from the fine 9 to the heavy 18. The needles are made to fit the

specific make and model of each sewing machine. The needle size should conform to the weight, thickness, and kind of fabric.

Sewing thread:

With the wide and ever increasing range of fabrics available in the market, it is important to know the right sewing thread for the various types of fabrics. The right kind of thread is important in sewing as both the thread and the garment should share the same characteristics, as they have to be laundered and ironed together, they should shrink and stretch together.

Pins:

These come in different sizes for use in different fabrics. The right choice of pins is most essential for good workmanship, speed, and convenience in sewing. Use silk or stainless steel pins. The ball point pins are useful for fine knits. The other types of pins are dressmaker pin (a pin of medium diameter but quite suitable for most sewing needs), and silk (a very slender pin with a needle point to be used on delicate fabrics).

Thimbles:

These are necessary for efficient and accurate hand sewing. A metal thimble should fit snugly on the middle finger of the needle holding hand. There are two types of thimbles: an open-ended thimble, preferred by tailors, and the more common closed-ended thimble, called the dressmakers thimble.

Embroidery Frame:

This is used for keeping the fabric stretched while the work is being carried out.

Embroidery Threads:

These are available in a variety of colors in six stranded skeins. One can use two or three strands at a time.

Stiletto:

This is a sharp pointed instrument for punching holes in material. It is used for forming holes in material. It is used for forming eyelets in belts and for embroidery work.

Bodkin:

This is a flat needle with a blunt end and a large eye for threading elastic and tape. The following types of shears and scissors are made for both right-handed and left- handed cutting. All cutting tools must be kept sharp, clean, and grease-free for accurate cuts.