DRESSMAKING/

TAILORING
WHAT IS THIS MODULE ABOUT?

• This Module is an exploratory and introductory course on Dressmaking and/or Tailoring

which leads you to Dressmaking/Tailoring National Certificate Level II (NC II)1. It
covers 5 common competencies in Dressmaking/Tailoring that a Grade 7/Grade 8
Technology and Livelihood Education ( TLE) student like you ought to possess, namely:

Use of sewing tools;

Carry out measurements and calculations;
Create design for simple project;
Perform basic maintenance, and
Practice occupational safety and health
DRESSMAKING/ TAILORING

• Dressmaking refers to the craft of sewing clothes and

dresses.
• It is the art of sewing a beautiful dress from fabric.
• Since dressmaking plays an important role in one’s life, this
module helps you become more competitive by developing
your skills and competencies in earning a living. Here are
some samples of the common dressmaking/tailoring
products.
LESSON 1—
USE OF SEWING TOOLS
DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Altering- changing portion of a garment so that it fits the body.

• Cutting tools- a cutting implement; a tool for cutting.
• Fabric- the cloth used in making garments.
• Measuring tools- an instruments used for obtaining quantities, dimensions or forces of real
world objects.
• Sewing Machine- a textile machine used to stitch fabric, cards and other material with thread.
• Sewing Tool- instruments that aid in accomplishing a sewing task.
LO: 1
IDENTIFY SEWING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT AND THEIR USES
WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?
______.A machine that is run by foot which may also be converted to electric power machine is known as __________.

a) hemmer machine b. high speed over edger c. lockstitch machine d. over edging machine
______2. The mechanism that sets the sewing machine in motion.
a. balance wheel b. belt c. feed dog d. stitch regulator

______3.The part of the sewing machine that controls the looseness and tightness of Stitches.
b. bobbin b. thread guide c. presser foot d. upper tension

______4.The appropriate cutting tool used in cutting fabrics.

c. Trimming shears b. Pinking shears c. Dressmaker bent handled shears d. buttonhole scissors

______5.A flexible tape with different type of measurements essential for taking body measurements.
d. ruler b. tape measure c. yard stick d. hem gauge

______6.It measures 12 -18 inches and can be used for drawing straight lines and cutting lines
e. yardstick b. button hole scissor c. ruler d. French curve
 W H AT D O Y O U A L R E A D Y K N O W ?

______7.This is used to shape the depth of the neckhole and arrmhole of the pattern.
a. French curve b. ruler c. tape measure d. trimming scissor

______8.This is also called ―Domestic Sewing Machine‖.

a. Lockstitch sewing machine b. Double needle sewing machine
b. c.. Hi-speed sewing machine d. Button holer machine

______9.A small hard pitted cup worn for protection on the finger that pushes the needle in sewing.
c. thimble b. sewing gauge c. seam ripper d. fabric

______10.This is used in reinforcing the opening and closing of pockets

a. Bartacking machine b. Embroidery machine
c. Hi-speed locked machine d. Sewing machine
 SEWING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Sewing equipment different 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 tools at the right
time. All tools must be appropriate in a proper order
and 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 equipment which are necessary in
sewing. A complete set of sewing tools and
equipment 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
MEASURING TOOLS
• 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.
MEASURING TOOLS
• 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.
MEASURING TOOLS
• 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
MEASURING TOOLS
L-square
The tailor square or "L" 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.
MEASURING TOOLS
• French Curve
Tahis is used to shape the depth of the neckhole and armhole
of the pattern.
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.
 CUTTING TOOLS
• 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.

– All steels, chrome-plated shears are for heavy duty cutting

– Stainless steel blades and plastic handles are fine for
lightweight fabrics
– A serrated edge shears give maximum cutting control and
is used for synthetic fibers and slippery knits
 CUTTING TOOLS
• 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 TOOLS
Cutting scissors

a. Trimming scissor
It is 3-4 inches long. It is used for trimmings, clipping
threads and snipping slashes.
b. Embroidery scissor
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 scissor
This is intended for making buttonholes.
CUTTING TOOLS
• 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.
CUTTING TOOLS

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
CUTTING TOOLS
• 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
MARKING TOOLS
• Chalk Pencils/Dressmaker
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.
MARKING TOOLS
• 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
 MARKING TOOLS
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.
 MARKING TOOLS
Wax chalk

This is available in black or

white and is used for woolen
fabrics. Wax can be removed
by pressing
 MARKING TOOLS
• 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
MARKING TOOLS
• 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.
PINNING AND SEWING TOOL
Hand Needle
Used in making temporary stitches and buttonholes. Sizes of
7 to 10 are for general hand sewing.
PINNING AND SEWING TOOL
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
PINNING AND SEWING TOOL

Thimble

A small hard pitted cup worn

for protection on the finger that
pushes the needle in 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
 TYPES OF SEWING MACHINES
• Well-selected sewing machine is essential for achieving good results. It should be
used correctly in accordance with the job requirements.

[Link] Sewing Machine. This is usually used in

homes and sometimes in school. This is also called
―Domestic Sewing Machine‖. It is run by foot and
may also be converted to electric power machine.
TYPES OF SEWING MACHINES
• [Link]-Speed Lockstitch Sewing Machine. This
is sometimes called „straight stitching machine
or industrial sewing machine. It has automatic
lubrication and is used by tailors and
dressmakers.

[Link] Edging Machine. Other

companies call it small machine. It
finishes the raw edges of the pattern
for construction
 TYPES OF SEWING MACHINES
• [Link] Machine. This is used in
making fancy stitches and in making different
kinds of embroidery stitches on fabrics for the
Barong Tagalog, pillow cases, linen, and other
novelty items.

[Link] Holer Machine. This is used in

making buttonholes on garments
 TYPES OF SEWING MACHINES
• [Link] Attachment Machine. This is
used in attaching buttons to the
garments.

[Link] Needle Machine.

This is used in the construction of the
different kinds of clothing especially for the
inseam, outseam and side seam.

[Link] Machine.
This is used in reinforcing the opening and closing of pockets
 TWO MAJOR PARTS OF THE
LOCKSTITCH SEWING MACHINE
• The two major parts of the lock stitch sewing machine are the upper
and lower parts.
THE UPPER PARTS IS COMPOSED OF:
• Head is the complete sewing machine
without a cabinet or stand.
• Arm is the curve part of the head
containing mechanism for operating
the needle.
• Bed is the flat portion of the machine
and beneath is the feed dog where it is
mounted, and the shuttle and lower
thread are placed.
PARTS OF THE SEWING MACHINE IN THE ARM
1. Spool Pin is the thread holder.
2. Thread Guide keeps the thread in position.
3. Thread Take up Lever releases the thread and interlocks with the bobbin thread.
4. Presser bar lifter moves the presser foot.
5. Tension controls the looseness and tightness of stitches.
6. Needle Bar holds the needle in place.
7. Needle Clamp holds and tightens the needle.
8. Presser Foot holds the fabric in place while sewing.
9. Needle is a slender tool attached in the needle clamp used for sewing.
10. Bobbin Winder controls the bobbin while winding thread.
11. Stitch regulator checks the length of the stitches.
12. Balance Wheel sets the mechanism in motion.
13. Belt connects the balance wheel to the drive wheel.
14. Stop Motion Screw hinders moving when loosened and starts
 PARTS OF SEWING MACHINE UNDER THE BED
1. Feed Dog moves the fabric while sewing.
2. Throat plate is the windows of the feed dog
and it is where the bobbin threads come out.
3. Slide plate is a movable plate that covers
the shuttle and bobbin case.
4. Shuttle holds the bobbin case while sewing.

5. Bobbin is a metal spool for winding thread.

6. Bobbin Case holds the bobbin.
THE LOWER PARTS OF THE LOCK STITCH SEWING
MACHINE
The lower parts of the sewing machine are the cabinet and the stand. The cabinet has drawers and
screw on the hinges for the attachment of the head. The following are the lower parts of the sewing
machine and their uses:
1. Band Wheel leads the balance wheel through the belt connection.
2. Band Wheel Crank moves the band wheel.
3. Pitman Rod holds the treadle to band wheel crank.
4. Belt Guide holds the belt to its place.
5. Belt Shifter removes the belt from the wheel.
6. Dress Guard protects the dress from the wheel.
7. Treadle is where the feet are stationed to drive the band wheel through the pitman rod.
8. Legs support the cabinet of the machine.
9. Cabinet holds the head of the machine by interlocking screw on the hinges.
 HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED?
Directions: Identify the parts of the lockstitch sewing machine.