8

GEN. TRIAS SKILL BUILDERS

A Worktext in
Technology and Livelihood
Education
Quarter 1 – Module
1:

Dressmaking/Tailoring

Page| 1 of 19
Page| 2 of 19
 Learning Identify sewing tools and
Objective 1 equipment and their uses
This module was designed and developed just for you. It is here to help you discover
new things that you can apply in a real - world scenario. The scope of this module allows
you to apply and use in different learning situations. But the order in which you read them
can be changed to correspond with the textbook you are now using. It gives you an
overview about Dressmaking/Tailoring on use of sewing tools which will help you and be
your guide in exploring this module.

GEAR UP / GABAY
After learning through this module, you are expected to:

1.1. identify sewing tools and equipment;

1.2. classify sewing machines; and

1.3. select appropriate measuring tools.

DAY 1: QUARTER PRE-TEST

Let us determine how much you already know about tools and equipment in
dressmaking.

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer from the choices below. Write your
answer in your notebook.

1. These are used to hold fabric together prior to sewing

a. needle c. pincushion
b. sewing pins d. thimble
2. It is mostly used for increasing strength in the corner of pockets, attaching belt loops, at
the end of the zipper
a. embroidery machine c. lockstitch machine
b. bar tacking machine d. double needle machine
3. It aids in putting the thread to the needle
a. sewing gauge c. sewing needle threader
b. thimble d. pincushion
4. This is used to shape the depth of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern
a. hip curve c. L- square
b. French curve d. tape measure
5. These are a handy little spring-loaded cutting tool that allows for the snipping of threads
a. bent- handled dressmaker’s shears c. thread clippers
b. trimming scissors d. pinking shears
6. It is used in making temporary stitches and buttonholes
a. needle c. pincushion
b. sewing pins d. sewing needle threader

Page| 3 of 19
7. It can be used in general sewing to cut through multiple layers of fabric
a. rotary cutter c. thread clippers
b. trimming scissors d. pinking shears
8. It is used to transfer the tracing wheel’s line to the wrong side of the fabric
a. tailor’s chalk c. liquid marking pen
b. dressmaker’s carbon paper d. wax chalk
9. It is used to mark tucks, darts, pleats and pockets. It comes in two types; one type
disappears after about 48 hours another type washes off with water
a. tailor’s chalk c. liquid marking pen
b. dressmaker’s carbon paper d. wax chalk
10. This machine is run by foot and may also be converted to electric power machine. This
is usually used in homes and sometimes in school
a. embroidery machine c. lockstitch machine
b. button attachment machine d. double needle machine
11. These shears are used to finish seams and to finish raw edges, and to create decorative
edges
a. bent- handled dressmaker’s shears c. thread clippers
b. trimming scissors d. pinking shears
12. It is a special type of machine which is used in garments industries to attach button
a. embroidery machine c. button holler machine
b. button attachment machine d. double needle machine
13. It 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
a. embroidery machine c. lockstitch machine
b. button attachment machine d. double needle machine
14. This is made of a hardwood or metal. It is useful for checking hems and grain lines
when laying out the pattern
a. clear ruler c. L- square
b. sewing gauge d. yard stick
15. It is shaped like a bucket and designed to protect finger when pushing a needle
through layers of fabric
a. needle c. pincushion
b. sewing pins d. thimble

Page| 4 of 19
 Use of Sewing Tools
Use of Sewing Tools

Sewing equipment and different tools are used in garment construction. The skillful
use of the different sewing tools and 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 are presented to help the
students work faster.

ENGAGE / ENGGANYO

ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCE ME!

Find sewing tools available at your home. Choose one that you know very well. Your
objective is to introduce the product using the guide question below. Write your answer in
your notebook.

1. What am I?

2. What am I used for?

3. How do you use me safely?

4. What can happen if you don’t use me safely or properly?

NURTURE / NAMNAM
Below is the list of different sewing tools with its function that will help you to make
your sewing easier and faster. Read the Information Sheet very well then find out how much
you can remember and how much you learned by doing the activities provided for you.

SEWING TOOLS

Measuring Tools are essential for pattern alterations and body measurements to ensure a
good garment fit. Measurements should be taken accurately with a correct tool. Given below
are the measuring tools that must be part of every sewing box.

Page| 5 of 19
Actual Picture Name of the Tool Description/Function

A flexible measuring device used in

Tape Measure taking body measurements. The front
has the measurement of 150
centimeters and 60 inches on the
other side.

This is a small useful tool with a sliding

guide to mark out and measure small
Sewing Gauge distances. 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 and
it’s about six inches long.

This is used for measuring straight

lines, seam lines, quilting lines, pattern
Clear Ruler seam markings and marking off small
distances and spaces like buttonholes
and pleats. It measures 12 inches or
even 18 inches.

This is made of a hardwood or metal.

Yardstick It is useful for checking hems and
grain lines when laying out the
pattern.

Technically the L- square is two

different sized rulers joined
perpendicularly into one L shaped unit
with a short side and a long side. The
Tailor’s L- square longer arm is twenty-four (24) inches
long while the shorter arm is fourteen
(14) inches long. It 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.

This is used to shape the depth of the

French Curve neck hole and armhole of the pattern.

Page| 6 of 19
 The hip curve is an essential tool for
making patterns and fitting
Hip Curve adjustments at the hip line. The tool is
also great for making adjustments at
the hemline, for lapels and at the
elbow. Anywhere a slight curve is
needed, this is a good ruler to use.

Marking Tools are used to transfer the pattern symbols onto the fabric to accurately make
the garment. It is essential to transfer these symbols for correct fitting and sewing.

Actual Picture Name of the Tool Description/Function

Available in a serrated or
smooth edge. The serrated edge
Tracing Wheel is used to make a dotted line
marking in most fabrics;
however, it may piece delicate
ones. The smooth edge makes a
solid line marking and used for
delicate fabrics such as silk and
chiffon.

It is used to transfer the tracing

Dressmaker’s Carbon wheel’s line to the wrong side of
Paper/ Tracing Paper the fabric. A color of tracing
paper should be chosen that is
close to the color of the fabric,
yet visible enough to see. It is
also called dressmaker’s tracing
paper.

Tailor’s Chalk can be used to

mark directly onto the fabric. It
Tailor’s Chalk does not need sharpening like a
chalk pencil and it is available
in a range of colors and is
removed by brushing.

It is filled with chalk at one end

Chalk Pencil of the pencil and a brush at the
other end to remove chalk
marks. This is available in white
or pastel shades.

Page| 7 of 19
 It is used to mark tucks, darts,
Liquid Marking Pens pleats and pockets. It comes in
two types; one type disappears
after about 48 hours another
type washes off with water.

Tailor’s wax can be very useful

with a heavy or thick fabric, such
Wax Chalk as wool. Wax sometimes leaves
residue on your fabric that can’t
be removed easily much like
grease.

Cutting Tools
Sewing cutting tools are very important to moving the sewing project along to completion.
Sewing cutting tools should be of the best quality that you can afford. The best quality cutting
tools are made of high grade stainless steel.

Actual Picture Name of the Tool Description/Function

Bent-handled dressmaker’s
shears are good for cutting
the actual pattern/fabric
together. The shape of the
blade, especially the lower
Bent-handled blade allows the fabric to lay
dressmaker’s shears flat on the cutting surface.
The size should be at least
seven or eight inches. Heavy
duty stainless steel
dressmaker shears should be
used for cutting heavy fabrics
and a lighter weight pair of
these shears can be used to
cut lighter weight fabrics. A
serrated edge shears give
maximum cutting control and
are used for synthetic fibers
and slippery knits.

It consists serrated or jagged

edges that cut a zigzag pattern
on the fabric. These shears are
Pinking Shears used to finish seams and to
finish raw edges, and to create
decorative edges. The edge that
they produce is resistant to
raveling.

Page| 8 of 19
 Cutting scissors
It is 3-4 inches long. It is used
a. Trimming scissor for trimmings, clipping
threads and snipping slashes.

It is about a 4 or 5-inch blade

and is used in hand
b. Embroidery scissor embroidery work and
precision cutting, to get into
corners and clip threads close
to the fabric.

c. Buttonhole scissor It is intended for making

buttonholes.

These are a handy little spring-

loaded cutting tool that allows
Thread Clippers for the snipping of threads.
These clippers are specifically
used to snip threads and they
are not designed to cut fabric.

Seam rippers are specifically

designed for ripping out
stitches from seams, either as
Seam Ripper a result of an error or during
alterations. They should be
used carefully to prevent
damage to the fabric.

It can be used in general

sewing to cut through
multiple layers of fabric. The
rotary cutter is available in
different sizes with different
blades. When using a rotary
Rotary Cutter and Mat cutter, work on a cutting mat
to protect the blade and the
cutting surface. The small
18mm rotary cutter is a good
tool for opening button holes,
if you don’t possess a
buttonhole chisel.

PINNING AND OTHER SEWING TOOLS

Actual Picture Name of the Tool Description/Function

It is a helpful tool to keep

Pincushion straight pins and needles
organized. It holds pins and
needles while working to
prevent accidents.

Page| 9 of 19
 It is used in making
Hand Sewing Needle temporary stitches and
buttonholes. Needle size is
generally determined by
fabric weight. Lighter fabrics
require smaller needles, and
heavier fabrics require bigger
needles. Sizes of 7 to 10 are
for general hand sewing.

These are used to hold fabric

together prior to sewing.
They temporarily hold the
Sewing Pins fabric in place when
attaching and cutting
patterns, or while sewing.

It is a small sewing tool

designed to help pull a
thread through the eye of a
Sewing Needle Threader sewing 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.

It is shaped like a bucket

Thimble
and designed to protect
finger when pushing a
needle through layers of
fabric.

SEWING MATERIALS
Actual Picture Name of the Tool Description/Function

Fabric It 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.

Page| 10 of
 The thread is used in
Thread 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.

DAY 2: SEWING MACHINES

TYPES OF SEWING MACHINES

There are two types of sewing machines according to place of use. These can be broken
into domestic machines for home use and industrial machines which are used for factories
and clothing production. Industrial machines are built specifically to do long term and
professional tasks while domestic machines and can’t do heavy task.
Sewing machines also being divided into eight (8) types according to their functions
means types of stitches they make. These are

1. Lockstitch Machine
2. Over edging machine
3. Embroidery Machine
4. Button Holler Machine
5. Button Attachment Machine
6. Double Needle Machine
7. Bar tacking sewing machine

1. Lockstitch Machine generally uses two threads one

upper and one lower. Both the upper and lower thread locks
together in the hole in the fabric. It produces lockstitches. This
machine is run by foot and may also be converted to electric
power machine. This is usually used in homes and sometimes in
school.

2. Over Edging Machine is mostly used in industries for

edging hemming and seaming. It automatically cut the edges
and sew.

Page| 11 of
 3. Embroidery Machine 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.

4. Button Holler Machine is used to make button holes

in fabrics.

5. Button Attachment Machine is a special type of

machine which is used in garments industries to attach button.

6. Double Needle Machine uses two needles and two

bobbins. So it forms two parallel rows of lockstitch. The distance
between the two parallel stitches depends upon the distance
between the two needles in the needle bar. The distance can be
adjusted. They are used for making decorative stitches.

7. Bar tacking sewing machine is mostly used for

increasing strength in the corner of pockets, attaching belt
loops, at the end of the zipper.

Well-selected sewing machine is essential for achieving good results. It should be used
correctly in accordance with the job requirements.

PARTS OF THE LOCKSTICH SEWING MACHINE

There are two major parts of the sewing machine. One is upper part and other is lower
parts. The upper part contains of Head, Arm and Bed. The lower part contains of Band
Wheel, Band Wheel Crank, Pitman Rod, Belt Guide, Belt Shifter, Dress Guard, Treadle,
Legs.

Page| 12 of
Upper Parts of Sewing Machine and Their Functions

Head is the complete

sewing machine without a
cabinet or stand.

ARM Arm is the curve part of

the head containing
HEAD mechanism for operating
the needle.
Bed is the flat port ion of
BED the machine and beneath is
the feed dog where it is
mounted, and the shuttle
and lower thread are

Page| 13 of
 Lower Parts of Sewing Machine and Their Functions

1. Screw is used for the

attachment of the head into the cabinet.

2. Cabinet holds the head of the m

Band Wheel leads the

balance wheel through the belt
connection.
7. Belt Guide holds the belt to its place
Band Wheel Crank moves the band wheel.

8. Belt Shifter removes the belt from the

5. Pitman Rod holds the treadle to band wheel crank.

9. Dress Guard protects the
dress from the wheel.

6. Treadle is where the

feet are stationed to drive the band wheel through the pitman
10.rod.
Legs support the
cabinet of the machine.

Page| 14 of
DAY 3:

TEST / TALAB
A. Directions: Identify the given sewing tools and equipment. Write your answer on
your notebook.

1. _ 9.

2. 10.

3. 11. _

12.
4.

5.
13.

6. _ 14.

7. 15.

8.

Page| 15 of
B. Directions: Write down at least 4 different sewing tools according to its
classification. Copy the colored facemask in your notebook then write your answer
on it.

Cutting Tools
1.
2.
3.
4.

Measuring Tools
1.
2.
3.
4.

Marking Tools
1.
2.
3.
4.

Pinning/ Sewing Tools

1.
2.
3.
4.

Page| 16 of
C. Directions: Identify the parts of lockstitch sewing machine. Write your answer in
your notebook.

1. 10.
2. 11.
3. 12.
4. 13.
5. 14.
6. 15.
7. 16.
8. 17.
9.

Page| 17 of
 REINFORCE / RUBDOB

ACTIVITY 2: FIND ME!

Directions: Identify what is the missing word to complete the statement below. Write
your answer in your notebook.

1. Tracing wheel is available in a or edge.

2. are used to hold fabric together prior to sewing.
3. Tape measure is used in taking measurements.
4. scissor is intended for making buttonholes.
5. Trimming scissor is inches long. It is used for trimmings, clipping threads and
snipping slashes.
6. holds pins and needles while working to prevent accidents.
7. is designed to protect finger when pushing a needle through layers of fabric.
8. is used in assembling or constructing the parts of the garment.
9. is used for measurements at hem lines, button holes and areas where other
small measurements require checking, such as pleats and tucks.
10. French curve is used to shape the of the neck hole and armhole of the
pattern.
11. There are two types of sewing machines according to place of use, these are
and .
12. machine is mostly used in industries for edging hemming and
seaming. It automatically cut the edges and sew.
13. sewing machine is mostly used for increasing strength in the
corner of pockets, attaching belt loops, at the end of the zipper.
14. The upper part of the sewing machine contains of , ,
.
15. is the curve part of the head of sewing machine that contains
mechanism for operating the needle.

Page| 18 of
DAY 4:

INTEGRATE / IRAL
ACTIVITY 3: Create a Sewing Kit

Create your own sewing kit out of an old box.

Materials:
-shoe box
-decorative gift wrappers
-scissors
-glue
-tape

Procedure:
a. Cover the shoe box with a decorative gift wrapper.
b. Glue the wrapper on the box.
c. Tape the edges of the box

Place all the basic sewing tools in the box.

Scoring Rubric:
CRITERIA POINTS
Content 20
Creativity 15
Overall look 15
TOTAL 50

ASSESS / ANTAS
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer in your
notebook.

1. It aids in putting the thread to the needle

a. sewing gauge c. sewing needle threader
b. thimble d. pincushion
2. These shears are used to finish seams and to finish raw edges, and to create decorative
edges
a. bent- handled dressmaker’s shears c. thread clippers
b. trimming scissors d. pinking shears
3. These are a handy little spring-loaded cutting tool that allows for the snipping of threads
a. bent- handled dressmaker’s shears c. thread clippers
b. trimming scissors d. pinking shears
4. It is used in making temporary stitches and buttonholes
a. needle c. pincushion
b. sewing pins d. sewing needle threader
5. These are used to hold fabric together prior to sewing
a. needle c. pincushion
b. sewing pins d. thimble

Page| 19 of
6. It is shaped like a bucket and designed to protect finger when pushing a needle through
layers of fabric
a. needle c. pincushion
b. sewing pins d. thimble
7. It can be used in general sewing to cut through multiple layers of fabric
a. rotary cutter c. thread clippers
b. trimming scissors d. pinking shears
8. It is used to mark tucks, darts, pleats and pockets. It comes in two types; one type
disappears after about 48 hours another type washes off with water
a. tailor’s chalk c. liquid marking pen
b. dressmaker’s carbon paper d. wax chalk
9. It is used to transfer the tracing wheel’s line to the wrong side of the fabric
a. tailor’s chalk c. liquid marking pen
b. dressmaker’s carbon paper d. wax chalk
10. This is used to shape the depth of the neck hole and armhole of the pattern
a. hip curve c. L- square
b. French curve d. tape measure
11. This is made of a hardwood or metal. It is useful for checking hems and grain lines
when laying out the pattern
a. clear ruler c. L- square
b. sewing gauge d. yard stick
12. This machine is run by foot and may also be converted to electric power machine. This
is usually used in homes and sometimes in school
a. embroidery machine c. lockstitch machine
b. button attachment machine d. double needle machine
13. It is mostly used for increasing strength in the corner of pockets, attaching belt loops, at
the end of the zipper
a. embroidery machine c. lockstitch machine
b. bar tacking machine d. double needle machine
14. It 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
a. embroidery machine c. lockstitch machine
b. button attachment machine d. double needle machine
15. It is a special type of machine which is used in garments industries to attach button
a. embroidery machine c. button holler machine
b. button attachment machine d. double needle machine

SHARPEN / SANAY
ACTIVITY 4: DRAW ME!
Direction: Draw the upperpart of the sewing machine and label each part. Use bond paper
or Oslo paper.

Page| 20 of